Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c7.s2.5

c7.s2.5

Through the theory of *vāda*, Caraka has reformulated the epistemology for Āyurveda. He has also developed a theory of *vāda* as applicable to his discipline and calls it *bhiṣagvāda* (debates between the physicians).³⁶ He also gives a clear directive to his fellow physicians — all the discussions or dialogues that they carry with their colleagues should pertain to Āyurveda only and not to other disciplines.³⁷ Here, *pratyakṣa* (perception) is not cited as the first valid means of knowledge, it is *āptopadeśa* which is the first *pramāṇa*.³⁸ The concept of *āpta* also differs. *Āptas* to Caraka are the knowledgeable ones who have perfect memory of the *śāstra* and can give a discourse on it in an unambiguous way without any partiality and prejudice.³⁹