Sadhguru explains that the self is not something to be sought, it is to be realised within, like light hidden behind clouds. What is woven through existence, greater than space and time, is the eternal Brahman — beyond comprehension, yet the source of all.
Article | July 22, 1988
Sadhguru: Yajnavalkya, one of the most revered sages of the Vedic era, has left an indelible mark on Indian spirituality, philosophy, and religious practices. His contributions, both as a philosopher and a seeker of truth, are immortalized in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the most profound and oldest Upanishads. Known for his immense wisdom, intellectual sharpness, and mastery of spiritual knowledge, Yajnavalkya’s life and teachings continue to inspire seekers of truth and knowledge.
A spiritual giant, Yajnavalkya was not only an adept in the traditional rituals and ceremonies of the Vedic age but also a visionary who questioned the limitations of ritualistic practices. He pioneered discussions on metaphysical concepts like Atman (the self), Brahman (the ultimate reality), and the nature of existence, leading to a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. His life, teachings, and debates with scholars like Gargi and Maitreyi reflect the richness of Vedic thought and the intellectual dynamism of that era.
This article explores Yajnavalkya’s life, his encounters with great thinkers, his teachings, and his significant role in shaping the spiritual and philosophical foundations of India.
Wisdom is not measured by knowledge accumulated, but by the ego relinquished.
Early Life of Yajnavalkya
The exact date of Yajnavalkya’s birth is unclear, but he is believed to have lived during the later Vedic period, around the 8th to 7th century BCE. He was born into a Brahmin family and received his education in the Vedas and sacred rituals at an early age. It is said that Yajnavalkya was a gifted student who quickly mastered the knowledge passed down by his Gurus.
One of his earliest and most notable Guru was Vaishampayana, a celebrated sage who was also a disciple of the great Vyasa. Under Vaishampayana’s tutelage, Yajnavalkya learned the intricacies of Vedic rituals, especially the Yajurveda, which is a collection of hymns and mantras used in sacrificial rites.
The greatest debate is not with others, but with one’s own ignorance, which shrouds the light of truth.
However, Yajnavalkya’s relationship with his Guru took a dramatic turn when he disagreed with Vaishampayana on a particular interpretation of the Vedic rituals. Yajnavalkya, known for his intellectual rigour and independence, refused to compromise on his understanding. This led to a dispute, resulting in Yajnavalkya leaving his Guru. According to legend, Yajnavalkya returned all the knowledge he had acquired from Vaishampayana by regurgitating it in the form of black bile. This portion of knowledge became known as the Krishna (Black) Yajurveda, while Yajnavalkya went on to compose a new and superior version, known as the Shukla (White) Yajurveda.
When the mind is still and the heart pure, the self shines forth, revealing the truth of immortality.
This event is symbolic of Yajnavalkya’s spiritual independence and his quest for higher knowledge, unfettered by the rigidity of traditional teachings. His determination to explore the depths of spiritual wisdom beyond ritualistic practices set the tone for his later works, especially his profound discussions on the nature of reality.
Yajnavalkya and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Yajnavalkya's most important contributions to Indian philosophy are encapsulated in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, where he emerges as a leading figure in debates on metaphysical and philosophical questions. The Upanishad is known for its rigorous intellectual discourse and exploration of ultimate reality, and Yajnavalkya's teachings form the crux of its wisdom.
The Debate with Gargi
One of the most famous episodes in Yajnavalkya’s life is his debate with Gargi Vachaknavi, a renowned female scholar of the Vedic period. The debate took place in the court of King Janaka of Videha, who frequently organized philosophical discussions and debates with scholars from across the region.
Gargi, known for her sharp intellect and deep understanding of metaphysical concepts, challenged Yajnavalkya with a series of profound questions about the nature of existence and the ultimate reality. In particular, she asked Yajnavalkya about the nature of the akasha (the ether or space), which was considered the fundamental principle that holds everything in existence.
No wealth in this world can lead to immortality; only the knowledge of the self opens the path to eternity.
Gargi’s questions were designed to test the limits of Yajnavalkya’s knowledge. She asked, "On what is the akasha woven, warp, and woof?" Yajnavalkya responded that it is woven on Brahman, the imperishable, which is beyond all material and sensory perceptions. Brahman, he explained, is the ultimate reality that underlies all existence, beyond which nothing can be known or comprehended.
Gargi, impressed but undeterred, continued her questioning, pushing Yajnavalkya further into complex metaphysical territory. However, Yajnavalkya's answers reflected his deep understanding of the nature of the self and the universe, and eventually, Gargi conceded to his superior wisdom.
This debate not only showcases Yajnavalkya’s intellectual prowess but also highlights the philosophical openness of the Vedic era, where even women like Gargi played an essential role in the discourse of knowledge and spirituality.
True sacrifice is not the ritual, but the surrender of the self to the infinite Brahman.
Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi: A Dialogue on Immortality
Another defining moment in Yajnavalkya’s life is his conversation with his wife, Maitreyi, which is also recorded in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. This dialogue is one of the most profound discussions on the nature of the self (Atman) and the path to immortality.
