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Jaimini's first aphorism - अतः तो धर्म जिज्ञासा states the whole aim and object of his system, viz. a desire to know [[Dharma|Dharma]] (Karma (कर्मः) in this context), which constitutes the practising of rites and sacrifices as prescribed by the Vedas. 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 - अतः तो धर्म जिज्ञासा states the whole aim and object of his system, viz. a desire to know [[Dharma|Dharma]] (Karma (कर्मः) in this context), which constitutes the practising of rites and sacrifices as prescribed by the Vedas. 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==

==Mimamsa: a system of Vedic interpretation==

Mimamsa is a system of Vedic interpretation. Its philosophical discussions amount to a kind of critical commentary on the [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmana]] or ritual portion of the Veda (वेदः). It interprets the Vedas in the literal sense. The central issue of Purva Mimamsa is ritual.<ref name=":0" />

Mimamsa is a system of Vedic interpretation. Its philosophical discussions amount to a kind of critical commentary on the [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmana]] or ritual portion of the Veda (वेदः). It interprets the Vedas in the literal sense. The central issue of Purva Mimamsa is ritual.<ref name=":0" />

===Importance in Semantics===

===Importance in Semantics===

One of the primary aims of Mimamsa, as a branch of learning, is to resolve the relation of speech with thought. The Mimamsa in this respect serves as a necessary complement to [[Vyakarana Vedanga (व्याकरणवेदाङ्गम्)|Vyakarana (व्याकरणम्)]] 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).<ref name=":1" />

One of the primary aims of Mimamsa, as a branch of learning, is to resolve the relation of speech with thought. The Mimamsa in this respect serves as a necessary complement to [[Vyakarana Vedanga (व्याकरणवेदाङ्गम्)|Vyakarana (व्याकरणम्)]] 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).<ref name=":1" />

The laws of interpretation formulated by Jaimini and his succesors are quite general 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 Dharmasastras (धर्मशास्त्राः, legal treatises), though they were formulated to help interpret religious acts mentioned in the Vedas.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="LCHI-Rama_Jois-Pt6Ch1">Justice M. Rama Jois, ''Legal and Constitutional History of India'' (2016), Part 6, Chapter 1, Pages 434</ref>

Many of the examples in Jaimini's text are based on Karmakanda (कर्मकाण्डः, religious rituals) that existed in his time. The later generations hence found difficulty in understanding the original text. Sabara Bhashya which is considered an authoritative commentary helps overcome this impediment.

In the ancient Nyaya Vyavastha (न्यायव्यवस्था, legal system), knowledge of Mimamsa was prescribed as an essential for a judge. Further, the post of a Mimamsa scholar was recognised in the ten member legislative council proposed by [[Manusmrti (मनुस्मृतिः)|Manu Smrti (मनुस्मृतिः)]]. Jaimini's method of interpretation is based on three debts that every human owes.<ref name="LCHI-Rama_Jois-Pt6Ch1"/>

In the ancient Nyaya Vyavastha (न्यायव्यवस्था, legal system), knowledge of Mimamsa was prescribed as an essential for a judge. Further, a post for Mimamsa scholar was recognised in the ten member legislative council proposed by [[Manusmrti (मनुस्मृतिः)|Manu Smrti (मनुस्मृतिः)]]. Jaimini's method of interpretation is based on three debts that every human owes.<ref name="LCHI-Rama_Jois-Pt6Ch1"/>

# Devaruna (देवऋुणम्)

# '''Devaruna (देवऋुणम्)'''. This literally translates to debt due to god and is satisfied by performing ''sacrifice''. The word sacrifice must not be misinterpreted. At every stage of life, a human must perform certain sacrifice to move forth adhyatmikly (e.g. a Bramhachari (ब्रम्हचारिः) must sacrifice worldly pleasures).

# Rshiruna (ऋषिऋुणम्)

# '''Rshiruna (ऋषिऋुणम्)'''. The debt due to Rshis (hindi) is paid by acquiring knowledge. Every person must acquire knowledge pertaining to his/her work.

# Pitruruna (पितृऋुणम्)

# '''Pitruruna (पितृऋुणम्)'''. The debt due to forefathers is to be satisfied by maintaining a family and cherishing the family name.

==Jaimini's Mimamsa Sutra and its Bhasyas==

==Jaimini's Mimamsa Sutra and its Bhasyas==

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 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.  

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 papa (पापम्) 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.  

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.