Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c10.s15.15

c10.s15.15

The play establishes Rāmānuja's philosophy through debates between his followers and their opponents. The first act is titles Svapakṣasthāpanam (establishing own view). In act II, titled Paramatabhaṅgaḥ (destroying the rival views), Mahāmoha sends the groups of Buddhists, Jainas and the followers of Bṛhaspati (Cārvāka philosophy) to debate with the supporters of Viveka. Rāmānuja himself is represented as Guru and the author of the play projects himself in the character of Śiṣya. In the third act the moves of Rāga and Dveṣa are countered by Virakti and Viṣṇubhakti and the rivals are routed. Viveka and Sumati then start working for the emancipation of Puruṣa. In the fourth act, the army of enemies, Kāma, Krodha, Vasanta, etc. corner and attack Puruṣa and try to win him over, they are forced to run away by the strategic move of Viveka. In the fifth act, these members of the rival group start blaming each other for the setback, Mahāmoha appears to boost their moral. In the sixth act, Mahāmoha is reported to have sent his spy to locate Puruṣa, whereas Viveka appears with his charioteer Tarka (argument) to search for a suitable place where Puruṣa can be engaged in spiritual practice and meditation. The seventh act presents Hṛdayamaṇḍapa (pavilion of heart) with paintings of the Universe, Vyavasāya, the army chief, shows the various profiles depicted in the paintings to Viveka and Sumati. The discussions include the process of meditating upon the form of Lord Viṣṇu. The eighth act describes the defeat of the army of Mahāmoha, and finally the ninth and tenth acts present Puruṣa attaining liberation.