Mimamsa interpretation of Vedic Injunctions (Vidhi)
by Shreebas Debnath | 2018 | 68,763 words
This page relates ‘Difference between Utpattividhi and Gunavidhi’ 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).
Chapter 3.1 - Difference between Utpattividhi and Guṇavidhi
The utpattividhi directly lays down an action. It does not depend on any other injunction. But in guṇavidhi the meaning of root i.e. sacrifice is obtained from an utpattividhi. Some qualities like substances etc. are laid down for that sacrifice.
For example,
‘dadhnā juhoti’
(He should sacrifice with curd).
In this injunction curd is laid down for offering of oblation in fire. The oblation is obtained from another injunction i.e.
‘agnihotraṃ juhuyāt’
(He should sacrifice by Agnihotra).
So, the injunction ‘dadhnā juhoti’ means ‘He should accomplish oblation with curd.’ So, here the previous oblation (agnihotrahoma) is re-stated. Homa (offering of oblation) is here uddeśya (the thing to which something is laid down) and curd is vidheya (the thing which is laid down for another thing or action). Everywhere vidheya is related to bhāvanā as the instrumental case (karaṇatvena) and uddeśya is related to bhāvanā as the accusative case (karatvena). This is a general rule. So, curd takes the instrumental case because it is laid down.
The guṇavidhi is also called viniyogavidhi.