Rishis of our Land - 1

[Guest guest]

Dear BhaghatOttamAs:

 

If our great Hindu heritage were to enjoy an unbroken continuity for the

past 6000 years or so of known history, thus making it one of the world’s

most ancient civilization, then our ‘rishis’ of yore have undoubtedly played

a great part in shaping it that way. The vitality and vigor of their

thoughts have survived the tests and tribulations of time and what is more

our Sanatana Dharma will remain eternal as long as mankind exists.

 

Most of us are familiar with the story of Valmiki and how he was transformed

by the ‘Rama’ mantra. Similarly the story of VasishtA and Vishwamitra and

that of Agasthya have been heard and reheard during our childhood.

Sometimes these stories go to demonstrate the incredible prowess of our

rishis (such as VasishtA’s Brahma Dandam), and their tenacity to perform

penance for extraordinary length of time. We also come across their humble

beginnings (that of Valmiki muni) which never deterred them from achieving

great heights and oftentimes their seeming transgressions of Dharma

(Viswamitra, Vyasa and ParAsara)

 

Who are these rishis and will a study of their lives help the student of Sri

Vaishnavism. Vedanta Desika in Daya Satakam pays salutations to rishis like

ParAsara and says but for their kindness, we would not have known the

kalyAna GunAs of our EmperumAn.

 

Their philosophy is all-inclusive, their message is universal and their

purpose ‘Loka KalyAnam'. Their imagination is bold and cuts across all

barriers and it challenges the human mind. Some of their declarations

penetrate the very core of our being. For example: they declared

 

(1) Oh Sun of refulgent glory ! – please know that the indwelling person in

you is also seated in my heart (SayachAyam Purushe…. Taittiriya..).

(2) Let noble thoughts come to us from every side (Aa nO badrA: …….)

(3) LokA samstha SukinO Bhavanthu etc.

 

Therefore a study of their lives is definitely going to be instructive and

beneficial. Eventhough I feel unequal to the task, I wish to make an humble

attempt in summarizing the lives of these divine men. Navalpakkam Swamigal

published a series of articles in the Nrusimha PriyA (1969 –74) about the

rishis. This has been compiled in a book form and it is an important source

book for studying the lives of Rishis. Ramayana is another great source

book. With the blessings of BhaghavatAs like you nothing is impossible

(mUkam karOti vAchAlam…..) and therefore please bless the attempt of this

‘Siriyavan’ in fulfilling this kaimkaryam.

 

 

S. Vijayaraghavan

Buffalo/NY

 

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