The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India (from Rig-Veda to Upanishads) c10.18

c10.18

The Vedic word for higher speculative discussion as a whole, and especially for the religious, mostly poetic, riddle is *brahmodya* or *brahmavadya*, that is, "analysis or speculation about the *brahma*, or religion." It is very generally carried on by two priests, one of whom asks questions, the other answers them. It is a kind of theological "quiz," prearranged by the two parties: questioner and responder know their parts to perfection.