Yajnavalkya, having decided to renounce his worldly life and pursue a life of asceticism, approached Maitreyi and informed her of his decision to divide his wealth between her and his other wife, Katyayani. Maitreyi, however, was not interested in material wealth. Instead, she asked Yajnavalkya, "If all this earth belonged to me, would I be immortal through that?" To this, Yajnavalkya replied that material wealth could not lead to immortality.
Maitreyi then asked him to teach her about that which leads to immortality. This opened the path to one of the most profound teachings on the nature of the self. Yajnavalkya explained that the self, or Atman, is the ultimate reality, and it is only through knowledge of the self that one can attain immortality. He said, "The self is indeed Brahman. When one knows this, one transcends all desires and attains the state of immortality."
This dialogue between Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi is significant because it emphasizes the spiritual pursuit of material wealth and underscores the importance of self-realization as the highest goal of human life.
As salt dissolves in water and becomes one, so too does the self merge into Brahman, losing its separate identity.
Yajnavalkya’s Teachings on Karma and Rebirth
Yajnavalkya’s teachings are not on karma and rebirth. and These are not his central focus to his philosophical outlook. According to him, the action is karma, not your present life or past life memory. He is more focused on the spiritual journey performed by an individual in their lifetime determines their future existence. However, these actions are not just limited to physical deeds but also include mental and emotional activities. His all teaching is based on Self-realisation.
Yajnavalkya, emphasized the importance of self-knowledge as the means to transcend the cycle of birth and death. For Yajnavalkya, the realization of the self (Atman) leads to liberation (moksha), where one transcends the limitations of karma. This knowledge allows an individual to dissolve the bonds of action and attain union with Brahman, the ultimate reality.
In one of his discourses, Yajnavalkya explained, “As a lump of salt, when thrown into the water, dissolves and becomes one with the water, so too does the self dissolve into Brahman.” This metaphor reflects Yajnavalkya’s view that the individual self when realized to be identical to Brahman, loses its separate identity and merges into the infinite.
Philosophical debates refine the intellect, but the realisation of the self transcends words and thought.
The Shukla Yajurveda: Yajnavalkya’s Legacy
Yajnavalkya’s contribution to the Vedic corpus is also reflected in the Shukla Yajurveda, a collection of hymns and mantras associated with sacrificial rites. This version of the Yajurveda is distinct from the Krishna Yajurveda and is considered purer and more philosophical.
The Shukla Yajurveda includes detailed instructions for performing Vedic sacrifices, but its philosophical significance lies in its metaphysical interpretations of these rituals. For Yajnavalkya, the sacrifices were not just external rituals but symbolic acts representing deeper spiritual truths. The true sacrifice, according to him, was the inner sacrifice of ego and attachment, leading to self-realization.
Yajnavalkya and King Janaka: The Seeker of Knowledge
King Janaka of Videha was one of Yajnavalkya’s most prominent disciples. Known for his wisdom and devotion to spiritual knowledge, Janaka frequently engaged Yajnavalkya in philosophical discussions. These dialogues between the king and the sage are recorded in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and reflect the depth of their relationship.
In one of these episodes, King Janaka asked Yajnavalkya to teach him about the self and the nature of reality. Yajnavalkya, through a series of questions and answers, guided the king to the realization that the self is beyond the mind, senses, and intellect. The self, he explained, is pure consciousness, which witnesses all experiences but is unaffected by them.
King Janaka’s relationship with Yajnavalkya is significant because it illustrates the importance of humility and a genuine thirst for knowledge. Despite being a powerful king, Janaka approached Yajnavalkya as a humble seeker, ready to learn and evolve on the spiritual path.
Yajnavalkya’s greatest teaching to Maitrayee True wealth lies not in gold, but in the realization that the self is beyond all desires.
Yajnavalkya’s Renunciation and Final Journey
Towards the end of his life, Yajnavalkya renounced all worldly attachments and embarked on a path of asceticism. His decision to leave behind his material wealth and family reflects his commitment to the highest spiritual goal—liberation. He spent the remainder of his life in meditation and contemplation, seeking union with the divine.
Yajnavalkya’s final journey is symbolic of the Vedic ideal of renunciation, where one, after fulfilling their worldly duties, devotes themselves entirely to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. His life stands as a testament to the power of self-realization and the quest for ultimate truth.
Tantric rituals guide you toward the divine, but it is the knowledge of the self that unites you with it.
Yajnavalkya’s life and teachings continue to inspire generations of spiritual seekers. His intellectual brilliance, spiritual depth, and fearless pursuit of truth make him one of the most celebrated figures in Indian philosophy. Through his dialogues with scholars like Gargi, his teachings to Maitreyi, and his relationship with King Janaka, Yajnavalkya explored some of the most profound questions of existence, laying the foundations for the later development of Indian spiritual thought.
His legacy, preserved in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and the Shukla Yajurveda, continues to resonate with those seeking to understand the nature of the self and the ultimate reality. Yajnavalkya’s life exemplifies the spiritual journey from intellectual inquiry to the realization of the self, offering timeless wisdom for all who walk the path of knowledge and enlightenment.
