Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The Vedic school of philosophy known as Purva-Mimamsa (translated as "prior, or anterior, examination") is one of the least examined or properly understood philosophical schools today. The primary concerns of Purva-Mimamsa includes: the nature of Dharma; the proper understanding of Vedic ritual and karma; as well as the path of elevation to svarga (the realm of the gods). The Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, written by the Vedic rishi Jaimini, is considered to be the most authoritative text of this important philosophical system. In this rare and unique talk, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya specifically examines the epistemological teachings of this ancient and foundational system of Vedic philosophy via an examination of several key verses from the Purva-Mimamsa Sutras.
“Now, therefore, is the time to inquire into the nature of Dharma.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.1.1)
“Dharma is that which, being the desirable goal, is understood by Vedic injunction.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.1.2)
“There must be an enquiry into what constitutes the true source of knowledge about Dharma.” (Purva Mimansa Sutras, 1.1.3)
“That cognition of men which proceeds upon the contact of the sense-organs with existing objects is sense perception (pratyaksha). This is not the means of knowing Dharma; because it only apprehends objects existing at the present time.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.1.4)
“On the other hand, the relation of the shabda (divine word) with its meaning is inborn and eternal. Consequently Vedic injunction (which is a form of shabda) is the valid means of knowing Dharma. It is unfailing in regard to objects not perceived by other means of knowledge. It is authoritative, according to Badarayana, especially as it is independent or self-sufficient in its authority.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.1.5)
“Since Dharma has the Veda for its sole basis, that which is not Veda should be disregarded.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.3.1)
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The Vedic school of philosophy known as Purva-Mimamsa (translated as "prior, or anterior, examination") is one of the least examined or properly understood philosophical schools today. The primary concerns of Purva-Mimamsa includes: the nature of Dharma; the proper understanding of Vedic ritual and karma; as well as the path of elevation to svarga (the realm of the gods). The Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, written by the Vedic rishi Jaimini, is considered to be the most authoritative text of this important philosophical system. In this rare and unique talk, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya specifically examines the epistemological teachings of this ancient and foundational system of Vedic philosophy via an examination of several key verses from the Purva-Mimamsa Sutras.
“Now, therefore, is the time to inquire into the nature of Dharma.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.1.1)
“Dharma is that which, being the desirable goal, is understood by Vedic injunction.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.1.2)
“There must be an enquiry into what constitutes the true source of knowledge about Dharma.” (Purva Mimansa Sutras, 1.1.3)
“That cognition of men which proceeds upon the contact of the sense-organs with existing objects is sense perception (pratyaksha). This is not the means of knowing Dharma; because it only apprehends objects existing at the present time.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.1.4)
“On the other hand, the relation of the shabda (divine word) with its meaning is inborn and eternal. Consequently Vedic injunction (which is a form of shabda) is the valid means of knowing Dharma. It is unfailing in regard to objects not perceived by other means of knowledge. It is authoritative, according to Badarayana, especially as it is independent or self-sufficient in its authority.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.1.5)
“Since Dharma has the Veda for its sole basis, that which is not Veda should be disregarded.” (Purva-Mimamsa Sutras, 1.3.1)
__________________________________________________________
Please donate to the ISDS 2024 fundraising campaign:
dharmacentral.com/fundraiser
Become a monthly tithing member of the ISDS:
dharmacentral.com/membership
