To the Belivers of the Only True God: Vedanta as Interpreted by Rammohun Roy

Abstract

Interpretation of classical philosophical school of Vedanta in Modern India begins from the works by philosopher and social reformer Rammohun Roy. The tract “Abridgement of Vedanta” is examined in the article as the text, in which was formed credo of neo-vedantism as theological foundation of the new “reformist” image of Hinduism by Rammohun Roy. Based on comparison of texts “The Present to Believers in One God” and “Abridgement of Vedanta”, author of the article proves that ideas of first tract by Rammohun (universal monotheism, preference for religion’s spirit to ritual, accent on ethic service to God) are translated to Vedanta tradition’s language in the second tract. The interpretation of Vedanta had been specific results of dialogue of religions (Hinduism, Islam, Christianity) in Rammohun’s consciousness. Islam and Christianity’s influences along with traditional appeal to Upanishads led to creation of foundation both religious-reformist activity by Rammohun Roy and heterodox philosophical thought in Modern India.