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The orthodox school of Indian Philosophy comprises six subdivisions: Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta.
Mimamsa is a term derived from Sanskrit meaning “reflection” or “critical investigation”. It is one of the six orthodox schools of Indian Philosophy, focusing on the ritualistic aspects of the Vedic tradition and offering a systematic interpretation of Vedic texts. This philosophy has been instrumental in shaping Hinduism as the intricate belief system we have grown to know it. Often perceived as a philosophical exploration into the nature of karma, Mimamsa is believed to go beyond ritualism, encapsulating a deeper comprehension of duty, ethics, and the eternal nature of the sacred texts of the Vedas. These concepts reflect the core values and principles of Sanatan Dharma, which focuses on living in accordance with cosmic and moral order, otherwise known as “Dharma”.
The philosophy of Mimamsa was founded by the Indian Scholor Jaimini, who is believed to have lived between the 4th and 2nd century BCE. He is credited with writing the Mimamsa Sutra which is also considered to be the first in the Mimamsa School of Philosophy and Jaimini Sutra. His school is considered non-theistic but it emphasizes the ritual parts of the Vedas as essential to dharma.

The Mimamsa Philosophy is further divided into two branches;
Purva Mimamsa (the primary investigation) plays a crucial role in asserting the eternal and self-evident authority of the Vedas, it asserts that the Vedas are apaurusheya which elucidates that the Vedas are not written by a human but are eternal.
Uttara Mimamsa (the later investigation) which is synonymous with Vedanta, and addresses metaphysical studies.

The emphasis of this philosophy is on righteous duties (dharma), it further discusses that the purpose of life is not necessarily to forthwith seek moksha (liberation) but to fulfill one’s responsibilities as determined by the Vedas, as Vedas are said to be a concrete manifestation of dharma, guiding humans in accomplishing their role in the cosmic order. Mimamsa also reinforces the concept of Svadharma (individual duties) additionally seen in Bhagavad Gita

श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्। स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः।।
Bhagavad Gita; Chapter 3 Verse 35

It is better to perform one’s duties imperfectly than to perform another’s perfectly; as by fulfilling the obligation one is born with than to follow the path of another and grieve. This underscores the Mimamsa philosophy that each person must adhere to their duties as it maintains harmony both in their personal lives and universally.

This philosophy plays a pivotal role in elaborating on the concept of karma (actions), especially those actions the result of which is intangible or invisible to the eye (adrishta) since these rituals or duties influence both the individual and the cosmos.

देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु व: | परस्परं भावयन्त: श्रेय: परमवाप्स्यथ ||
Bhagavad Gita; Chapter 3 Verse 11

By your sacrifices, the celestial Gods will be pleased, and this cooperation between humans and Gods will reign in great prosperity for all. Vedic rituals are seen as a means of ensuring proper function in the cosmos and it is through these actions that an individual accumulates virtues (punya) or vices (paap), which shape the outcomes of their lives eventually reinforcing a balance in the universe on the grounds of the moral and ethical framework of Sanatan Dharma.

The Mimamsa School of Philosophy with its focus on duty, ritual actions, and eternal authority forms an essential pillar of Sanatan Dharma. It serves as a lighthouse, guiding individuals through the dense fog of moral ambiguity, and illuminating the path of righteousness.

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