The Karma-Mimamsa

The six system of Hindu philosophy Karma-Mimamsa, Uttara-Mimamsa, Sankhya, Yoga, Vaiseshika, Nyaya - are grouped into three pairs due to their close affinity. The first two are basically expositions than philosophies. Each called Mimamsa which means investigation or critical interpretation. The Karma-Mimamsa, as codified by Jaimini, consists of a large number of aphorisms, usually accompanied by comments, which provide authoritative solutions to problems arising from the interpretation and observance of every injunction covered by the Srauta and Grihya sutras governing sacrificial rites. Gradual discussions on the validity of knowledge and its divers forms crept inside the main body. Most of the commentaries, save that of Sabarasvamin's Bhasya, went into disuse. This Bhaya was expounded by two renowned scholars Prabhakara known as the Guru and Kamarila called Bhatta. The former's work Brihati is a pure elucidation, while the latter's Sabarabhasya, divided into three parts Slokawarttika, Tantravarttika and Tuplika frequently contradicts Sabara. Salikanatha, a disciple of Prabhakara carried on the tradition of his master. Mandana Misra, also known as Suresvaracharya, wrote several works on Kumarila system. The Karma-Mimamsa denies the existence of God; suggests, rather than asserts, realistic conception of the world; up holds the doctrine of Karma. In short, it enjoins everyone to do his duty; for this is the way to heaven (Svarga) and infinite bliss (anantya)

In this book, A.B. Keith clears the mists of obscurity enveloping the discussions on Karma-Mimamsa and shows how relevant is its exegesis to modern man.

About the Author

Arthur Berriedale Keith (1879-1944), an eminent authority on Sanskrit language and literature. His contributions to Sanskrit language and literature are diverse and are marked by a deep understanding and of the obstruse subjects as is evident from his books and many articles in learned journals and translations of ancient Sanskrit text. His History of Sanskrit Literature, Sanskrit Drama, Classical Sanskrit Literature, Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads, Samkhya System: A History of the Samkhya Philosophy, Responsible Government in the Dominions apart from the translations of the Karma-Mimamsa, Aitareya Aranyaka, Sankhayana Aranyaka and Mythology of All Races: Indian and Iranian (Jointly with Albert J.Carony) and Vedic Index of Names and Subjects (jointly with A.A. Macdonell) Bear testimony to his deep scholarship.

Preface

1. THE DEVELOPMENT AND LITERARY HISTORY OF THE KARMA-MIMAMSA
   The Origin of the System - The Mimamsa Sutra - The Vrttikara - Prabhakara and Kumarila - Later Writers - Other Literary Sources

2. THE PROBLEM OF KNOWLEDGE
   The Validity of Apprehension - Mode of Apprehension of Cognition - The Forms of Cognition - Perception - Inference - Comparison - Presumption.- Negation - Scripture and Verbal Testimony

3. THE WORLD OF REALITY
   The Refutation of Buddhist Nihilism and Idealism. -The Categories of Prabhakara and Kumarila. - Substance. -Quality -Action or Motion -Generally -Inherence -Similarity. -Case. -Non-existence.

4. GOD, THE SOUL, AND MATTER
   The Refutation of the Doctrine of Creation. -The Doctrine of the Soul. -The Destiny of Man. -The Purpose of Sacrifice.

5. THE RULES OF RITUAL INTERPRETATION
   The Authority of Scripture. -The Brahmanas as Vidhi, Arthavada, and Namadheya. -The Mantras. -Smrits, Vedangas, Grammar, and Custom. -The Classes of Actions enjoined. -Originating Injunctions. -Injunction of Application. -Injunction of Performance. -Injunction of Qualification. -Original, Restrictive, and Limiting Injunction. -Prohibitions and Exceptions. -Transfer and Modification of Details. -Repetition and Option.

6. THE MIMAMSA AND HINDU LAW
   The Mimamsa and the Law Schools. -The Interpretation of Injunctions. -Religious and Secular Factors in Own ship. -Inheritance and Partition. -Adoption and Partnership. -Criminal Law and the Law of Evidence.