224 0N THE DUTIES 



" Dhritara'shtra, in the state of Samadhi, 

 *< quitted his terrestrial form to proceed to the Muo 

 < ( ti, or beatitude, which awaited him. When the 

 * c leaves and wood were lighted to consume the corpse, 

 " his wife Ga'ndha'ri' was seen to pass into the 

 tc flames. Now also, a husband dying at Cast and 

 <c attaining Much, it becomes his widow to follow 

 " the corpse in the flames." 



It were superfluous to pursue commentators through 

 all their frivolous distinctions and laborious illustra- 

 tions on latent difficulties. 



All the ceremonies essential to this awful rite are 

 included in the instructions already quoted. But 

 many practices have been introduced, though not 

 sanctioned by any ritual. A widow who declares 

 her resolution of burning herself with the corpse, is 

 required to give a token of her fortitude : and it is 

 acknowledged, that one who receded after the cere- 

 mony commenced, would be compelled by her rela- 

 tions to complete the sacrifice. This may explain cir- 

 cumstances described by some who have witnessed the 

 melancholv scene. 



Other ceremonies noticed in the relations of per- 

 sons who have been present on such occasions, are 

 directed in several rituals: 



" Adorned with all jewels, decked with minium 

 " and other customary ornaments, with the box of 

 <c minium in her hand, having made^^J, or adoration 

 " to the DH-dtds, thus reflecting that, this, life is 

 " nought: my lord and master to me was all, — she 

 " walks round the burning pile: she bestows jewels 

 " on the Brahmams, comforts her relations, and 



" shows 



