How does Mīmāmsā establish the authority of Vedic knowledge?

The Core Tenets of Mīmāmsā and Vedic Authority

Mīmāmsā’s establishment of Vedic authority rests on several key principles:

• Svataḥ Prāmāṇya (Self-Validity): This is the cornerstone of Mīmāmsā epistemology. It asserts that Vedic statements are self-validating; they do not require any external proof or corroboration to be considered true. Just as direct perception is considered valid in itself, so too are Vedic statements. This doesn’t mean all statements are true, but that the *capacity* to convey truth resides within the Vedic utterance itself.
• Apuruṣeya (Non-Human Origin): Mīmāmsā maintains that the Vedas are not composed by any human author (manuṣa). They are considered eternal (anādi) and impersonal, existing as *śabda* (sound) independent of any creator. This is crucial because human creations are fallible and subject to bias, whereas the eternal nature of the Vedas guarantees their reliability.
• Śabda as a Source of Knowledge: Mīmāmsā identifies *śabda* (verbal testimony, or sound) as a distinct and independent source of knowledge (pramāṇa), alongside perception (pratyakṣa) and inference (anumāna). However, *śabda* in Mīmāmsā isn’t simply any testimony; it specifically refers to the Vedic utterances.
• Validity of Vidhi-vākyas (Injunctive Statements): Mīmāmsā focuses on the injunctive portions of the Vedas, which prescribe duties and rituals. The school argues that these statements are inherently valid and binding because they originate from an authoritative, eternal source.

The Argument for Authority: A Detailed Explanation

The Mīmāmsā argument unfolds as follows:

1. The Problem of Infinite Regress: If the validity of a statement requires proof, and the validity of that proof requires further proof, we fall into an infinite regress. Mīmāmsā argues that this regress must be stopped somewhere, and the Vedas provide that foundational, self-evident validity.
2. The Inherent Meaningfulness of Vedic Language: Mīmāmsā emphasizes the inherent connection between words and their meanings. The relationship isn’t arbitrary; Vedic words possess an intrinsic power (śakti) to convey their intended meaning. This ensures accurate transmission of knowledge.
3. The Role of Dharma and Ritual Action: By accepting the authority of the Vedas, Mīmāmsā provides a basis for understanding and performing dharma (righteous conduct) and ritual actions (yajña). These actions are believed to lead to desired outcomes, both in this life and beyond.

Addressing Potential Criticisms

Critics often question the concept of *svataḥ prāmāṇya*, arguing that it’s an arbitrary assumption. However, Mīmāmsā responds by asserting that it’s not an assumption but a fundamental principle necessary to avoid the infinite regress problem. Furthermore, the practical efficacy of Vedic injunctions – the observable results of performing rituals – are often cited as indirect evidence of their validity. The school also addresses the issue of conflicting Vedic statements through principles of interpretation (vyākaraṇa) and conflict resolution (vibhasa).

The Mīmāmsā school’s emphasis on the inherent authority of the Vedas has profoundly influenced Indian legal thought and ethical systems, providing a framework for understanding dharma and the importance of ritual action.