Charaka-Samhita — trans. Kaviraj Avinash Chandra Kaviratna

Hence, observing all this, an intelligent man should listen and act up to the counsels of one who is even a foe when these happen to be instructive and praiseworthy, capable of leading to fame and long life and prosperity, and beneficial as regards his worldy condition.18

After this, the preceptor should say unto the pupil these words : —

Thou shouldst conduct thyself properly towards the deities, Fire, the regenerate ones (vis., Brahmanas), seniors, those that are advanced in years, those that have been crowned with success (through penances), and those that are professors (of diverse branchhes of learning).

By conducting thyself properly unto these, this (sacred) fire, as also all smells and tastes and grains and seeds, and all the senses, duly impelled, will act for thy benefit.

By conducting thyself otherwise (towards these), they will act otherwise to thee.

Upon the preceptor saying these words, the pupil should answer, saying, — yes.

If the pupil does as he is commanded, then should he be taught. It he behaves otherwise, he should be regarded as unworthy of being taught. The preceptor by teaching a pupil that deserves to be taught causes him to obtain the full benefits of instruction.

Besides these, several other beneficial qualities, not spoken of here, come of themselves to both the preceptor and the pupil.

Thus has been expounded the method of teaching the science.18

We shall, after this, expound, after the manner of the methods of learning and teaching, the method of discussing (among fellowstudents).

A physician should discuss with a physician.

When one discusses with another that is possessed of a know¬ ledge of the same science, such discussion leads to increase of knowledge and happiness.

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It also produces a thorough conversance with that science.

It bestows the power of speech (eloquence).

It brightens one’s fame.

If there be doubts (respecting anything) after having heard the preceptor, such discussion dispels those doubts in consequence of the aphorisms being once more rehearsed in his hearing (by the disputant on the other side).

If there be no doubts, such discussion confirms previously acquired knowledge by repetition (of the aphorisms) in the per¬ son’s hearing.

Matters unheard before are heard in course of such discussion.

Watever truths, not generally imparted and much prized, are communicated by the preceptor, through excess of satisfaction, unto a very obedient pupil, come out, in course, of such discussion, the learned disputant being impelled to make the disclosure by the excitement of disputation and the desire of victory over the opponent.

For these reasons, the wise applaud discussions with fellow students.14

Discussions with fellow students may be of two kinds : these are i. Peaceful discussions, and 2. Hostile discussions.

A discussion with a person that is possessed of knowledge, wisdom, eloquence, and readiness of reply, that is not wrathful, that is free from errors, that is not malicious, that is well versed in the art of persuasion, that is patient, and that is sweet-speeched, is said to be a peaceful discussion.

In discussing matters with such a person, one may discuss confidingly and even enquire (without hesitation).

If such a person confidingly puts a question for knowing anything, the questioned should, with equal confidence, return answers to the questions pnt.

p. 559

The latter should not from fear of ridicule or hostile criticism, be at all alarmed.

He should not laugh, discomfiting him.

He should not also boast, in the presence of other people, of having discomfited him.

He should not, again, insist upon an answer (being made by the other person to any question he may have put and which the other person is unable to answer).

He should not recapitulate matters which are well known (in answering any question put to him).

He should, by gentle words and manner, persuade the other (to adopt what he says).

After display of gentleness of manner and speech, he should closely devote his attention to the matter under discussion.

This is the method of peaceful (or congenial) discussions.18

After this, one should, having first ascertained one’s own superiority, engage in a hostile discussion with another.

Before beginning the discussion, one should ascertain the result of a discussion conducted by one^ opponent with somebody else on a previous occasion.

One should also ascertain the difference, as regards superiority and inferiority, between oneself and one’s opponent.

One shouhd also take particular note of the assembly before which the discussion is to take place.*

The ascertainment of such particulars should indicate (settle) the opportuneness or otherwise of engaging in the discussion.f t !■ e., if the opponent appear, on ascertainment, to have got victories in discussions with others on previous occasions, if his superiority be marked, and, lastly, if the assembly consist of persons partial to him, one should not engage in a controversy with him. Otherwise one may. — T.

* /. e„ whether the assembly is partial or impartial, or friendly or hostile. — T.

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charaka-samhitA.

Hence, they that are wise applaud such ascertainment.