A Brahma Jnani steeped in enlightenment generally does not communicate with others. Dakshinamurthy’s upadesa to the Sanatkumaras is unique, for here the guru is young and the disciples are old. No words are spoken but still the Brahma Jnana is imparted through the chin mudra. In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, it is shown that Janaka is keen to find a guru who would be willing to come down to the level of his disciples and teach the common people as well, said Nannilam Sri V. Rajagopala Ganapadigal in a discourse.
So he arranges for an assembly of learned sages and scholars to engage in Brahma Vichara in his court. In those days, both men and women were knowledgeable in scriptures and would participate in such discussions. It provided a chance to interact with wise people. Janaka also offers one thousand cows to whoever claims to be a Brahma Jnani. But when no one comes forward, Yagnyavalkya steps in and asks his disciples to drive away the cows. Even as Janaka watches in astonishment, others question him if he is a Brahma Jnani. Yagnyavalkya says he never claims so. He merely needs the unclaimed cows in his hermitage. He then tells Janaka that no Brahma Jnani would state that he is one. Nor would he desire cows. Janaka now understands that here is the guru he is looking for. Others demand that Yagnyavalkya first answer their questions before taking the cows. Among those present, Gargi, a realised soul herself, raises challenging questions which are met with prompt replies. “What was there before what we see as creation today?” “Sat Swaroopa.” “Was not water there?” “Of course, yes.” “What was inside the water that was there before Srishti?” “There was always air.” The entire assembly is amazed by the subtle scientific truths embedded in the intellectual discussions.