One day Guru Har Govind Ji’s disciple asked prayed to Him, “Gurudev, please suggest to us the best way to avoid controversy when we Gurubhais (brother disciples) discuss Shastras.”
Guru Har Gobindji persuasively replied, “Although there are four types of debates, only two of them are acceptable to gentlemen, wise and Gurubhais.
(1) Veda Charcha: To satisfy each other’s curiosity affectionately through questions and answers.
(2) Heta Charcha: To satisfy each other’s curiosity through refutation and maintenance of both sides with love, and without being jealous.
It is good to avoid the following two types of discussions –
(1) Jalap Charcha: Refute the other party to maintain one’s own point and come into a conflict.
(2) Vitanda Charcha: Try to prove your side by refuting the other side resorting to fallacious argument and deceit.
A Guru-Bhakta should not hurt anybody’s heart but delight all hearts with sattvic tendency.