Purva-Mimamsa in its Sources c29: Chapter XXIV : Motive

Pūrva-Mīmāṃsā in its Sources c29

Language: English

Chapter XXIV : Motive

c29.1

The *Darsha-Pūrṇamāsa* Sacrifices have been spoken of as accomplishing all that is desirable; these are thus *Puruṣārtha*. But one performance of these Sacrifices can bring about only a single result; so that for each particular result, this performance should have to be repeated. (Sū. 4.3.25—28).

c29.2

As regards those actions that are distinctly spoken of as accomplishing results pertaining to the physical world, the conclusion is that in every case, where there may be no obstacle in the way of the fulfilment of the result, the same result should be regarded as its ‘motive’; but if in any case, there be some insuperable obstacles in the fulfilment of the particular result, the Action should be regarded as bringing about super-physical results; thus in either case, the Acts retain their *Puruṣārtha* character. The fact of the matter is that results are to be regarded as pertaining to the ‘other world’ only in cases where it is found absolutely impossible for them to be obtained and experienced in this world; *e.g.*, the ‘Pleasures of Heaven’, which can be obtained in Heaven only. But as for results obtainable and experiencible in the world, —*e.g.* the obtaining of Cattle,—there is no ground for regarding them as pertaining to any world other than this physical one. (Sū. 4.3.27-28, as differently interpreted, *Bhāṣya* Trs. pp. 816-817)

c29.3

There are some acts prescribed, the result of which accrue, not to the actual Performer himself, but to his son and other relations. For instance, the *Vaishvānara* Sacrifice, laid down as to be performed at the birth of a son; the result brought about by this Sacrifice,—in the shape of *welfare*, accrues to the born Infant. These acts also are *Puruṣārtha*. (*Sūtra* 4.3.38-39).

Cites (1)

Mīmāṃsāsūtra — Jaimini, Sanskrit