The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c16.s1.t3.36

c16.s1.t3.36

The same idea of positive law is expressed by Jaimini in the very definition of *dharma*. As we find in his *Mimâmsâ-Sûtra*, *chodanâlak-shano’rtho dharmah*.⁷ *Dharma* is that desired-for object (*artha*) which is characterized by command (*chodanâ*). Jaimini has also examined the reason as to why that which is determined by a command should be obligatory. He analyzes the reason as lying in the fact that "the relation between the word of command and the purpose to which it is directed is eternally efficacious."⁸