Overview
Mimamsa is one of the six classical schools of Hindu philosophy, which primarily focuses on the study of rituals, dharma, and the Vedic texts. It emphasizes correct interpretation of Vedic mantras and the proper execution of rituals to gain spiritual benefits. The *Purva Mimamsa* school, founded by Jaimini, provides essential tools for interpreting the Vedas and performing rituals correctly. It strongly asserts that the performance of actions in accordance with the Vedic injunctions is crucial for one's spiritual and worldly success.
Author(s)
Jaimini
Authorship Date / Period
Around 3rd century BCE
Language
Sanskrit
Tradition
Mimamsa
Text Type
Sutras (aphorisms)
Number of Sutras
Nearly 2700
Central Theme
Mimamsa philosophy focuses on Vedic exegesis, emphasizing rituals and duties (Dharma) as prescribed in the Vedas for achieving desired outcomes and spiritual merit.
Structure
Contains nearly 2700 sutras, typically organized into twelve chapters (Adhyayas).
Key Aspects
- Dharma: Dharma refers to the righteous path or the law that governs the universe. In Mimamsa, it pertains to the duties and actions that must be performed according to Vedic injunctions.
- Veda: The Vedas are the sacred texts of Hinduism, considered to be divinely revealed and the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom.
- Karma: Karma refers to the actions or deeds performed by an individual, which have consequences in this life or the next.
- Rituals: Rituals (karmas) are prescribed actions in the Vedic texts that are believed to have specific effects on the individual and the universe.
- Anitya vs. Nitya: Anitya refers to the temporary, non-eternal aspects of the world, while Nitya refers to the eternal, unchanging truths.
Example Sutras
Sanskrit:
Atha athato dharma-jijñasa
Translation:
Now, the inquiry into Dharma (righteousness).
Commentary Insight:
This opening Sutra indicates the central purpose of Mimamsa philosophy, which is the exploration of Dharma, as prescribed in the Vedas. The study of Dharma is integral to living a righteous life and attaining spiritual liberation.
Sanskrit:
Veda-pramana-vedavakyas
Translation:
The Veda is the primary source of knowledge and its words are authoritative.
Commentary Insight:
Mimamsa asserts that the Vedas are the ultimate authority in matters of ritual, law, and righteousness. The words of the Veda must be followed strictly for proper understanding and fulfillment of Dharma.
Sanskrit:
Nitya-anitya-vivaksha
Translation:
The distinction between eternal and non-eternal is essential in understanding Vedic injunctions.
Commentary Insight:
In order to understand the purpose and meaning of the Vedic texts, one must differentiate between that which is eternal (nitya) and that which is temporal (anitya). This distinction guides the interpretation of various rituals and their results.
Sanskrit:
Vidhyarthi-prayojana
Translation:
The purpose of Vedic injunctions is to guide action for the attainment of desired results.
Commentary Insight:
This Sutra emphasizes that Vedic commands are not merely theoretical but are meant to guide actions that lead to tangible outcomes. The actions prescribed by the Vedas are linked to the achievement of both worldly and spiritual goals.
Sanskrit:
Karma-anubhava-purvaka-jnana
Translation:
Knowledge gained through actions and their consequences is crucial.
Commentary Insight:
In Mimamsa, the understanding of Dharma comes through performing the prescribed actions, and the consequences of those actions (karma) provide the knowledge necessary for correct living and spiritual progress.
Sanskrit:
Prayojana-adhikara-jnana
Translation:
The one who performs actions is the one who gains the knowledge of their results.
Commentary Insight:
This Sutra clarifies that the person who performs the rituals and actions as prescribed by the Vedas is the one who directly experiences their consequences and gains the knowledge of the ultimate goal.
Sanskrit:
Saptami-karma-prayojana
Translation:
The seventh case of a karmic action relates to the final aim of liberation.
Commentary Insight:
This Sutra refers to a particular type of karmic action that, when performed correctly, leads to liberation. It ties together the concept of actions with their ultimate spiritual goal.
Sanskrit:
Anapeksha-abhavah
Translation:
Actions should be performed without attachment to their results.
Commentary Insight:
While Mimamsa stresses the importance of ritual actions, it also implies that one should perform them without attachment to the outcomes, aligning with the broader philosophical principles of detachment and duty.