Śānti Veda · The Work of Just Peace
संवाद-सेतुः
saṃvāda-setuḥ
Mūla · Original verse
Sanskrit
Anvaya
Plain English meaning
Dialogue is called a bridge, and listening is its binding. Set aside the desire to win and think together for the sake of truth.
Kāvya
Poetic rendering
A bridge is not agreement between shores; it is a structure strong enough for truth to cross in both directions.
Manana
Contemplation
Dialogue is inappropriate where it is used to delay urgent protection, legitimise incitement, or burden victims with proving their humanity. Safety and fair conditions come first.
Prayoga
Civilizational practice
Set a shared question, equal speaking conditions, evidence rules, protected boundaries, and a record of agreements, disagreements, and next actions.
Param Veda Upaniṣad · One-to-One Bhāṣya
Sit near the question
The companion moves from words and meaning to inward reflection, public application, boundaries against misuse, dialogue, and practice.
Padārtha · Key terms
saṃvāda — dialogue; setu — bridge; śravaṇa — listening; jayecchā — desire to win; satyārtha — for the sake of truth; saha-cintana — thinking together
Anvaya · Sequence of meaning
Dialogue is called a bridge, and listening is its binding. Set aside the desire to win and think together for the sake of truth.
Bhāṣya · Commentary
A bridge does not erase the distance between shores. Dialogue creates a structure across difference so that evidence, experience, fear, and proposal can travel without violence. Its first binding is listening; its inner renunciation is the desire to win at the cost of understanding.
Loka-saṃgraha · Civilizational application
Good dialogue requires a shared question, fair speaking conditions, accurate representation, evidence rules, facilitation where power differs, and a record of agreement, disagreement, and action. It is strongest when participants can influence the outcome rather than decorate a decision already made.
Maryādā · Boundary against misuse
Dialogue must not be used to postpone urgent protection, legitimise incitement, or require victims to debate their equal humanity. A bridge needs sound ground: safety, voluntary participation, and boundaries against manipulation.
Praśna–Uttara
Teacher and student
Prayoga · Practice
- 1 Write a shared question narrower than the identities in conflict.
- 2 Record the strongest remaining disagreement without caricature.
Saṅgati · Canonical correspondences