Difference between revisions of "Mimamsa Darshana (मीमांसादर्शनम्)"
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# पूर्वमीमांसा Poorva Mimamsa (Jaimini) | # पूर्वमीमांसा Poorva Mimamsa (Jaimini) | ||
# उत्तरमीमांसा Uttara Mimamsa or वेदान्त Vedanta (Badrayana or Vyasa) | # उत्तरमीमांसा Uttara Mimamsa or वेदान्त Vedanta (Badrayana or Vyasa) | ||
| − | Jaimini is considered as founder of Mimamsa (also known as Poorva Mimamsa) Darsana. Mimamsa is an enquiry into the earlier portion of the Vedas, an enquiry into ritual section of the Vedas or that portion of the Vedas which are concerned with the Mantras and the Brahmanas. It is called | + | Jaimini is considered as founder of Mimamsa (also known as Poorva Mimamsa) Darsana. Mimamsa is an enquiry into the earlier portion of the Vedas, an enquiry into ritual section of the Vedas or that portion of the Vedas which are concerned with the Mantras and the Brahmanas. It is called '''Poorrva Mimamsa''', because it is earlier (poorva) than the Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta Darsana), not so much in the chronological as in the logical sense.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 225-230 </ref> |
Jaimini's first aphorism - '''''Atahto Dharma Jignasa''''' states the whole aim and object of his system, viz. a desire to know Dharma or duty, Which consists in the performance of the rites and sacrifices prescribed by the Veda. Dharma itself bestows the rewards. The aim of Purva Mimamsa is to investigate into the the nature of Dharma.<ref name=":0" /> | Jaimini's first aphorism - '''''Atahto Dharma Jignasa''''' states the whole aim and object of his system, viz. a desire to know Dharma or duty, Which consists in the performance of the rites and sacrifices prescribed by the Veda. Dharma itself bestows the rewards. The aim of Purva Mimamsa is to investigate into the the nature of Dharma.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
=== Mimamsa- a system of Vedic interpretation<ref name=":0" /> === | === Mimamsa- a system of Vedic interpretation<ref name=":0" /> === | ||
| − | Mimamsa is | + | Mimamsa is a system of Vedic interpretation. Its philosophical discussions amount to a kind of critical commentary on the Brahmana or ritual portion of the Veda. It interprets the Vedas in the literal sense. The central issue of Purva Mimamsa is ritual. Jaimini systematised the rules of Mimamsa and established their validity in his work. The rules of Mimamsa are very important for the interpretation of the Hindu Law. The Mimamsa Sutras of Jaimini give a detailed description of the different sacrifices and their purposes, the doctrine of '''Apurva''', and also some philosophical propositions. There are twelve chapters in total. |
Sabara is the author of the chief commentary or [[Bhashya (भाष्यम्)|Bhashya]] on the work of Jaimini. Kumarila, the Guru of Bhavabhuti, commented on the Sutra and the Bhashya. He proved the eternal character of the Vedas and the efficiency of Vedic ceremonials. Prabhakara was a pupil of Kumarila. He wrote a commentary on the Bhashya of Sabara. | Sabara is the author of the chief commentary or [[Bhashya (भाष्यम्)|Bhashya]] on the work of Jaimini. Kumarila, the Guru of Bhavabhuti, commented on the Sutra and the Bhashya. He proved the eternal character of the Vedas and the efficiency of Vedic ceremonials. Prabhakara was a pupil of Kumarila. He wrote a commentary on the Bhashya of Sabara. | ||
Jaimini accepts the three Pramanas of perception (Pratyaksha), inference (Anumana) and authoritative testimony (Sabda or Veda). Jaimini holds that there is a perpetual connection between a word and its sense and that sound is eternal. | Jaimini accepts the three Pramanas of perception (Pratyaksha), inference (Anumana) and authoritative testimony (Sabda or Veda). Jaimini holds that there is a perpetual connection between a word and its sense and that sound is eternal. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Mimamsa- Importance in Semantics<ref>Hiriyanna, M., Outlines of Indian Philosophy, Page 298</ref> === | ||
| + | (One of the ) primary aims of Mimamsa, as a branch of learning is to resolve the relation of speech and thought. The Mimamsa in this respect serves as a necessary complement to [[Vyakarana]] or grammar. Mimamsa involves a great deal of discussion relating to social or folk psychology. This psychological inquiry contains much that is valuable for the modern science of semantics (branch of knowledge dealing with meaning in relation to linguistic forms. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The laws of interpretation formulated by Jaimini and his succesors are quite geenral and they are applicable as much to works outside the Veda as to that ancient text. They are widely used for arriving at the right interpretation of all old texts, particularly legal treatises (Dharma sastras). | ||
