Mimamsa interpretation of Vedic Injunctions (Vidhi)
by Shreebas Debnath | 2018 | 68,763 words
This page relates 鈥楥lassification of Vedic Sentences鈥� 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鈥攖he ideal of human life).
Chapter 1.3 - Classification of Vedic Sentences
S膩strak膩ras [艢膩strak膩ras?] have divided vedic sentences into five categories. These are:
- injunctions (vidhi),
- hymns or sacred text (mantra),
- names (苍腻尘补诲丑别测补),
- prohibitions (苍颈峁诲丑补) and
- explanatory or eulogic passages (补谤迟丑补惫腻诲补).
The injunctions indicate an unknown matter or subject. The mantras help to recall the things i.e. sacrificial offerings, deities etc. concerned at the time of performance. Names express the names of sacrifices like Agnihotra sacrifice, 艢测别苍补 sacrifice, Udbhid sacrifice etc. Prohibitive statement prohibits something which should not be performed. The eulogic or corroborative statement is an auxiliary to the injunctive sentence. This kind of sentences are authoritative as forming unitary passages with the sentences inculcating the injunctions. Actually, Arthav膩da leads to praiseworthiness of the thing enjoined.
Out of these varieties, only the injunctive sentences will be discussed thoroughly in this thesis paper.