Satyopanisad

[Guest guest]

Swami! Kindly tell us about Vasishtha and Visvamitra the two sages

who are very prominent in the Ramayana?

 

In ancient days, kings were always guided by their preceptor. They

consulted him on all major issues. That was how satya and dharma were

maintained and upheld. History shows instances when kings approached

their gurus for blessings and guidance, and thus became great. You

know how King Krishnadevaraya was guided by his mentor and preceptor,

Vidyaranya, and Emperor Sivaji by Samartha Ramadas.

 

Rama and Lakshmana followed Sage Visvamitra, learnt archery from him

and killed demons like Khara and Dushana who were obstructing and

desecrating Vedic rituals like yajnas and yagas in the forest. Thus,

Visvamitra was instrumental in demonstrating to the world at large

the valour and expertise of Rama and Lakshmana. Visvamitra also

taught Rama the most sacred mantra, the Gayatri. Visvamitra was also

responsible for the divine wedding of Sita and Rama, which was in

essence a union of prakrti, matter and purusa, energy, the Absolute

one. He was and is the mitra, friend, of visva, the entire Universe,

and so the name of the sage has been so apt and befitting.

 

Visvamitra was the one who gave Gayatri Mantra to mankind. As he was

growing in spiritual stature, he wished to be called Brahmarshi by

Vasishtha. He was always competitive and envious of Vasishtha to the

extent of even resolving to kill him. On a full moon day he planned

to kill Vasishtha and was holding in his hand a big stone to be

thrown on his head. Meanwhile, he heard Vasishtha tell his wife

Arundhati how bright and beautiful the moonlight was and how it was

equal to the power of the penance of Visvamitra. His mind immediately

changed and he fell at the feet of Vasishtha and the latter addressed

him as Brahmarshi since he had conquered his ego.