=== The Eternal Self-Existent Veda<ref name=":0" /> === | === The Eternal Self-Existent Veda<ref name=":0" /> === | ||
Revision as of 20:43, 22 June 2018
There are the six systems of Hindu philosophy which are known as Shad Darsanas. They are:
- न्यायः Nyaya (Rishi Gautama)
- वैशेषिकः Vaiseshika (Rishi Kanada)
- साङ्ख्यः Samkhya (Kapila Muni)
- योगः Yoga (Maharishi Patanjali)
- पूर्वमीमांसा Poorva Mimamsa (Jaimini)
- उत्तरमीमांसा Uttara Mimamsa or वेदान्त Vedanta (Badrayana or Vyasa)
Jaimini is considered as founder of Mimamsa (also known as Poorva Mimamsa) Darsana. Mimamsa is an enquiry into the earlier portion of the Vedas, an enquiry into ritual section of the Vedas or that portion of the Vedas which are concerned with the Mantras and the Brahmanas. It is called Poorrva Mimamsa, because it is earlier (poorva) than the Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta Darsana), not so much in the chronological as in the logical sense.[1]
Jaimini's first aphorism - Atahto Dharma Jignasa states the whole aim and object of his system, viz. a desire to know Dharma or duty, Which consists in the performance of the rites and sacrifices prescribed by the Veda. Dharma itself bestows the rewards. The aim of Purva Mimamsa is to investigate into the the nature of Dharma.[1]
Mimamsa- a system of Vedic interpretation[1]
Mimamsa is a system of Vedic interpretation. Its philosophical discussions amount to a kind of critical commentary on the Brahmana or ritual portion of the Veda. It interprets the Vedas in the literal sense. The central issue of Purva Mimamsa is ritual. Jaimini systematised the rules of Mimamsa and established their validity in his work. The rules of Mimamsa are very important for the interpretation of the Hindu Law. The Mimamsa Sutras of Jaimini give a detailed description of the different sacrifices and their purposes, the doctrine of Apurva, and also some philosophical propositions. There are twelve chapters in total.
Sabara is the author of the chief commentary or Bhashya on the work of Jaimini. Kumarila, the Guru of Bhavabhuti, commented on the Sutra and the Bhashya. He proved the eternal character of the Vedas and the efficiency of Vedic ceremonials. Prabhakara was a pupil of Kumarila. He wrote a commentary on the Bhashya of Sabara.
Jaimini accepts the three Pramanas of perception (Pratyaksha), inference (Anumana) and authoritative testimony (Sabda or Veda). Jaimini holds that there is a perpetual connection between a word and its sense and that sound is eternal.
Mimamsa- Importance in Semantics[2]
(One of the ) primary aims of Mimamsa, as a branch of learning is to resolve the relation of speech and thought. The Mimamsa in this respect serves as a necessary complement to Vyakarana or grammar. Mimamsa involves a great deal of discussion relating to social or folk psychology. This psychological inquiry contains much that is valuable for the modern science of semantics (branch of knowledge dealing with meaning in relation to linguistic forms.
The laws of interpretation formulated by Jaimini and his succesors are quite geenral and they are applicable as much to works outside the Veda as to that ancient text. They are widely used for arriving at the right interpretation of all old texts, particularly legal treatises (Dharma sastras).
The Eternal Self-Existent Veda[1]
Jaimini was an opponent of rationalism and theism. The Purva Mimamsa has a number of deities. The offerings may be made to them. The practice of Vedic Dharma is not in need of any Supreme Being or God. The Veda was practically the only God for him. The eternal Veda needs no other basis to rest on. The Veda itself is authoritative. It is the only source of our knowledge of Dharma. There is no divine revealer.
The eternal self-existent Veda serves all the purposes of Jaimini and the Purva Mimamsakas. Jaimini does not so much deny God as ignore Him.
Insistence on observing Practices[1]
The Mimamsa philosophy believes that Dharma is enjoined by the Vedas, known as the Sruti. Its practice leads to happiness. If the Smriti does not agree with the Sruti, the former is to be ignored. The practice by virtuous men or custom comes next to the Smriti.
The Mimamsa philosophy recommends that a Hindu should lead his life in accordance with the rules of the Vedas. A Hindu has to perform Nitya Karmas like Sandhya, etc., and Naimittika Karmas during proper occasions to get salvation. These are unconditional duties. If one fails to do these, one incurs the sin of omission (Pratyavaya Dosha). One performs Kamya Karma to attain special ends. If one avoids prohibited actions (Nishiddha Karrnas), one will avoid hell. If one performs the unconditional duties, one will attain salvation. If works or sacrifices are done in a mechanical way, without feeling, Sraddha (Faith) and devotion; they cannot help one to attain salvation.
Jaimini does not believe in Moksha. He believes in the existence of Svarga (heaven) attainable through Karma or sacrifice. The Veda promises rewards to the sacrificer to be enjoyed in another world.
Some later Mitmansakas maintain that all works ought to be performed as an offering to God or the Supreme Being.
The Doctrine of Apurva[1]
Apurva is the link or necessary connection between work and its fruit or result. Apurva is Adrishta. It is a positive, unseen force created by an act, which leads to the attainment of the fruit of the action.
This aspect has been criticized severely. The refutation is that the unconscious or non-intelligent Apurva could not bestow the rewards. The Mimamsa system could not satisfy the thoughtful men. Hence, the later Milnamsakas slowly introduced God. They declared that if sacrifices were performed in honour of the Supreme Being, it would lead to the achievement of the Supreme. Apurva cannot act, unless it is moved by God or the Supreme Being. He who makes the Apurva function is God.
The Self and Its Characteristic[1]
The self is distinct from the body, the senses and the intellect. The self is the experiencer or enjoyer. The body is the abode of experiences. The senses are the instruments of experience. The self perceives when it is in union with the mind. It experiences internally pleasure and pain; and externally, objects such as rivers, plants, etc.
The self is not the senses, because it persists even when the senses are injured or destroyed. The body is made up of matter. The perceiver is distinct from body. The self directs the body. There is some being which synthesises various sense-data. That being or entity is the self. The self is all-pervading and imperishable. Selves are countless.
The real self survives the annihilation of the body.
The Later Mimasakas[1]
Jaimini showed the way to attain happiness in Svarga or heaven, but he did not tell anything about the problem of the final emancipation. The later writers like Prabhakara and Kumarila, however could not avoid this as it engaged the attention of the thinkers of other schools.
Prabhakara says that the absolute cessation of the body caused by the total disappearance of Dharma and Adharma, is ultimate release or liberation. A person abandons prohibited acts as well as the deeds that lead to happiness in heaven. He does the necessary expiations for exhausting the previously accumulated Karmas. He practises self-restraint and disciplines himself. One major thought of this school is that one cannot attain Moksha by knowledge alone. Exhaustion of Karmas only can bring about release. KNowledge prevents further accumulation of virtue and vice. Moksha is the cessation of pleasure and pain. It is not a state of blis, as the attributeless soul cannot have even bliss. It is simply the natural form of the soul.
The view of Kumarila comes very near to the view of Advaita Vedantins. Kumarila maintains that the Veda is composed by God and is Brahman in the form of sounds. Moksha is a positive state for him. It is the realisation of the Atman. He is of opinion that knowledge is not sufficient for salvation. He thinks that final emancipation can be attained through Karma combined with Jnana (knowledge).
Jaimini's Philosophy in a Nutshell[1]
According to Jaimini, performance of the actions that are enjoined in the Vedas is the Sadhana or means for attaining heaven. The cause of bondage is the performance of Nishiddha Karmas or prohibited actions. The self is Jada-Chetana, a combination of insentiency and intelligence. Souls are countless. The soul is doer and enjoyer. It is all-pervading. Jaimini does not believe in the creation of the world. He believes in grades of happiness in heaven and in Sadachara or right conduct, viz., Satyam Vada (Speak the truth), Dharmam Chara (Perform duty).
Criticism of Jaimini's Philosophy[1]
Swami Sivananda says: "The Purva Mimamsa system of philosophy is said to be unsatisfactory and incomplete, in as much as it does not deal with the problems of the Ultimate Reality and its relation to soul and matter. There is no philosophical view of the world. The central feature is the performance of the sacrifices. This is the most essential or fundamental thing. "Perform sacrifices and enjoy in heaven" - this is the sum and substance of Jaimini's teaching. This is his Moksha or the final goal. This cannot give satisfaction to the thinkers who know that the enjoyment in heaven is transitory, imperfect, sensual and worldly".