Changes

* Participate with an open mind in order to explore various dimensions of the subject on hand  

* Participate with an open mind in order to explore various dimensions of the subject on hand  

* Examine the subject thoroughly by applying the accepted norms of logic and reasoning (Tarka)

* Examine the subject thoroughly by applying the accepted norms of logic and reasoning (Tarka)

* Support their reasoning with passages from texts of undisputed authority (Shabda Pramana).<ref name=":2" />  

* Support the reasoning with passages from texts of undisputed authority (Shabda Pramana);<ref name=":2" />Like in case of Vedantic discussions, the Pramanas are specifically the Prasthana Trayi - The [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]], Brahma Sutras and [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]]. <ref name=":1" />

Also, in Vada, both the sides come to the table for discussion with an open mind and the discussion is based on some accepted pramana of authority. For e.g. In Vedantic discussions, the Pramanas are specifically the Prasthana Trayi - The [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]], Brahma Sutras and [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]]. <ref name=":1" />

Thus, Vada is characterized by politeness, courtesy and fair means of presenting the arguments. In other words, it is a healthy discussion<ref name=":3" /> that culminates in learning as, at the end, truth gets established to the satisfaction of both parties.<ref name=":2" />

The proceedings of the Vada is characterized by politeness, courtesy and fair means of presenting the arguments. In other words, it is a healthy discussion.<ref name=":3" /> And learning takes place at the end of vada since the truth is established to the satisfaction of both parties.<ref name=":2" />

==== Role of the Madhyastha ====

 

A Vada generally took place in front of a board or jury called the Madhyastha (the mediators or adjudicators) to ensure that the discussion proceeded along the accepted pramanas.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />At the commencement of the Vada, it was the Madhyastha (Judge or arbiter) who laid down rules of the Vada. And the disputants were required to honor those norms and regulations. They were also required to adhere to permissible devices and not breach certain agreed limits known as Vada maryada. For example: If both the Vadin and Prati-vadin belonged to the Vedic tradition, they were not permitted to question the validity of the Vedas or the existence of Supreme being and the Atman. And any position taken during the course of the Vada could not contradict the Vedic injunctions. Similarly, if one of the proponents belonged to the Vedic tradition and the other to a Non-Vedic tradition, both had to abide by the rules and discipline specifically laid down by the Madhyastha.<ref name=":3" />

and is constituted by the following characteristics:

# Establishment of the thesis and refutation of the counter thesis based upon adequate evidence or means of knowledge (pramana) as well as upon proper reasoning (tarka)

# The conclusion that does not entail contradiction with analytical or ‘accepted doctrine’

# Use of the well-known five steps (syllogism) of the demonstration (Sthapana) explicitly by both sides

# Clear recognition of a thesis to be defended and a counter thesis to be refuted.<ref name=":3" />

# Clear recognition of a thesis to be defended and a counter thesis to be refuted.<ref name=":3" />

However, ideally, both the parties to the Vada should have

As regards the benefits (Sambhasha prashamsa or prayojana) of such peaceful and congenial debates: The winner would be declared at the end by the consensus of the adjudicators.<ref name=":0" />

The discussion proceeds until one accepts the others' arguments. Sometimes the discussions can take days as in the famous discussion between Adi Shankara and Mandana Mishra which lasted for 18 days till Mandana Mishra accepted defeat and became Shankara's disciple. Mandana Mishra's wife, Bharati, who was a scholar herself served as a judge for that vada.<ref name=":1" />

 

 

There are judges to ensure the discussion proceeds along the accepted pramanas. The discussion proceeds until one accepts the others' arguments. Sometimes the discussions can take days as in the famous discussion between Adi Shankara and Mandana Mishra which lasted for 18 days till Mandana Mishra accepted defeat and became Shankara's disciple. Mandana Mishra's wife, Bharati, who was a scholar herself served as a judge for that vada.<ref name=":1" />

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Role of the Madhyastha

Role of the Madhyastha

As mentioned earlier, according to Nyaya Sutra (1.2.1) Vada comprises defense and attack (Sadhana and Upalambha). One’s own thesis is defended by means of genuine criteria of knowledge (Pramana) and the antithesis (opponent’s theory) is refuted by negative dialectics of Tarka (logic). But, when defense or attack is employed excessively, merely for the sake of scoring a win, then there is the risk of the debate degenerating into Jalpa. It is at this stage in the Vada that the Madhyastha might intervene to ensure that the participants, especially the one who is on the verge of defeat (Nigraha-sthana) do not resort to tricks such as quibbling (Chala), false rejoinder (Jati) etc. The Madhyastha may even call off the Vada; and award to the candidate who in his view performed better. The Vada could be also treated as inconclusive (savyabhicara) and brought to an end if there is no possibility of reaching a fair decision; or the very subject to be discussed is disputed (Viruddha); or when arguments stray away from the subject that is slated for discussion (prakarana-atita); or when the debate prolongs beyond a reasonable (Kalatita).<ref name=":3" />

As mentioned earlier, according to Nyaya Sutra (1.2.1) Vada comprises defense and attack (Sadhana and Upalambha). One’s own thesis is defended by means of genuine criteria of knowledge (Pramana) and the antithesis (opponent’s theory) is refuted by negative dialectics of Tarka (logic). But, when defense or attack is employed excessively, merely for the sake of scoring a win, then there is the risk of the debate degenerating into Jalpa. It is at this stage in the Vada that the Madhyastha might intervene to ensure that the participants, especially the one who is on the verge of defeat (Nigraha-sthana) do not resort to tricks such as quibbling (Chala), false rejoinder (Jati) etc. The Madhyastha may even call off the Vada; and award to the candidate who in his view performed better. The Vada could be also treated as inconclusive (savyabhicara) and brought to an end if there is no possibility of reaching a fair decision; or the very subject to be discussed is disputed (Viruddha); or when arguments stray away from the subject that is slated for discussion (prakarana-atita); or when the debate prolongs beyond a reasonable (Kalatita).<ref name=":3" />