Yajnavalkya

Yajnavalkya is a revered Vedic sage whose teachings appear in the late Vedic and early Upanishadic literature. He is a central figure in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, where he is portrayed as a teacher and philosopher. He is also mentioned in other Vedic texts and, in later tradition, is associated with the Dharmashastra known as the Yajnavalkya Smriti, though authorship of that work is debated among scholars.

In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Yajnavalkya figures in notable dialogues, including debates with Gargi Vachaknavi and with his wife Maitreyī (Maitreyi). He is depicted as guiding students toward an understanding of the ultimate reality. His core teaching is that the true self, the atman, is not identical with the body, senses, or wealth, but is Brahman, the universal reality. Knowledge of this Brahman, rather than mere possession or ritual, leads to lasting peace and liberation.

Yajnavalkya’s method emphasizes discernment and inquiry, distinguishing knowledge (vidya) from ignorance (avidya) and challenging ritual-centric approaches that neglect the deeper nature of existence. His discussions contribute to the early Vedantic tradition, shaping later philosophical explorations of self, Brahman, and release.

Legacy is substantial: Yajnavalkya is regarded as a foundational figure in the development of Vedantic thought, with his dialogues frequently cited by later philosophers. In addition to his Upanishadic portrait, traditional accounts attribute to him elements of legal and ethical instruction in the Yajnavalkya Smriti, reflecting his broader influence in ancient Indian intellectual history.