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YAJNAVALKYA
Take the Cows to our Ashram

King Janaka made arrangements for a Jnana Yaga (a philosophical treat) setting a rich award. Great sages and scholars from various places were invited to participate in it. There would be discussion and exchange of thoughts on matters pertaining to spiritual life supported by their knowledge and experience of Vedic truths. He who would prove himself the greatest among them would receive the highest honor and a celebrated award. These were the main purpose and procedure of that type planned by Maharaja Janaka. Only those who could participate in the discussion on spiritual subjects like the soul and the God, birth and death, etc. and interpret the meaning of great Vedic texts with the help of their own spiritual experience, could be deemed as Brahmanishtas (those established in the Brahman State). Who among the assembled scholars was the greatest Brahmanishta? This was to be decided in the conference. It was announced that such a person would
be honored at the end of that Maha Jnana Yaga by ceremonially placing the crown of Sarvajna (the omniscient) on his head. Invitations were sent to sages arid
eminent scholars of far-off countries. Yajnavalkya also got an invitaton of honor from Janaka.

Sages and scholars and spiritual women-the seekers of Brahman from countries far and near came to the capital of Janaka's kingdom to attend the Jnana Yaga. Maharshi Yajnavalkya arrived with his disciples. Most conspicuous was the divine radiance of this Maharshi in the assembly.

Maharaja Janaka accorded a reverential welcome to all those assembled. He then made a proclamation in the assembly, "Subjects of metaphysical nature like Brahman, the divine life and path to God realization will be discussed in the course of this conference, to decide who the greatest Brahmanishta is. We will elect him to the chair of Sarvajna and offer him the crown of Sarvajna. One thousand cows decorated with golden medallions are kept ready in the nearby cowshed. The greatest spiritual master in the assembly may take them home."

There was a solemn silence for a while.

Yajnavalkya stood up. Casting his eyes on his disciple seated close by, he ordered in a bold and dignified voice, "Samashrava, go and take those decorated cows to our
ashram."

All those assembled there were taken aback. They looked intently at Yajnavalkya.

Then Aswala, the royal preceptor, said, "So you are the Brahmanishta among us. Aren't you sir?"

Yajnavalkya said, "I bow down to the one who is established in the Brahman State."

"Then why do you order your pupil to take the cows home?" asked Aswala.

"Because we need them."

"But the cows are meant for one who is established in the Brahman State. By commanding your pupil to take them to your ashram, you have clearly suggested that you are one such. That means an open invitation to anyone to p1dr questions to you. You will have to satisfy them with your answers," said the court preceptor. To this Yajnavalkya nodded his assent, saying, "Welcome. Questions on Brahman may be put."

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About Yajnavalkya
Introduction
Brahmaratha's Penance Bore Fruit
From Home to Gurukula
At The Gurukula
Holy Water To Cure King's Disease
What A Wonder!
'Leave The Ashram At Once'
Education Continued
At Uddalaka's Ashram
Mother Gayatri's Vision And Grace
Home Again From Gurukula
The Vow Of Aditya
Aditya's Grace, The Great Gift
The Great Works
Chancellor Yajnavalkya
Maitreyi's Request Fulfilled
You are Here! Take The Cows To Our Ashram
The Crown Of Sarvajna
Departed From The World
The Greatness Of His Life, The Light Of His Message