David Harris wrote:

"Harlan, Lindsay "Perfection and devotion: Sati Tradition in Rajastan" CP 257-268. (79) What are the
meanings of suttee and sati? (79-81)What did the au thor find out about Sati veneration in Rajastan
in the 1980's? How does a woman become a sati? What is sat? What do the thee stages of personal
transformation in acquiring sat - pativrata, sativrata, satimata-- involve? What does the woman do
at each stage? (81) What is the analogy of sat with heat? Why is the sati considered extremely
powerful between the time vows (vrat) and death? When does the sati become transformed into a
satimata? What is her twofold role after death? How do women relate to the satimata? Does the
individual sati retain distinct identity after death? (Note the pattern of assimilation of all women
into one divine woman with many aspects). (82) How does the satimata function after death? (82-83)
Is the act of self -immolation (ritual sacrifice) sufficient to become a sativrata? Why not? Note
the role of character. How does the dying confirm the prior stage as patrivrata?

*** How does the sati "being made of the right stuff" manifest itself? (84-88)

What is the srap? Who issues it? What does it do? Whose lives are inevitably affected? "

Cooerr - I thought the right stuff to make girlies was sugar and spice
and all things nice.

Cheers

Martin

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Martin Frey
N 51 02 E 0 47
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