Eastern Philosophies  Purva Mimamsa FAQs  FAQ

What are the main texts of Purva Mimamsa?

Purva Mimamsa is one of the six main schools of Hindu philosophy, also known as the Vedic school of thought. It primarily focuses on the interpretation and analysis of the Vedic texts, with a strong emphasis on ritualistic practices and the concept of dharma. The main texts of Purva Mimamsa are the Purva Mimamsa Sutras and the Shabara Bhashya.

The Purva Mimamsa Sutras, also known as the Mimamsa Sutras, were written by sage Jaimini around the 3rd century BCE. This text is considered the foundational text of Purva Mimamsa and is divided into 12 chapters, with each chapter containing several sutras or aphorisms. These sutras provide a systematic and logical analysis of the Vedic rituals, their meanings, and their significance in attaining the ultimate goal of moksha or liberation.

The Shabara Bhashya, written by sage Shabara around the 5th century CE, is a commentary on the Purva Mimamsa Sutras. It provides a detailed explanation and interpretation of the sutras, along with various arguments and counter-arguments to establish the validity of Vedic rituals and their importance in fulfilling one's dharma. This text also includes discussions on the nature of the self, the concept of karma, and the relationship between ritualistic actions and their results.

Apart from these two main texts, Purva Mimamsa also draws from other Vedic scriptures such as the Samhitas, Brahmanas, and Aranyakas. It also incorporates the teachings of other schools of thought, such as Nyaya and Vaisheshika, to establish its principles and arguments.

The Purva Mimamsa school of thought places great importance on the performance of Vedic rituals and adherence to dharma. It believes that the Vedic texts are of divine origin and that the performance of rituals as prescribed in these texts is essential for the fulfillment of one's duties and the attainment of ultimate liberation. The Mimamsa Sutras and the Shabara Bhashya provide a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the Vedic rituals, their significance, and their role in upholding dharma.

In conclusion, the main texts of Purva Mimamsa, the Purva Mimamsa Sutras and the Shabara Bhashya, provide a thorough and systematic analysis of the Vedic rituals and their importance in fulfilling one's dharma. These texts continue to be studied and revered by followers of the Purva Mimamsa school and serve as a significant source of knowledge and guidance in understanding the Vedic tradition.