Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c10.s12.2

c10.s12.2

*Kirātārjunīyam* by Bhāravi begins with heated discussions between Draupadī, Bhīma, Yudhiṣṭhira and Vyāsa. After hearing how Duryodhana is prospering, Draupadī is in a furious mood and she vehemently criticizes Yudhiṣṭhira's passive nature. A man void of the spirit of retribution does not earn the respect of his friends nor the fear from his foes” (*amarṣaśūnyena janasya jantunā na jātahardena na vidviṣādaraḥ* — *Kirātārjunīyam* I.33), this is the view presented by her. The discussion turns on the issue of polity as Bhīma supports her. “Valour does not abide with despondency” (*nivasanti parākramāśraya na viṣādena samaṁ samṛddhayaḥ* — ibid. II.19), says Bhīma. He calls for self-respect and glory and to maintain the spirit of valience. The passionate utterance of Draupadī and Bhīma urging upon Yudhiṣṭhira to have his revenge and to immediately speed up an attack on Duryodhana form the *pūrva-pakṣa*. With all his wisdom and acquisition of polity, Yudhiṣṭhira gives a subdued and dispassionate reply to them. He patiently argues for circumspection (*vimṛśyakāritā*) and avoiding precipitation (*sahasā vidadhīta na kriyāṁ*, etc. — II.30). His views are substantiated by Vyāsa who joins them subsequently. The *siddhānta-pakṣa* is completed with Vyāsa's message. Āgama like a lamp shows the way (II.30) because when the mind follows the path the noble have trodden (*spṛhaṇīhaguṇair mahātmabhiś carite varmani yacchatāṁ manaḥ*) the prosperities come to men in flocks.