One of the key moments in his
life took place when King Janaka organized a Yajna (a grand ritual) and
promised to award a thousand cows to the sage who could prove to be the most
knowledgeable. The cows were to be tied with gold coins on their horns. When no
sage dared to claim the prize, Yajnavalkya boldly sent his disciple to take the
cows. This act of confidence was questioned by other sages, but Yajnavalkya
defended his claim.
One of the sages, Arthabhaga,
asked him a complex philosophical question about the soul and its ability to
accept another body after death. Yajnavalkya explained that it is through karma
(action) that the soul takes on a new birth. The discourse continued with
questions about the nature of the soul, the omnipresent Brahman, and the
universe. Yajnavalkya's answers were profound, emphasizing that the soul
transcends worldly desires and is ultimately one with Brahman, the supreme
consciousness.
Throughout his life, Yajnavalkya engaged in many philosophical debates. He responded to questions from other sages, such as Kahola, Gargi, Aruni, and Sakalya. In one of his dialogues, he explained that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is present in everything, yet beyond all understanding. He also discussed the nature of the soul, explaining that it transcends the body, senses, and mind, and it is in a state of consciousness, sleep, and deep slumber, each with different experiences. According to him, attaining knowledge of the soul leads to liberation or Moksha, freeing one from the cycle of birth and death.
Yajnavalkya's teachings were also
given in King Janaka's court. During these discussions, he explained that
knowledge of Brahman is more important than wealth, fame, or learning. King
Janaka was impressed with his insights and offered Yajnavalkya a thousand cows
as a reward. However, Yajnavalkya, following his father's teachings, declined
the payment, emphasizing that the purpose of knowledge is not to receive
material gains but to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
In his later discussions,
Yajnavalkya elaborated on the nature of light, both physical and spiritual. He
described the sun, moon, and fire as different sources of light, but the
ultimate light, he said, is the soul's inner light, Atmajyotis. The soul is the
"Purusa," formed by the union of the pranas (life forces) and the
inner light of the heart. This understanding helps transcend the limitations of
wakefulness, dream, and slumber, leading one toward Moksha.
As Yajnavalkya continued to teach
King Janaka, he imparted the essential knowledge that life and death are part
of a cycle governed by desires (Kama) and actions (Karma). One can only escape
this cycle by transcending desires and acquiring Brahmajnana, the knowledge of
the supreme reality. This knowledge liberates the soul, making it immortal.
Yajnavalkya's teachings were a profound commentary on the nature of existence
and the path to spiritual freedom.
At the end of his life,
Yajnavalkya passed on his wisdom to his two wives, Kalyani and Maitreyi, and
then ascended to immortality. His teachings were preserved in various texts,
including the "Brhadaranyaka Upanishad," which remains one of the key
sources of Vedic philosophy.
Yajnavalkya's contributions were
not limited to spiritual teachings; he also wrote a treatise on law called the
"Mitaksara," which became a highly regarded commentary on legal
principles in South India. His work in law, as well as his role as a priest at
significant events like the Rajasiiya Yajna of Dharmaputra, showcases his
diverse influence.
Yajnavalkya's life and teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers and scholars today. His wisdom, which emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge over material wealth and the ultimate goal of liberation, remains a cornerstone of Indian philosophical thought.
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