The Light of Asia or The Great Renunciation

The book showcases the life and teachings of the Buddha through an epic poem narrated by an "imaginary Buddhist votary." Written in a richly crafted Tennysonian blank verse, it reflects Sir Edwin Arnold's deep engagement with Eastern philosophy and spirituality. While his subsequent works on Islam and Christianity, Pearls of the Faith and The Light of the World, did not achieve the same acclaim, they further illustrate his exploration of faith and religion. Arnold's poetic style and thematic focus on enlightenment make this work a significant contribution to spiritual literature.