Mimansa Chapter Of Bhavyas Madhyamaka Hrdaya Karika

This document is the first part of a study by Shinjo Kawasaki on the Mimāmsā Chapter of Bhavya's Madhyamaka-hṛdaya-kārikā (MHK). The author provides valuable information about this text, which is crucial for understanding Brahmanical and non-Brahmanical religious schools in India around the 5th century CE.

The study focuses on Chapter IX of the MHK, titled "Mimāmsā-tattva-nirṇayâvatāra" (Introduction to the Examination of Truth of the Mimāmsā School). The author discusses the Mimāmsā ideas presented and refuted by Bhavya (also known as Bhāvaviveka, c. 490-570 CE) in this chapter.

Key aspects of the introduction include:

• Source Material: The study is based on a Sanskrit text of the MHK provided by Prof. V. V. Gokhale. This Sanskrit text was a handwritten copy made by Rev. Rāhula Sāmkstyāyana from a manuscript at the Șha-lu monastery in Tibet. The author details Sāmkstyāyana's account of his efforts to copy these important Sanskrit manuscripts in Tibet, including challenges with materials and timing.
• Manuscript Details: The Sanskrit text of the MHK, specifically Chapter IX, is described as having 148 verses. The author notes discrepancies between the Sanskrit text and Tibetan translations of the MHK. These discrepancies suggest that the Tibetan MHK might have been derived from the Tibetan translation of Bhavya's commentary (Tarkajvālā or TJ) rather than a direct translation of the MHK itself.
• Comparison with other Works: The author notes that many points raised by Bhavya against the Mimāmsakas in this chapter are also found in Śāntarakṣita's Tattvasaṃgraha (8th century) in discussions with Kumārila of the Mīmāmsā School. However, none of the 17 verses in the Pūrva-pakṣa (opponent's view) of the MHK can be directly found in Tattvasaṃgraha or Kumārila's Ślokavārttika. Similarly, Bhavya's verses show little overlap in words or context with Śabarasvāmin's Bhāṣya on the Mīmāmsā-sūtra.
• Influence of Bhartṛhari: Verse No. 14 of the MHK shows a close resemblance to a verse in Bhartṛhari's Vākyapadīya. This section of the Vākyapadīya is significant as it presents Bhartṛhari's traditionalist stance against logicians, asserting the exclusive authority of the Vedas.
• Structure of the Study: The document then presents the Sanskrit text and English translation of the first 17 verses of the Pūrva-pakṣa (opponent's view) of Chapter IX of the MHK. Each verse is accompanied by explanatory notes, Tibetan translations, and references to the Tarkajvālā (TJ) and other relevant texts.

The translated verses (1-17) from the Pūrva-pakṣa present the Mimāmsaka viewpoint as critiqued by Bhavya, which includes:

• Critique of Buddhist Philosophy: The Mimāmsakas dismiss meditation and learning as paths to liberation, advocating only sacrificial rites. They criticize Buddhist ideas like apavarga (liberation) and the Buddhist concept of the Buddha's omniscience and the validity of Buddhist scripture.
• Emphasis on Vedic Rituals: They assert that deliverance can only be attained through sacrificial rites prescribed in the Vedas, involving offerings of grain, cattle, clarified butter, and specific sexual unions at the sacrifice site.
• Vedic Authority: They uphold the Vedas as the ultimate authority, claiming they are not produced by humans (apauruṣa-kartṛtvāt) and have been transmitted without interruption (sampradāyānupacchedāt).
• Concept of Sound (Śabda): They argue for the eternality of sound, manifested by syllables, and its inseparable connection with objects.
• Rejection of Inference as Sole Authority: They distinguish the Vedic tradition (Āgama) from inference, stating that while inference deals with universals and particular objects, the Veda can grasp both.
• Critique of Logicians: The verses criticize logicians (hetuvādinaḥ or tärkika) who prioritize reasoning and inference, comparing them to blind men groping their way.
• Rejection of Other Paths: The Mimāmsakas dismiss paths followed by women, slaves, and Buddhists as outside the Vedic tradition.
• Vedic Supremacy: They claim that whatever is present in the Veda is also found elsewhere, but what is not in the Veda is found nowhere.

In essence, this introductory section establishes the textual basis and critical context for Bhavya's engagement with Mimāmsā philosophy, highlighting the core arguments of the Mimāmsakas as presented in the Pūrva-pakṣa.