Szabó Árpád (szerk.): Isten és ember szolgálatában. Erdő János emlékezete (Kolozsvár, 2007)
George M. Williams: Rational Hinduism. Râmmohan Roy (1772-1833) and his Work in Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding
Early Works on Sati [Suttee] or Widow-burning (1818-1820)” Counter-Petition of the Hindu Inhabitants of Calcutta against Suttee (Calcutta, 1818) Translation of A Conference Between an Advocate for, and an Opponent of, the Practice of Burning Widows Alive, from the original Bungla (Calcutta, 1818) A Second Conference between an Advocate for and an Opponent of the Practice of Burning Widows Alive (Calcutta, 1820) [The most important work on sati was written at the end of his life.34 ] 33 One is reminded that Roy published many more essays, articles and editorials in Calcutta’s newspapers in English, Bengali and Urdu. 34 Roy, The Case Against Suttee. Abstract oj the Arguments Regarding the Burning of Widows, Considered as a Religious Rite. Calcutta. 1830. The first point Râmmohan Roy makes is that the practice of burning widows alive atop their husbands corpses does not enjoy authority from Hindu scripture. He asserts that Manu allows a widow to „continue till death, forgiving all injuries, performing austere duties, avoiding every sensual pleasure, and cheerfully practicing the incomparable rules of virtue..." Although not related to Hindu scripture, Râmmohan Roy argues that many Hindu widows have led very spiritual and enriching lives, for which Hindu society would be at a great detriment had these women been victims of suttee, and that their station in Hindu society should be greatly elevated. The second point is that some lesser Hindu scriptures only „allow” women to be cremated along with their husbands. It must then be determined, what is of the greatest benefit to Hindu society and what is encouraged by Hindu scripture. A passage from the Vedas states, „From a desire, during life, of future fruition, life ought not be destroyed.” What the Hindu scriptures encourage, according to Râmmohan Roy, is that life, in all its forms must be revered and that the virtuous duties required of widows is extremely beneficial to Hindu society. The supporters of sati maintain that this cremation facilitates a widow’s ascension into heaven. Although the Vedas say otherwise, „all those ignorant persons who attach themselves to the words of the Sâstras that convey promises of fruition, [...], they devote themselves to those texts which treat of ceremonies and their fruits, and entice by promises of enjoyment. Such people can have no real confidence in the Supreme Being.” In the Hindu religion, those acts which are done for the sake of gratification in this world are called „Pravartak” and only lead to temporary bliss and those acts which are done according to the Laws of God are called „Nirvartak” and 262
