Vada

About the Author Prof. Radhavallabh Tripathi is known for his original contributions to literature as well as for his studies on Nāṭyaśāstra and Sāhityaśāstra. He has published 162 books, 227 research papers and critical essays. He has received 35 national and international awards and honours for his literary contributions. About the Book Vāda, meaning debates, dialogues, discussions, was the quintessential of Indian spirit, enabling and promoting the growth of different philosophical and knowledge systems of India. It percolated deep into our mindset and enriched the moral, ethical, religious and sociocultural edifice of anything that was essentially Indian in nature. As continuation of Ānvikṣīkī from the bc era, vāda helped thrive Indian traditional knowledge systems. It subsists on diversity and its tradition envisages pluralism. Most of our Sanskrit works, covering a wide gamut of knowledge systems, are structured in the techniques of debate. This reality applies not only to the philosophical writings, but to Indian medical systems (Ayurveda), Arthaśāstra of Kauṭilya and Kāmasūtra of Vātsyāyana as well. Even great epics like Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata are no exceptions. Vāda culture involved verbal duals, attacks and even violence of speech, and all major religious systems — old or modern — were parties to it. This book also elucidates how vāta was vital and critical for the growth of our socio-political fabrics. It shows how some of the major conflicts in philosophical systems were centred around karma, jñāna, choice between violence and non-violence, pravr̥tti and nivr̥tti. It also presents the manifestations of vāda on a vast canvas during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Modern spiritual and religious gurus like Ramana Maharshi, J. Krishnamurti and Vinoba Bhave were men of dialogues. Our scholars have applied the varied techniques of vāda against the philosophical and scientific systems of the West to prove them correct. This collector’s issue should enthrall a wide audience of philosophers, scholars and believers in Indian knowledge systems.

A spry 78 now, momma stands 5' 4 with way more salt than pepper short tapered hair, a smooth west indies copper brown complexion, a small round head, ample small nose and lips, with meaningful intense, yet warm brown eyes, and a rather healthy belly that seems to aid her in laughing heartily. She has witnessed a whole bunch of living, dying, laughing and crying. The food she cooks and serves is some of the best grub you will ever put in your mouth. Her greens, macaroni and cheese, and hot water cornbread will make you hurt yourself, and her vittles of wisdom, empowerment, and survival will make you take care of yourself. Help yourself to Vada’s Vittles. Her recipes and sayings are seasoned to perfection for your kitchens and your souls.

Includes special sessions, 1908, 1912, 1920, 1926, 1928