Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c6.s5.t13.8

c6.s5.t13.8

Vācaspati Miśra, one of the most celebrated philosophers of India, entered into a debate with Dharmakīrti in his *Tātparyapariśuddhi*. He was followed by several other authors like Vyomaśiva in his text on Vaiśeṣika philosophy, Śālikanātha in his text on Mīmāṁsā and Akalaṅka, a Jaina philosopher. Dharmakīrti, who had lamented for having been left alone in his pursuits of philosophy, was actually supported by a host of his followers. Jñānaśrīmitra, Śāntarakṣita, Ratnakīrti and others sharply criticized Vācaspati Miśra for his attack on Dharmakīrti and presented a threadbare analysis of his arguments to demolish the prima facie views of Vācaspati Miśra. Finally it was Udayana, one of the greatest philosophers who entered into this scholastic debate and provided a sound defence for the Gautamīya Nyāya. Even though Udayana was countered by his critics from the Buddhist schools, the vigorous exercise which Dharmakīrti had initiated in one of the most enduring philosophical debates almost came to an end with Udayana.