Introduction to Jaimini
Jaimini: Founder of Mimamsa Philosophy and His Contributions. Jaimini was an ancient Hindu philosopher, a direct disciple of sage Veda Vyasa, the son of Parashara (the astrologer). He is traditionally credited with founding the Mimamsa school of Hindu philosophy and composing the Mimamsa Sutras, an influential text dated around the 4th to 2nd century BCE.
His birthplace, Jaimini Municipality Ward No. 1 in Baglung District, Nepal, is now a cultural heritage and tourist site known as Jaimuni Ghat, situated near the Kaligandaki River. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.
The Mimamsa Sutra and Philosophy
The Mimamsa Sutra, also known as the Purva Mimamsa Sutra, is one of the earliest orthodox schools (Darshanas) of Hindu philosophy. Mimamsa means investigation or enquiry, primarily into the nature of dharma as derived from the Vedas.
Two Divisions of Mimamsa
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Purva Mimamsa (Karma Kanda) – focuses on rituals and duties.
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Uttar Mimamsa (Jnana Kanda) – focuses on spiritual knowledge, discussed in Vedanta.
Notable Commentators
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Kumarila Bhatta – founder of the Bhatta school of Mimamsa.
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Prabhakara Mishra – founder of the Prabhakara school of Mimamsa.
Theory of Knowledge in Mimamsa
Mimamsa emphasizes Swatah Pramanyavada — the self-validity of knowledge — stating that all knowledge (except memory) is valid in itself and needs no external validation.
Key Mimamsa Knowledge Doctrines
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Swatah Pramanyavada – knowledge is intrinsically valid.
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Paratah Pramanyavada (Nyaya) – knowledge validity is determined by external verification.
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Apramanyavada – explains invalid knowledge due to defects in perception or reasoning.
Khyativada: Theory of Error
Mimamsa recognizes two kinds of error:
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Akhyativada – error due to partial knowledge based on memory.
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Viparita Khyativada – error due to sensory defects leading to misapprehension.
Authority of the Vedas
Mimamsa holds that the Vedas are eternal, authorless, and infallible. Dharma can only be known through Vedic revelation, not perception or reasoning.
Sources of Knowledge (Pramanas) in Mimamsa
Mimamsa accepts multiple valid means of knowledge:
According to Jaimini
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Pratyaksha – direct perception (indeterminate & determinate).
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Anumana – inference.
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Shabda – verbal testimony.
According to Prabhakara
Adds:
4. Upamana – comparison.
5. Arthapatti – postulation.
According to Kumarila Bhatta
Adds:
6. Anupalabdhi – non-perception (absence).
Detailed Explanation of Pramanas
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Perception (Pratyaksha) – direct awareness via senses and mind.
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Inference (Anumana) – knowledge through signs or marks.
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Verbal Testimony (Shabda) – authoritative words, especially Vedic.
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Comparison (Upamana) – learning through similarity.
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Postulation (Arthapatti) – supposition to explain unknown facts.
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Non-Perception (Anupalabdhi) – knowledge through absence detection.
Conclusion
Jaimini’s Mimamsa philosophy remains one of the most influential in Hindu thought, shaping interpretations of the Vedas and the concept of dharma. His birthplace in Nepal continues to be a cultural and spiritual destination, attracting scholars and pilgrims alike.