How to Review
There is immense knowledge hidden in the scriptures; knowledge that is eternal.
Here is a gem of a shloka (couplet) from Purva Mimansa written by Jaimini many centuries ago (exact timeframe not known).
Purva: Previous Mimansa: Investigation, research or examination
Here it is:
Upakramopasamharo abhyaso-purvata phalam
arthavadopapatti cha lingam tatparya nirnaye
Meaning of the couplet This couplet prescribes a review process. This process should be used to review articles, books, white papers etc.
It says that to analyze, understand, conclude (tatparya nirnaye) and learn from a piece of writing one must look at seven things (lingam).
First, read the beginning (Upakram) and ending (Upasamhar). The beginning and ending tell us the purpose for writing the piece. Understand the purpose first.
Then look for repetition (Abhyas). What is reiterated in this article many times? Make a note of it.
Now look for novelty (Apurvata). Is there anything in the article that is new or unprecedented? Understand that.
Next, look for result expected (Phalam). Find out what will you gain as a result of this article. The author will use sentences like “If you do it this way, ….”, “If this continues, …” in the article look for them.
After this, look for exaggeration or glorification (Arthavad). Leave it aside as that part serves no purpose.
And finally look for logical and appropriate arguments (Upapatti). Look for logically developed arguments, references, relevant examples etc.
Great prescription, isn’t it?
Dear Milind,
I would differ in the meaning for various words in the couplet.
Abhyaasa – It would mean read repeatedly complex parts of the article to understand the meaning fully.
Arthavaad – This is a debate / detail exploration of some of the conclusions / benefits drawn in the article. This supports thr proposition of the author. Arthavaad would mean ‘In support of the meaning’. I would not consider it as a part to be thrown away. It is useful for those who are new to the subject of the article.
Upapatti – I think the meaning goes colser to corollary.
The article is good. However I suggest you demonstrate its utility by reviewing a small article.
It was a good attempt.
Best of luck and continue your efforts in publishing such nice articles.
Nanamama
Here is my two penny’s worth of contribution to the discussion.
V. S. Apte’s Sanskrit-English Dictionary, which I consider one of the finest and most definitive dictionaries, gives several meanings of the words in question. I reproduce below the relevant ones from among those:
Upapatti – 1. Cause, reason, ground 2. Reasoning, argument 3. Demonstration, demonstrated conclusion 4. Proof (In view of this, Milind seems closer to the mark.)
Arthvaad – 1. Declaration of purpose 2. Affirmation, declaratory assertion 3. An explanatory remark (Given these shades of meaning, one doesn’t think the couplet advises the reader to discard such a part, as Milind suggests. Maybe the couplet suggests we should reflect on this part or appraise it.)
That said, my sincere thanks to Milind for calling my attention to this ‘gem.’
Colonel Ravindra Joshi