The Art of Debate
Teaching Different Arts
A wise Guru had three disciples who each studied different arts and sciences under his guidance. The first disciple studied the art of debate, the second one astrology, and the third one was dedicated to discovering useful medicines.
Individual Expertise on Display
One day, a gentleman, who had a concern about a horoscope, approached the Guru. The Guru examined the horoscope thoroughly and deduced that the suitor, whose horoscope was brought in, intended to marry the gentleman’s daughter. However, he predicted that due to not very strong planetary positions, the suitor would fall ill post the wedding.
The gentleman was disheartened by these words. Observing this, the disciples came forward. The disciple specializing in debate argued that minor defects appear in every horoscope, and considering all else is favorable, the wedding could still be conducted. The disciple trained in medicine affirmed that even if the suitor were to fall ill after the wedding, the right medicines could cure him. Lastly, the astrology student argued that unfavorable planetary positions can be amended through prayers, so it might not be wise to let go of a good suitor based on the horoscope alone.
The gentleman was comforted in hearing these perspectives and left feeling satisfied.
The Students in Charge
Some days later, the Guru needed to go on a tour and left his disciples in charge of his affairs. During his absence, the Guru’s young son fell ill, which caused his mother to panic. She requested the disciples to help cure the boy.
The debate student suggested bringing down the fever with a jar of cold water on the boy’s head. The astrology student began consulting almanacs and casting the horoscope to figure out if there were any planetary disturbances. The medical student, after examining the boy, prescribed a medicine which soon helped to bring the fever down.
The Power of Debate
The Guru on his return heard about the experiences in his absence. To his wife’s disapproval of the debate student’s lack of practical assistance, the Guru decided to demonstrate the practical benefits of debate.
During dinner, the Guru faked ingesting a poisonous insect and created a situation of urgency. As his wife started lamenting, asking for help from the disciples, they engaged in their respective problem-solving tactics. However, the student of debate thought for a moment, resumed eating, and then logically reasoned that if the Guru actually had swallowed a poisonous insect, as he claimed, he would have spat it out right away.
The Guru then sat upright, completely healthy, stating that the power of logical reasoning, which is inherent in debates, has proved its worth. Proud of his disciples, he urged them to go out into the world and practice what they have learned.
