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Mimamsa interpretation of Vedic Injunctions (Vidhi)

by Shreebas Debnath | 2018 | 68,763 words

This page relates ‘According to the Shabdaparokshatvamanahkaranatvavada� of the study on the Mimamsa theory of interpretation of Vedic Injunctions (vidhi). The Mimamsakas (such as Jaimini, Shabara, etc.) and the Mimamsa philosophy emphasizes on the Karmakanda (the ritualistic aspect of the Veda). Accordingly to Mimamsa, a careful study of the Veda is necessary in order to properly understand dharma (religious and spiritual achievement—the ideal of human life).

Go directly to: Footnotes.

Chapter 9.3j - According to the Śābdāparokṣatvamanaḥ첹ṇatvavāda

[Full title: Niyamavidhi in Śṇa according to the Śābdāparokṣatvamanaḥ첹ṇatvavāda]

Some other philosophers think that the niyamavidhi is accepted in śṇa for direct realization of Brahman. �Direct� means �貹ǰṣa�. According to this theory, by the word �ṣṭⲹ�� (should be witnessed) used in the sentence �atmā vā are ṣṭⲹ� śrotavyo mantavyo nididhyāsitavya�[1], the very result i.e. realization of Brahman, obtained from śṇa etc., is mentioned. Yet the Գٲśṇa becomes the cause of 󳾲ñԲ (direct knowledge of the supreme reality) as an assisting matter of mind which is regarded as the unique cause (첹ṇa) of that knowledge. Śṇa does not produce that knowledge directly. Because it is not admitted that words produce direct knowledge directly. Simply, the unique cause mind assisted by śṇa produces the direct knowledge (貹ǰṣajñāna) of the Supreme reality. This is the gist of the theory �śābdāparokṣatvamanaḥ첹ṇatvavāda�.

Objection: The śṇa of the ձԳٲ is the cause of 󳾲ṣāt (realization of Brahman) as an assisting matter of mind. This theory is not proved by any other proof or means. So, ū is to be admitted in śṇa.

Reply: No. Because it is seen in our worldly life that the discrimination of the seven notes of music is not apprehended because of ignorance caused by the absence of practice of music though the notes are perceived by the ears. Consequently, the notes appears as same notes. To prevent this lack of discrimination of different notes, discussion of music is laid down for a new singer. It is also seen that the listening to different notes, accompanied by that discussion with an expert in music, leads to good performance in music. After the discussion the new singer feels that previously his ears could not perceive the distinction and nature of the seven notes; but that very ears can perceive the discrimination and nature of the notes with the help of discussion with an expert. Similarly, though the inner organ i.e. the mind instantly knows the Supreme spirit as identical with the vital air, intelligence etc., yet it realizes that Supreme spirit as different from the vital air etc. when it is helped by the discussion of Vedanta. This discussion prevents the knowledge of absence of discrimination imposed on Brahman. Thus, discussion or consideration is accepted as a means for acquiring knowledge.

It is a means for perception. So, it is known from our experience or worldly life that Գٲśṇa is the cause of 󳾲ñԲ as an assisting factor to the mind. It is not new (ū). Therefore, the śṇavidhi is untouched by ū.

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

ṛhṇyDZ貹Ծṣa�2.4.5.

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