Shloka 1.14.18
अश्वमेधप्रवृत्तिः — Commencement and Performance of Daśaratha’s Aśvamedha
दिवसे दिवसे तत्र संस्तरे कुशला द्विजा:।सर्वकर्माणि चक्रुस्ते यथाशास्त्रं प्रचोदिता:।।।।
karmāntare tadā viprā hetuvādān bahūn api |
prāhuś ca vāgmino dhīrāḥ parasparajigīṣayā ||
Then, in the intervals between rites, eloquent and steady-minded Brahmins engaged in many reasoned debates, each wishing to prevail over the other.
Every day in that sacrifice brahmins, skilful in rituals, persuaded (by sage Vasishta), performed all their duties as per tradition.
Pursuit of truth through disciplined reasoning: debate is portrayed as structured and learned, ideally serving satya (truth) even when competitive.
Between ceremonial segments of the yajña, Brahmins converse and debate on points of reasoning and doctrine.
Intellectual rigor and composure (dhīratā): the learned maintain eloquence and steadiness even in contest.