Vedic Shastrartha (शास्त्रार्थः) Sarvarthapedia

Vedic Śāstrārtha is the traditional method of examining the meaning of Śruti and Śāstra through disciplined questioning, reasoning and dialogue between learned persons. It is not merely disputation or an attempt to defeat an opponent. The purpose is to establish tattva, remove doubt and arrive at the proper meaning of the teaching. In a Śāstrārtha, a pūrvapakṣa is first stated clearly; its difficulties are examined, and the uttarapakṣa responds through śruti, yukti and anubhava. Words, mantras, rites, dharma, Ātman, Brahman and the nature of reality may all become subjects of inquiry. Thus the tradition joins śravaṇa, manana and nididhyāsana with śāstric reasoning. Its aim is not victory in argument, but tattvabodha—the clear apprehension of what the Śāstra teaches.