Mimamsa interpretation of Vedic Injunctions (Vidhi)

by Shreebas Debnath | 2018 | 68,763 words

This page relates ‘Importance of Injunctions (vidhi)’ 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 11.3 - The Importance of Injunctions (vidhi)

[Full Title: Corrections and Additions (3): The Importance of Injunctions (vidhi)]

All kinds of Vedic sentences are based on the vidhivākayas (injunctive sentences). Hymns, names, eulogy and negations are dependent on injunctions. Without injunctions their nature and utility do not become clear. The meaning of an injunction is supported and established by hymns etc. The injunction expresses an unknown matter which can not be established by perception, inference etc. Actually, perception, inference, analogy etc. have no capacity to establish the unknown matter discussed in the Veda. Only injunction can establish it. So, injunctions are useful.

Paṭṭābhirama Śāstrī has rightly said in his ‘Arthāloka’ commentary,

pramāṇāntareṇā-prāptaṃ prayojanavantañcārthaṃ vidadhāno vidhi svayam prayojanavān bhavatīti yāvat.”

For this reason, the injunctive sentences get an important and due place in the Mīmāṃsā school of Indian Philosophy. Injunctions propel us to perform an activity for getting an intended result. On the other hand, the negation or prohibition (niṣedha) prohibit us from doing some action. Mantra (hymn) is only chanted during a Vedic ritual. Nāmadheya (name) is another name of a sacrifice etc. Eulogy praises or blames an action. So, only vidhivākyas are closely related to an action. Because of this, the Mīmāṃsakas give importance to the vidhivākyas (injunctive sentence). Some action (kriyā) is laid down in the injunction. So kriyā becomes the central import of the Veda according to the Mīmāṃsakas.

This last paragraph should be read between the second and third paragraphs on page no. 5.

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