Sri Sathya Sai Baba

The Quest for Supreme Reality

The word mimamsa, as used in ancient Indian philosophy, means the conclusion arrived at after inquiry and investigation, the inference adopted as correct after deep consideration of possible doubts and alternatives.

The Vedas deal with two concepts: dharma and Brahman. The Purva Mimamsa deals with rites and rituals (karma) as dharma. The Uttara Mimamsa (Concluding Validation) deals with Brahman and emphasises experiential wisdom (jnana).

The Purva Mimamsa starts with the aphorism, ‘Thereafter, the inquiry on righteousness (dharma) (Athhaatho Dharma Jijnasa)’. The Uttara Mimamsa starts with, ‘Thereafter, the inquiry into Brahman (Athhaatho Brahma Jijnasa)’.

The awareness of Brahman cannot be won by the accumulation of wealth or even by the giving away of riches. Nor can it be achieved by reading texts, rising to power, acquiring degrees and diplomas, or performing scriptural sacrifices and rituals.

The body is an anthill, with the mind inside the cavity. The mind has hidden in it the serpent named ignorance or nescience (ajnana). The serpent cannot be killed by resorting to satisfaction-oriented works (kamya karma). Spiritual wisdom (jnana) is the only weapon that can kill it.

“That person alone who has faith can secure wisdom (Shraddhaavaan labhathe jnanam).” And faith means steady faith in the statements laid down in scriptural texts.

(Sutra Vahini)