Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c6.20
Vāda in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c6.20
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c6.20
*Vāda* or *brahmodya* formed a part of sacrifices like the Āśvamedha, but there the questions and answers were defined. It was like a demonstration of a prepared debate or discussion. *Brahmodya* organized during the course of Aśvamedha ceremony has been described in *Yajurveda*. Questions proceeded like this. The Hotā would ask — “What is the ultimate space for speech?” The Brahmā (one of the four priests for the *yajña*-ritual) would reply — “*Brahman* is the ultimate space for speech”. The assembly in a *brahmodya* session became divided in two groups — one asked questions and the other answered them. *Yajurveda* provides specimen of a session of *brahmodya* as under: