Sarkar, Kishori Lal: The Mimansa rules of interpretation as applied to Hindu law (Calcutta, 1909)

THE FOURTH LECTtRUE. 265
In the phraseology of logic every general word has a
connotation and denotation. For instance, the word
‘cow’ connotes all varieties of’cows ; but it denotes a
class (Jati) excluding all differences between one cow
and another. In its connotation the word comprehends
many a species of cows. In its denotation it only
indicates an abstract idea common to all species. .
According to Mimansakas ‘Akriti’ means denotation
and ‘Vyakti’ mean's connotation. The Akriti Adhikarana
lays it down that one and the same word occurring in
the Vedas and in popular language, agree in meaning
only in so far as the Akriti (the general sense) is
concerned, and not in respect of Vyakti (special sense).
The Sutras on the subject are as ’ follows. The
opponent says:
“ Expressions of popular usage having the character
of Vedic commands in every respect the terms of i*he
one must be identified in sense with the terms of the
other.”1 Further he argues :
“ Because (generally) operative terms (Shabdas) do
not necessitate the use of any particular thing.”2
“ Yet sometimes it is seen that operative terms
require the use of a particular thing.”3
Thus the opponent says, terms of popular sayings
must coincide in sense with the terms of the Vedas
both as regards connotation as well as denotation.
In other words, they are identical’ in every possible
significance. The author says :
1 i Jaimini I. iii. 30.
Jaimini I. iii. 31.
Jaimini I. iii. 32.

Akriti and
Vyakti.

2 I
3 I*
34