As part of Ādi Śankara Vijayotsava Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth is conducting a Vākyārtha-Sabhā with participation of students from various Sanskrit Universities in India. Dr. Arundhati Sundar spoke to Dean, Prof. Gauri Mahulikar (GM) and Prof. Tulasi Kumar Joshi (TKJ), to know more about the event.
Date: 28th April 2020 from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM (IST)
Location: Zoom Webinar
Q1. What is Vākyārtha-Sabhā?
TKJ: Vākyārtha-Sabhā is an ancient Indian mode of discussion and debate in Sanskrit where one scholar speaks on a topic. The other scholars attending the sabha can interrupt to ask any relevant question and the speaker has to respond to the queries or challenges. In case the speaker does not satisfy the audience, that question becomes the subject for the discussion amongst all the scholars present in assembly.
Q2. How old is this practice?
GM: Since this mode of discussion is mentioned in the Vedas and it is fairly reflected in the Upaniṣads we can say that it is as ancient as the Vedas.
Q3. Do we know of other instances in history or literature?
GM: There are many instances of Vākyārtha Sabhā in history and literature. Since it is still being organised as per traditional Śāstra like Vyākaraṇā, Nyāya, Mīmāṁsā and Vedānta, we can say that it has a long history. The historical evidence can also be seen in Kerala where the kings used to organise this kind of knowledge assemblies and reward the pandits with gold bracelets/rings or other valuables.
Q4. What is the theme or subject for the present sadas being organized by Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth (CVV)?
GM: This sadas is a continuation of the sabhā that are regularly conducted at CVV. This one is called ‘Śāṅkarī Sabhā as it is being specially organised to mark Adi Sankara Jayanti.
Q5. What is the relevance of holding an ancient practice in the 21st-century?
TKJ: If we observe the style of this assembly, we can easily identify a democratic nature in the questioning that happens, irrespective of their age. Questioning or inquisitiveness is the foundation of all new knowledge.
Q6. Is it of interest only for people who know Sanskrit?
TKJ: Though the entire discourse is presented in Sanskrit, it is conducted such that it generates interest in everyone, including those who understand little or no Sanskrit.
Q7. Is it only for scholarly pursuit?
TKJ: Yes. A young student who is pursuing his graduation can claim to be an expert on a particular topic. Age is not a criterion to decide scholarship in such a sadas.
Q8. Earlier the practice would have been among wise men and women facing each other. At present CVV is conducting an online platform using the technology of the current era. Would you advise any caution?
GM: Conducting a Vākyārtha Sabhā online is a challenge but that’s where Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s vision comes in – bridging tradition and technology.
I advise one caution – This sadas should be monitored by a traditional pandit who has participated in at least ten national level Vākyārtha Sabhās.
