The Light of Asia
The Light of Asia, published in 1879, is Sir Edwin Arnold's long poem on the life and teaching of the Buddha, told in eight books of blank verse as if by an Indian Buddhist. It follows Prince Siddartha from his birth and sheltered youth in his father's palace, his marriage to Yasodhara and his first sight of age, sickness and death, through his renunciation of the throne, his years of searching, his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, and his return to preach the Middle Way and the law of karma and nirvana. The poem was widely read in Britain and America and introduced many readers in the West to Buddhism. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first book is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Light of Asia
The Light of Asia by Sir Edwin Arnold can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Light of Asia online?
Yes. The Light of Asia opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Light of Asia free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Light of Asia is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Light of Asia in the public domain?
Yes. The Light of Asia by Sir Edwin Arnold is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Light of Asia?
About 2 h 19 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Light of Asia?
The Light of Asia by Sir Edwin Arnold is filed under "Poetry" in the Vinteuil library.
