The Bhikṣuṇī Maṇimēkhalai

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V. Other Views on the Philosophical Systems
The foregoing account of Books XXVII, XXIX and XXX of the
Maṇimēkhalai follows faithfully the text of the work, but the
exposition of it is entirely my own. It would have become obvious to
the reader who has perused the whole of it with any care, that perhaps
other views than those expounded above can possibly be urged and
other conclusions drawn with very considerable justification. It may
be as well that those other lines are [86] considered and my reasons
for taking the line that I have taken indicated as a necessary
supplement to my exposition of the subject. In regard to this part of
the subject, I have had the great advantage of discussion with a
scholar of the eminence of Professor Jacobi of Bonn who did me the
kindness to look through the manuscript portion relating to the
translation of these books and the whole of my exposition thereof. As
his criticism is quite typical of the views possible, I set them forth, as
far as may be, in his own words, with a running commentary of my
own as perhaps the best way of explaining the position.
The first point to call for attention relates to the remarks of the
ṭ ṭi, it will be
remembered, is a name which occurs in the Maṇimēkhalai along with
those of Vēdavyāsa and Jaimini among those who were regarded as
authoritative expounders of Vaidika Pramāṇas (instruments of
knowledge resting upon the Vēda for their authority). Professor
Jacobi writes in his letter dated the 28thApril 1927:–
the Mīmāṁsa Sutras is of great importance. The vexed question about
Bodhāyana and Upavarṣa is brought nearer its solution by your