SB

 A critical examination of the Vedas by the three Rishis Jaimini, Kasakritsna and Badarayana. They embodied their results of their examination in sutras. The sutras of the first two rishis deal with the earlier portion of the Vedas and those of the third with the later portion. Jaimini wrote the first twelve chapters and Kasakritsna the next four and Badrayana is the author of the Brahma Sutras. The examination of the teachings of the Vedas as a whole is called Mimamsa the earlier portion is purva mimamsa and the later portion is uttara mimamsa. both form one work for the subject is the same in both and the same results are reached. here many topics are dealt hence divided into parts. Take for example a tower which takes many builders to build at different time periods but the tower is considered one so to this work.

the commentary on the sutra consists of five processes. the breaking up of the sutra into its component words the statement of their meaning, the breaking up of compound words the statement of their meaning of the sutra as a whole, and replying to objections, the objections are if contradictory all opponents must be answered. here two will not always follow one and eight seven. here one must understand that the work does not deal with what one can find for himself but to show what he cannot know without it.

The work begins with the first sutra of Jaimini and ends with the last sutra of Badarayana. The order of the topics is determined by the connection between every two of them.For a full understanding of the work it is necessary to know what the Purva mimamsas teaches for Brahma sutra has accepted the conclusions drawn and the rules of interpretation deduced in the purva mimamsa and takes many illustrations from it. The first chapter deals with pramanas are three Veda Smriti and Achara. of these Vedas possess the highest authority.

In the Vedas itself the brahmanas are of themselves authority and they require no proof for their acceptance. Mantras and arthavadas are authorities in so far as they are connected with the brahmanas. the former by showing how the karmas enjoined by them should be done and the later by practicing the karmas. Smritis come next and they are works written by great Risis who knew the Vedas fully.

to be continued.