In Hinduism, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa are two significant schools of philosophy, also known as Mimamsa and Vedanta respectively. Both are deeply rooted in the Vedas, but they focus on different aspects of these ancient texts and have distinct philosophical approaches. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two:
1. Primary Focus:
Purva Mimamsa (Mimamsa):
- Emphasis on Rituals: Purva Mimamsa primarily focuses on the earlier portions of the Vedas, particularly the Samhitas and the Brahmanas, which are concerned with rituals and ceremonies.
- Karma Kanda: This school is often referred to as the Karma Kanda or the path of action. It emphasizes the performance of Vedic rituals (yajnas) and the efficacy of ritual actions (karma) in achieving worldly and otherworldly benefits.
Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta):
- Emphasis on Philosophy and Metaphysics: Uttara Mimamsa, or Vedanta, focuses on the later sections of the Vedas, especially the Upanishads, which deal with philosophical questions about the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth (Brahman).
- Jnana Kanda: This school is often referred to as the Jnana Kanda or the path of knowledge. It emphasizes understanding the ultimate reality and achieving liberation (moksha) through knowledge (jnana).
2. Textual Foundations:
Purva Mimamsa:
- Primary Text: The main text of Purva Mimamsa is the Mimamsa Sutra attributed to Jaimini. This work systematically discusses the rules for interpreting Vedic texts related to rituals and duties.
- Commentaries: Major commentaries include the Shabara Bhashya and later works by scholars like Kumarila Bhatta and Prabhakara.
Uttara Mimamsa:
- Primary Texts: The foundational texts of Vedanta are the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras (also known as Vedanta Sutras) attributed to Badarayana, and the Bhagavad Gita.
- Commentaries: Key commentators include Adi Shankaracharya, who provided a non-dualistic (Advaita) interpretation, Ramanuja, who advocated for qualified non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita), and Madhva, who proposed a dualistic (Dvaita) interpretation.
3. Philosophical Focus:
Purva Mimamsa:
- Rituals and Dharma: It investigates the nature and purposes of Vedic rituals and stresses the performance of one's duties (dharma). The philosophy is largely practical and focuses on the material and spiritual benefits that result from ritual actions.
- Authority of the Vedas: Purva Mimamsa holds the Vedas as eternal, infallible, and authoritative. It is less concerned with metaphysical speculation and more with the precise performance of prescribed actions.
- Rejection of a Personal God: This school is typically agnostic regarding the existence of a personal God, focusing instead on the power of Vedic mantras and rituals.
Uttara Mimamsa:
- Brahman and Atman: Vedanta deals extensively with the nature of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual soul). It seeks to understand their relationship and the means to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
- Interpretation of Vedic Texts: Vedanta interprets the Upanishads as revealing the highest knowledge and reality. It synthesizes the philosophical teachings of the Vedas to provide a coherent understanding of the universe and existence.
- Theistic and Non-theistic Views: Different Vedantic schools offer various views on the nature of God. For example, Advaita Vedanta views Brahman as impersonal and formless, while Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita Vedanta advocate for a personal God.
4. Concept of Liberation (Moksha):
Purva Mimamsa:
- Achieved through Rituals: Moksha is seen as a distant goal, achieved through the accumulated merit of performing Vedic rituals and duties over many lifetimes. It is more about attaining heaven and enjoying the fruits of good karma.
- Focus on this World: The philosophy emphasizes living a life according to dharma (righteousness) and fulfilling one's societal duties.
Uttara Mimamsa:
- Achieved through Knowledge: Moksha is attained through self-realization and the understanding of one's true nature as Atman, which is identical with Brahman. This realization leads to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
- Transcendental Focus: Vedanta focuses on transcending the material world and realizing the ultimate, unchanging reality.
5. Epistemology (Sources of Knowledge):
Purva Mimamsa:
- Vedic Authority: It emphasizes the authority of the Vedas as the primary source of knowledge (pramana). Other sources of knowledge are secondary and valid only when they do not contradict the Vedas.
- Practical Approach: The school is more concerned with how to perform rituals correctly and less with abstract philosophical inquiry.
Uttara Mimamsa:
- Multiple Sources: Vedanta accepts multiple sources of knowledge, including perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana), and scripture (shabda). However, it gives primacy to the Upanishadic revelations about the nature of reality.
- Philosophical Depth: Vedanta delves deeply into epistemology, exploring the means to attain true knowledge and understanding the nature of reality.
6. Influence and Legacy:
Purva Mimamsa:
- Foundation for Vedic Practice: It has provided the foundation for understanding and practicing Vedic rituals and duties throughout Hindu culture.
- Ethical and Social Focus: It has influenced Hindu ethics, law, and the importance placed on dharma (duty and morality).
Uttara Mimamsa:
- Philosophical Richness: Vedanta has become one of the most influential schools of Hindu philosophy, deeply affecting religious, spiritual, and philosophical thought.
- Diverse Interpretations: The various sub-schools of Vedanta have contributed to the rich diversity of Hindu theological and metaphysical ideas.
In summary, while Purva Mimamsa is centered on ritualistic practices and the proper conduct of life according to Vedic prescriptions, Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta seeks to understand the deeper philosophical and spiritual meanings of the Vedas, aiming for the realization of the ultimate truth and liberation. Both schools, however, are integral to the comprehensive understanding of Hindu tradition and thought.