Jaiminiya

Jaiminiya refers to a school of Vedic exegesis and ritualistic interpretation founded by the sage Jaimini. It is one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy, known as Shad Darshanas. The Jaiminiya school is primarily concerned with the interpretation of the Mimamsa Sutras, which were compiled by Jaimini himself. These sutras are a foundational text for understanding the Vedic injunctions related to dharma, or righteous conduct and duty.

The core tenet of Jaiminiya philosophy is the eternal and authoritative nature of the Vedas. It posits that the Vedas are not the work of any human author but are self-existent and their pronouncements are infallible. The primary goal of Jaiminiya is to establish the correct understanding and performance of Vedic rituals (yajnas) as the means to achieve worldly benefits and spiritual liberation. They emphasize the karma-kanda, the section of the Vedas dealing with action and ritual, over the jnana-kanda, which focuses on knowledge.

Jaiminiya's approach to Vedic interpretation is highly systematic and grammatical. They developed elaborate rules for analyzing Vedic texts, resolving apparent contradictions, and determining the precise meaning and application of rituals. This emphasis on detailed analysis and logical reasoning has had a profound influence on the development of Indian legal and philosophical thought. The school's focus on action and ritual as the path to fulfillment distinguishes it from other Vedic schools that might prioritize knowledge or devotion.