In spiritual and cultural writings, who among the following great teachers is popularly known as the "Light of Asia"?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Lord Buddha

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question deals with the honorary title "Light of Asia", which has been widely used in English literature to refer to a particular spiritual teacher. Recognising these poetic or literary epithets is important for general knowledge, as they often appear in competitive exam questions and in cultural discussions about major world religions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The phrase "Light of Asia" is a literary and devotional title.
  • Four major religious figures are listed: Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha, Prophet Muhammad and Zarathustra.
  • The task is to identify which of these is popularly associated with the phrase.
  • We assume familiarity with English works that have used this title.


Concept / Approach:
The approach centres on remembering that the title "Light of Asia" was especially popularised by Sir Edwin Arnold's long poem "The Light of Asia", which is about the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. While all the listed figures are founders or central figures of major world religions, this specific English phrase is attached in common usage to the Buddha and not to the others.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the famous poem "The Light of Asia" by Sir Edwin Arnold. Step 2: Understand that this poem narrates the story of Prince Siddhartha who became the Buddha. Step 3: Because of the popularity of the work, the phrase "Light of Asia" became a widely used title for the Buddha. Step 4: Jesus Christ is often called the "Light of the World" in Christian tradition, not "Light of Asia". Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is Lord Buddha.


Verification / Alternative check:
Literary references, encyclopaedias and dictionaries of religious terms consistently explain that "Light of Asia" is a poetic title for the Buddha, particularly in connection with Arnold's poem. Other religious leaders have their own familiar titles and phrases, but this specific one is not commonly used for them. This consistent usage across sources confirms that Lord Buddha is the right choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Jesus Christ: In Christian scripture and hymnody, Jesus is often called the "Light of the World", but the phrase "Light of Asia" is not standard for him.
Prophet Muhammad: Revered in Islam as the final messenger and as a mercy to the worlds, but "Light of Asia" is not a widespread literary title associated with him.
Zarathustra (Zoroaster): Founder of Zoroastrianism, an important prophet from ancient Iran, but again not commonly referred to in English literature as the "Light of Asia".


Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may assume that any major religious figure from Asia, such as Prophet Muhammad or Zarathustra, could be called "Light of Asia" in a general sense. Others may mix up this phrase with similar expressions like "Light of the World". To avoid such confusion, it is helpful to tie the term directly to Edwin Arnold's work about the Buddha, which fixed this association in English literature.


Final Answer:
The teacher popularly known as the "Light of Asia" is Lord Buddha.

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