Yukti-Vāda is open discussion or dialogue intended to establish something through valid reasoning and appropriate measurement, conducted by skilled and open-minded people.
Consider a simple example. In a classroom, a teacher points in a particular direction and asks the students, “Which direction is this?”
- Student A says east.
- Student B says west.
- Student C says north.
- Student D says south.
The best way to discover the truth is not to believe one student blindly because that student is a favourite. Nor should we reject an answer simply because the student who gave it usually performs poorly. The correct approach is to open a compass and verify.
If we want the correct result, we must be willing to discuss openly, apply reasoning and use the measurements or tools available to us.
This logical and evidence-based method of discussion is Yukti-Vāda. The principle can be applied anywhere in life where confusion, doubt or conflict exists and where there is a sincere desire to understand what is right.
To discover the truth
- Be open-minded. Even when we are wrong, we need the humility to accept the truth.
- Continue learning and developing skills. This gives us the ability to understand and work through complex problems.
- Discuss with open-minded people. Do not limit the conversation to biased opinions.
- Use all available measurements. Apply logical, scientific and evidence-based methods to solve the problem.
Final thought
When we practise Yukti-Vāda, many complex problems can be resolved more easily and with less conflict. Open discussion, sound reasoning and objective evidence move us away from personal preference and towards a shared understanding of the truth.