Mīmāṃsā Sūtras
The Mīmāṃsā Sūtras are the foundational text of the Mīmāṃsā (Pūrva Mīmāṃsā) philosophical school, authored by Jaimini. The text systematizes the rules of Vedic interpretation and the philosophy of Vedic ritual action (karma-kāṇḍa).
Overview
Composed around the 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE, the text consists of approximately 2,745 sūtras organized into twelve books (adhyāyas) with 60 sections (pādas). It is one of the six orthodox (āstika) schools of Hindu philosophy and is particularly concerned with the interpretation of the Vedic Saṃhitās and Brāhmaṇas.
Content and Structure
The Mīmāṃsā Sūtras address the nature of dharma (duty/righteousness), the authority of the Vedas, the rules of Vedic interpretation, the philosophy of language, and the nature of action and its results. Key doctrines include the eternity and self-validity of the Vedas, the inherent power of Vedic mantras (mantra-brahman), and the independent validity of knowledge (pramāṇa-vāda).
Significance
The Mīmāṃsā school’s rigorous methodology of textual interpretation influenced all other schools of Indian philosophy. Its principles of hermeneutics and philosophy of language remain fundamental to the study of Vedic literature. The school also contributed significantly to Indian logic and epistemology.
Verification Notes
- Authorship attributed to Jaimini; the text was later systematized by Kumārila Bhaṭṭa and Prabhākara.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).