Maitreyi II There is no trace of any great woman in the desert of desolate theological speculation of the extensive Brahmana literature. But coming to the Upanishads,

There is no trace of any great woman in the desert of desolate theological speculation of the extensive Brahmana literature. But coming to the Upanishads, we find at least two women of outstanding personality who could engage even the great Yajnavalkya in high philosophical discussion.

Yajnavalkya, the greatest teacher of the age, is about to renounce the world, and wishes to make a settlement of his possessions between his two wives, Maitreyi and Katyayani. On learning this Maitreyi says: ‘Sir, if this whole earth, full of wealth, be mine, should I be immortal by it?’ ‘No,’ replies Yajnavalkya, ‘like the life of rich people will be thy life; but there is no hope of immortality by wealth.’ Then Maitreyi says: ‘What should I do with that which would not make me immortal? Tell me, sir, of that alone which you know (of immortality).’ Yajnavalkya, very pleased, replies: ‘You have been truly dear to me, and you speak dear words. Come, take your seat; I will explain it to you. As I explain, meditate on it’ Yajnavalkya then imparts to Maitreyi the knowledge of Brahman as a means to immortality, which, fully recorded, forms the highest teaching of the Upanishad.