Purva Mimamsa
जैमिनि
Jaimini
The Mimamsa Sutras are commonly placed in the last centuries BCE, though dates are uncertain.
Editorial overview
Historical context
Jaimini is traditionally the author of the Mimamsa Sutras, the root text of Purva Mimamsa, the school devoted to interpreting the Vedic injunctions. Tradition makes him a disciple of Vyasa, which belongs to legend rather than history. The sutras were expounded by Shabara in his Bhashya, on which the later schools of Kumarila and Prabhakara built. The Brahma Sutras cite Jaimini's opinions on several points, reflecting close ties between the two Mimamsas.
Core ideas
- The inquiry into dharma, which is known through Vedic injunction
- The Veda is authorless (apaurusheya) and eternal, and therefore not subject to the errors of human authors
- Rules of interpretation for Vedic sentences, ritual procedure and the relations among rites
- Ritual action produces results through an unseen potency (later called apurva)
Major works
Concepts
Conceptधर्मDharmaWhat upholds — order, duty, right conduct, and the nature of things.Conceptकर्मKarmaAction — and the way actions shape future experience.Conceptयज्ञYajna — sacrifice, offeringOffering: from the Vedic fire ritual to the inner attitude of doing all action as an offering.Conceptप्रमाणPramana — means of valid knowledgeThe accepted sources of valid knowledge, such as perception, inference and testimony.
Philosophical disagreements
Presented so you can understand each side — not to declare a winner.
With Buddhist philosophy
Mimamsa defends the authority of the Veda against Buddhist and Jain critics, who rejected Vedic revelation and ritual sacrifice.
Lineage of ideas
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Traditions