Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta): The Later Inquiry of Indian Philosophy

While Purva Mimamsa focused on rituals and dharma, Uttara Mimamsa, more famously known as Vedanta, dealt with the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. Together, they complete the tradition of Mimamsa—the inquiry into Vedic wisdom.

Historical Background of Vedanta

Vedanta traces its roots to the Upanishads, composed between 800 BCE and 200 BCE. These texts questioned ritualism and emphasized inner realization as the highest truth. Later philosophers like Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya developed unique interpretations, creating schools that continue to inspire seekers today.

Vedanta’s appeal lies in its universality—it addresses fundamental human questions about the self, reality, and liberation that transcend time and culture.

What is Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta)?

The word Vedanta means “the end of the Vedas”, referring both to:

1. The Upanishads, which form the concluding part of the Vedas.
2. The ultimate philosophical vision that emerges from them.

Vedanta is primarily concerned with:

• Brahman: The ultimate reality or cosmic consciousness.
• Atman: The inner self, identical with Brahman.
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death through self-realization.

Whereas Purva Mimamsa emphasized action (karma), Vedanta emphasizes knowledge (jnana) as the path to liberation.

Why Vedanta Is Called Uttara Mimamsa

Vedanta is called “later inquiry” because it interprets the philosophical essence of the Upanishads, whereas Purva Mimamsa is based on rituals from the Samhitas and Brahmanas.

• Purva Mimamsa = Action-oriented (karma, rituals, dharma).
• Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta) = Knowledge-oriented (self-realization, liberation).

Together, they represent two halves of the Vedic journey—outer discipline and inner wisdom.

Major Schools of Vedanta

1.Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism):

• Founded by Adi Shankaracharya.
• Teaches that Atman and Brahman are one—ultimate reality is non-dual.
• Liberation comes from realizing the illusory nature (maya) of the world.

2.Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism):

• Propounded by Ramanujacharya.
• The soul is distinct but inseparable from Brahman—like a wave from the ocean.
• Emphasizes devotion (bhakti) to the divine.

3.Dvaita Vedanta (Dualism):

• Developed by Madhvacharya.
• Holds that Atman and Brahman are eternally distinct.
• Liberation is possible through devotion and grace of God.

Core Teachings of Vedanta

• The Self (Atman) is eternal, divine, and beyond the body-mind.
• Ignorance (avidya) is the root cause of suffering and bondage.
• Liberation (moksha) comes through knowledge of the unity of Atman and Brahman.
• Meditation, devotion, renunciation, and philosophical inquiry are paths to realization.

Influence of Vedanta on Indian Culture and Beyond

• Vedanta shaped Hindu spirituality, particularly practices of meditation, devotion, and renunciation.
• It influenced Bhakti movements, inspiring poets like Tulsidas, Kabir, and Mirabai.
• Vedanta spread globally through modern teachers such as Swami Vivekananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Sri Aurobindo, influencing modern yoga, mindfulness, and self-realization movements.
• Its universal message—the divine exists in all beings—resonates across religions and cultures.

Practices Inspired by Vedanta

1. Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): Self-inquiry (Who am I?) and study of scriptures.
2. Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): Surrender and love for the divine.
3. Dhyana (Meditation): Direct experience of inner stillness and awareness.
4. Renunciation (Sannyasa): Detachment from ego and worldly desires.

At mimamsayoga.com, we integrate Vedantic wisdom with yoga, meditation, and philosophy, guiding seekers on both practical and spiritual journeys.

Conclusion

Mimamsa philosophy in its two forms—Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta)—offers a complete vision of human life. One emphasizes righteous duty and ritual, while the other reveals the eternal self and ultimate liberation.

Together, they stand as pillars of India’s spiritual wisdom. For seekers today, mimamsayoga.com brings this timeless knowledge alive through yoga, meditation, and Vedantic study.