SAMVADA, VADA, JALPA & VITANDA

 SAMVADA, VADA, JALPA & VITANDA

Samvada is the discussion between the teacher and the student. The teacher talks and the student listen.

The student can ask question to clarify doubts. The All our scriptures are written in the form of samvada.

The Bhagawad Geeta, as it says, is a Krisha - Arujana Samvada, a dialogue between the teacher, Krishna

and the student, Arjuna on Brahmavidya.

Vada is the discussion between equals to establish the truth / to resolve the conflict Both parties are

open minded, even though they are convinced that they are right, they are ready to listen and to accept the

opponents' version. Learning takes place at the end of even vada since the truth is established to the

satisfaction of both parties.

Jalpa is the discussion between the two who are also convinced that each one is right and the

opponent is wrong. Unlike in vada, the purpose is not to discover or establish the truth, but only to

convert the other party. The outcome of this whole jalpa is lot of noise. Even if it appears that one

has lost an argument, he will not accept it, instead he goes back to get some more materials or

concocts some other arguments only to establish he is right and other is wrong.

Vitanda is the discussion with the sole purpose of defeating the opponent. The arguments may

lead to establish that the opponent is not qualified to discuss. There is no leaning either or both of

them and also not worth listening.