Introduction to Apaurusheyata
The term Apaurusheyata comes from the Sanskrit words “a” (not), “purusha” (person), and “eyata” (authored). So, Apaurusheyata means “not created by any person” or “authorless.” In the context of Indian philosophy, especially in the Mimamsa school, it refers to the idea that the Vedas are eternal and not created by any human being.
This concept is central to the Mimamsa philosophy, which considers the Vedas to be the ultimate source of knowledge and authority. Mimamsakas believe that the Vedas contain instructions for performing rituals and duties, and since they are not written by any person, they are free from error or bias.
Why the Vedas are Considered Apaurusheya
Mimamsa philosophers argue that human authors have personal motives and limited knowledge, so their writings may be flawed. But if the Vedas are not written by any person, they can be considered perfect and trustworthy.
According to Mimamsakas, the Vedas are made of words and sounds that are eternal. The meanings of the words in the Vedas have always existed. When people recite the Vedas, they are not creating something new but repeating eternal truths. This idea supports the belief that the Vedas are not man-made but timeless and universal.
How Mimamsa Establishes Apaurusheyata
The Mimamsa school uses several arguments to support the authorlessness of the Vedas:
1. Eternality of Words and Meanings
Mimamsakas believe that words are eternal. They say that words are made up of sounds (called “shabda”), and these sounds have always existed. Just like fire always burns and water is always wet, the meaning of the words in the Vedas has always been connected to the words themselves. Therefore, both the words and their meanings are eternal.
2. No Known Human Author
Unlike other religious texts that have known authors (like the Bible or Quran), the Vedas do not mention any writer. This absence of an author supports the idea that the Vedas are not written by anyone, and hence, they are authorless.
3. Dependability in Rituals
The main focus of Mimamsa is the performance of Vedic rituals. If the Vedas were written by a human, their instructions could be questioned. But since they are authorless and eternal, their authority in ritual practices remains unquestioned. This is important for the Mimamsa system, which relies heavily on the exact performance of rituals.
4. Not Influenced by Personal Motives
Since the Vedas are not written by any human, they do not have any personal interest or bias. They are objective and universal. Mimamsakas argue that this makes them the most reliable source of knowledge, especially in moral and ritual matters.
Comparison with Other Views
Other schools like Vedanta and Nyaya accept the Vedas as authoritative but differ on their origin. For example, Vedanta believes that the Vedas come from God (Ishwara), while Nyaya accepts human involvement to some extent. However, Mimamsa is strict in saying that the Vedas are eternal and not created by anyone—including God.
Criticism and Response
Some philosophers question how the Vedas can be eternal if they are written on palm leaves or recited by people. Mimamsakas answer this by saying that the written form is not eternal, but the sounds and meanings are. The physical books are just a way to preserve the eternal truths, not the truth itself.
Conclusion
The idea of Apaurusheyata is central to the Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy. It establishes the Vedas as eternal, authorless, and completely trustworthy. According to Mimamsakas, the Vedas are not ordinary books written by someone, but are eternal truths discovered and passed on through generations. This belief forms the foundation for their ritual practices and philosophical teachings.
Understanding Apaurusheyata helps us appreciate the deep respect that Indian philosophers had for sacred knowledge and their efforts to preserve it without personal influence or error.