In Diversity lies the beauty of society-Yajyavalkys to Gargi

Today I would reserve my post for Yajnavalkya and his accommodative nature. If you look at Gargi she has some pre conceived notions. She is a very knowledgeable lady. Yet somehow she has not been able to adhere to the stereotype view of a woman. Because of that society has observed her differently. Her knowledge and her talent is not utilized calling her a rebel. For me she actually represents a lot of feminists of today who have a different POV. Who feel their contribution is not recognized enough. Or they wont be rewarded enough. Just because they happened to be woman. One of the reasons Gargi took Sanyas may be because there wont be any man who can stand that much independence in a woman. It is not any different now. Very few men can take an independent woman.

And it is in this scenario Yajnavalkya's thoughts come into picture. The way he handled Gargi. The way he handled her scarred mind. You have to look at each of the words he said. The God of knowledge is a woman Mata Saraswati. And even after that if men thinks woman should be denied knowledge, they should not be teachers , then it is their ignorance. Gargi is not convinced and says she wont change her individuality and her thoughts . Yajyavalkya next says the most beautiful thing. If everyone is same how will be grow. It is the mingling of various thoughts, various perspectives that enrich us as a person. Gargi is forced to bow down once again in front of this great saint.

I have always maintained why man want to physically conquer a woman, while it is much easier to conquer her emotionally. Once a woman respects a person, gives her heart she will go all out for him. She will take any pain for him. She will put herself before him for his protection. But without understanding it, we kill our daughters in womb, kill our DILs with gas and kerosene, rape our sisters. And in a way we threaten the whole humanity with that act

A society which gives space to the perspective of the woman thrives more . Because woman believe in managing relations. Mostly they want to preserve. But the atrocities committed on them make them the destructive force they become . No woman wants to be a Durga. But when a Mahishashur comes telling her what can she do, she shows her Kaliroop showing him where she can put him.

While Yajyavalkya made a Shakthi out of Durga in Gargi. Dasrath made a Durga out of Shakthi in Kaikeyi.

I loved Yagyabalkya's Gurukul scenes. He is very open minded. Special those benches & a small pot kept on each bench. What did it contain? Water? Ink?
May be Gargi's feelings are due to some people not accepting her independant individuality. She is hesitant. Even Yagyavalkya was sitting & listening to the Mahadev- Gauri story she was telling her students, shows he respects knowledge & knowledgables.
Will be missing this Gurukul, once all of them grow up.
Good analysis Shruthi. 😊

Yajnavalkya-Gargi convo highlights the nature of the two. Gargi expressed her opinion w/o any hesitant. Yajnavalkya first asked her opinion which itself proved his quality. First of all the way the two teachers accepted the wish of sita is a beauty. Gargi who was bold enough to argue with anyone including king simply impressed by the way sita requested her. It wont be possible for Gargi to enter Yajnavalkya ashram with her principles. Yajnavalkya didnt ask gargi to join as she was brought by princess sita, he asked her opinion. This concept of understanding and respecting each other approach was the main keynote of the episode.

Wonderful episode yesterday Shruthi, and so inspiring.

@Arshics: I meant the total number of good teachers who think about the future of their students is less than what epic states. Yes, the discrimination was there in treta yuga as well as now. I myself a victim of such religious discrimination. Though my many teachers were partial I can point out few good souls in that group also. Don't we have caste discrimination now. Again I am a victim dear for being brahmin.

Beautiful post but my reply is related to the title of this post "In Diversity lies the beauty of society" .😊
This is also the essence of Hinduism and that is why we worship diversity in the form of 33 million devtas. Every Devta represents some form of energy and if this energy is removed then the universe will come to an end. I found this blog post that is an eye opener for me.

https://globalhinduism.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/reality-of-33-crore-gods-of-hindus/

I am sure it will enlighten others as well.

@Arshics the problems existed in Tetrayug, the problem exists now also. The only difference between now and then is that earlier family name, kul name, place etc used to define people. Kanya of Kashi is expected to have certain qualities. Kanya of Mithila is expected to have certain qualities. Raghukul ki maryada. Sons of Raghukul has to follow it. Now it is not like that. In the same family 2 kids will be like north and south. A Ram will find his Lakhan not in the family, but somewhere else in the society. A Lakhan might get a Sumitra not as his biological mother, but in some other form. So we have to be more open and like minded people has to come together. Principles are same, qualities are same but the way it needs to be applied differs.

Beautiful message Shruti didi😃