Vāda

Vāda is debate motivated by sincere search for truth — opposite of jalpa (debate to win) and vitaṇḍā (destructive debate without defending a thesis). In Vedānta, all argumentation with pūrvapakṣa is structured as vāda: the opponent is treated with seriousness, the objection is considered in its best form, and the conclusion is established by merit. This rigor preserves the philosophical integrity of the tradition.