Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c9.s1.3

c9.s1.3

In fact, the prolonged queries here present a discussion on the subject of *prajāpālana* (nourishment of subjects by a king). The *mantraṇā* (counselling) is the base on which this polity proceeds and counselling is not be done singularly, it is always with a selected group.⁷ This *mantraṇā* should properly employ *yuktis* (logic) and *tarkas* (arguments) to arrive at the *mantra*.⁸ Rāma also suggests that instead of approaching thousands of fools, a king must engage in discussions with one wise man only.⁹ Further, Rāma suggests that the king should do counselling with three or four counsellors only, either together or one by one.¹⁰