2.5. Karmamīmāṃsā Darśana

Maharṣi Jaimini is the founder of the Karmamīmāṃsā Darśana. ‘Mīmāṃsā’ is defined as deep thought or deliberation. Since reflection on karmas (karmamimānsā) must precede (is purva to) the reflection on Brahman (brahmamīmāṃsā), this Darśana is also identified as Pūrvamīmāṃsā. The Darśana primarily focuses on the methodical establishment of rites, such as yajñas, that have been advocated by the Vedas.

Jaimini was a master in Vedic methods of performing yajñas. He states:

codanālakṣaṇo'rtho dharmaḥ || Jaimini-sūtra 1/1/2 ||

“Dharma is defined as the object which is distinguished or qualified by a command,”

Śābara explains it as rites and rituals of yajñas described in the Vedas.

“codaneti kriyāyāḥ pravartakaṃ vacanamāhuḥ”^[1]

By composing the Karmasūtra, Maharṣi Jaimini sculpted a tradition of Vedic rituals into a systematic school of thought. These sūtras establish uniformity among Vedic Śtrotaṃs that describe these rituals and ceremonies. Thereafter, a scholar named Śābara authored a commentary known as the Śabara Bhāṣya on this text. Several sub-commentaries were also subsequently written on this commentary. The texts of this Darśana offer comprehensive explanations on numerous topics, including the various types of yajñas; the objects used within these yajñas; and the form of Indra, Varuṇa, Surya, Agni, and other deities, whose favor is to be attained by these yajñas.^[2]

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Miśrā Prabhākara, Bṛhatī Śābarabhāṣya Vyākhyā, p.16 7

[2]:

Brahmadarśanadāsa Sādhu, Bhāratīya Darśanonī Ruparekhā-1, 2007, pp.219-225