Purva Mimamsa is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, which deals with the interpretation of the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures. The term “Purva” means “prior” or “previous,” and “Mimamsa” means “analysis” or “investigation.”
The philosophy of Purva Mimamsa is primarily concerned with the study of the ritualistic practices and sacrificial ceremonies described in the Vedas. It holds that these practices are not mere rituals, but rather have a deeper philosophical significance. According to Purva Mimamsa, performing these rituals with the correct understanding and attitude leads to the attainment of the ultimate goal of human life, which is liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The main text of Purva Mimamsa is the Mimamsa Sutras, written by the sage Jaimini. The Mimamsa Sutras consist of twelve chapters, each of which discusses a different aspect of Vedic ritual and its interpretation.
Some of the key teachings of Purva Mimamsa include:
The Vedas are eternal and infallible, and their authority cannot be questioned.
The ultimate goal of human life is liberation, which can be attained through the correct understanding and performance of Vedic rituals.
The performance of Vedic rituals is not a means to an end, but rather an end in itself, as it leads to the attainment of the highest goal of human life.
The performance of Vedic rituals requires precise knowledge of the scriptures, proper pronunciation of the mantras, and adherence to the correct ritual procedures.
The correct performance of Vedic rituals results in the accumulation of merit (punya), which is necessary for the attainment of liberation.
In summary, Purva Mimamsa is a philosophical system that emphasizes the importance of Vedic ritual and its correct interpretation and performance as a means to attain liberation. It is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy and is still studied and practiced by many scholars and practitioners in India and around the world.