Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.86

c16.86

It is also laid down that discussion for the sake of reaching truth should be carried on only with those who do seek the truth and not victory (i.e. *anasūya*, 'unenvious'), viz. disciples, preceptors, fellow-students, and seekers after emancipation. When the investigation of truth requires it, discussion may be held even without an opposing side. Even *Jalpa* ('disputation characterized by overbearing reply, and disputed rejoinder') and *Vitaṇḍā* ('idly carping at the arguments or assertions of another without attempting to prove the opposite side of the question') are regarded as necessary to keep alive the zeal for truth, just as thorny boughs are useful for safeguarding the growth of seeds [iv, 2, 98–50]. The circles of disputants are called *Parishads* [v, 2, 17].