Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.29

c16.29

**Nimbārka.** Nimbārka follows the line of thought indicated by Rāmānuja. He interprets the term *atha* to include a study of Dharma and performance of its rituals and argues thus: (1) A study of the Veda with all its six limbs (Vedāṅgas) leads to (2) reflection on the true nature of *Karma* and its results which are perceived to be ephemeral and not as aids to salvation. (3) The result of this reflection kindles a desire for a truer understanding of the Veda by (4) a study of *Pūrva-Mīmāṁsā*. This study gives an insight into Dharma in all its phases and consequences as a system of ultimate laws. Then comes (5) a lively realization of the futility of Karma, of the method of rituals in the religious sphere, and of a life of objective activity and energy in the secular sphere. When the life of Karma is thus valued and exposed, (6) the problem of salvation reappears as the problem of problems, and (7) rouses fully "the inquiry into Brahman"