Mimamsa—A System of Vedic Interpretation

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

Mimamsa—A System of Vedic Interpretation
Mimamsa is not a branch of any philosophical system. It is rather 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
problem of Purva Mimamsa is ritual. Jaimini has 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.
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.