Dialogue as Debate: Interfaith Conversations Based on the Concept of Vāda

Abstract

AbstractPhilosophical and religious traditions of the Indian subcontinent had a special form of dialogue (formal debate) called vāda that sought to fulfil the function of reflective and critical thinking when in dialogue within themselves and with each other. These were used as literary tropes in textual commentaries as well as in oral contexts of teaching and debate. In this essay, I discuss the philosophical background of vāda and its description and nuances. I firmly believe that this philosophical tradition of dialogue in Indian traditions of thought, among the various sects within the Hindu fold as well as with Buddhist and Jaina faiths, could inform interfaith dialogue. A variant of this form of debate or dialogue between different and often varying faiths can be a cause for a deeper and radical engagement, not only with other faiths but also as an exercise in self‐reflectivity of religious traditions.