<p>A really good look at the sort of debates Buddhists got into is in the Kathaavatthu - translated into English as "Points of Controversy". This is a later text, but outlines the many controversies and associated arguments. Examples of good debates in the suttas are MN 56 and DN 23. </p>

<p>As you say, debate plays an important part in the teaching, so the debates are really too numerous to list. I don't have any information on Dharmakirti though.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-03-17T17:23:14.803Z
Thanks for your answer. Where could I find an English translation of MN 56 and DN 23? I found an English transliteration though internet search. And Dharmakiriti is a Mahayana master who I've read was involved in a debate with Kumarilla Bhatta of Purva Mimamsa school of Hinduism.
Bharat
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-03-17T14:26:49.683Z
2015-03-17T14:26:49.683Z
yuttadhammo
<p>Debate plays an important part of Buddhism. What are famous debate encounters by the Buddha and also by other Buddhist masters like Dharmakīrti, especially with Hindus(exponents of Brahmavāda-Ātmavāda) and Jains?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-03-16T04:00:00.133Z
Edited your title so that the question can be understood when it appears on the right-hand column.
Anthony
<history><debate>
What are the famous debates in canonical Buddhist texts?
# What are the famous debates in canonical Buddhist texts?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-03-16)

Debate plays an important part of Buddhism. What are famous debate encounters by the Buddha and also by other Buddhist masters like Dharmakīrti, especially with Hindus(exponents of Brahmavāda-Ātmavāda) and Jains?

**Tags:** history, debate

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Edited your title so that the question can be understood when it appears on the right-hand column.  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2015-03-17. Score: 1

A really good look at the sort of debates Buddhists got into is in the Kathaavatthu - translated into English as "Points of Controversy". This is a later text, but outlines the many controversies and associated arguments. Examples of good debates in the suttas are MN 56 and DN 23.

As you say, debate plays an important part in the teaching, so the debates are really too numerous to list. I don't have any information on Dharmakirti though.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thanks for your answer. Where could I find an English translation of MN 56 and DN 23? I found an English transliteration though internet search. And Dharmakiriti is a Mahayana master who I've read was involved in a debate with Kumarilla Bhatta of Purva Mimamsa school of Hinduism.  

---

