Karmasara in Mimamsa-philosophy

ABSTRACT

For the first time the word Mimamsa was used for the question of Vedic rituals. Mimamsa is based on the Purva part or rituals of the Veda’s mantra Brahman, so it is called Purva Mimamsa, Karmamimansa or Dharmamimamsa, Vedanta is based on the northern part of the Veda i.e. Upanishad-bhaga or Gyankanda, hence it is called Uttarmimansa, Gyanamimansa or Brahmamimamsa. The words Mimamsa for Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta for Uttar Mimamsa have become prevalent. The first sutra of the Mimamsa-sutra is "Athato Dharmajijyasa" (now therefore one should inquire about Dharma) and the first sutra of the Vedanta-sutra is- "Athato Brahmajijyasa" (now therefore one should inquire into Brahman). Even Shankaracharya, according to whom action and knowledge are as opposites as darkness and light, have described action and worship (meditation) as useful for the purification of the mind. Mimamsa has done a commendable job of establishing Vedic rituals on a philosophical basis. Instead of heaven, salvation is considered to be the supreme effort.

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