Indian Mystics

India was the land of Mystics. In the golden era of India every one was at least a rishi. Who are these Mystics. In India mystics are known as Rishi. Lets see what are these rishis.

Rishi, muni, tapasvi and manasvi – we use these words as synonyms. Vedas introduce rishis as krantdarshis, those capable of seeing beyond narrow, selfish, good and bad of present times. Because of this capability rishis are known as drashtas. Modern science uses microscope and telescope for expansion of vision. Yet, our vision doesn’t reach to depths and heights. Rishis could see beyond everything. Nothing in the present, past or future was beyond their vision. One who is constantly engaged in the experiments of probing the mysteries of nature is known as muni. Muni means “manansheel tapasvi” i.e., the one who is constantly engaged in understanding the real nature of life and the related problems through tapasya. Muni is an intermediate step between an ordinary man and rishi. The ultimate achievement of tapasya is to become mantra drashta. For rishis being mantra drashta is a must. Tapasya is the easiest and common sadhana but every tapasvi is not muni. Muni studies external circumstances and antahkarana in a state of continuous awareness. As a result of which many secrets in nature are open to him. Munis with such developed vision are called manasvis or manishis.

Upanishadkar mentions three types of drishti (vision) sukshmadrishti, antardrishti and divyadrishti

The shukshmadrishti of the rishi sees the wider spectrum of human life.

The antardrishti of rishi is capable of seeing the root causes of our behavior hidden in the anatahkaran in form of seeds.

The divyadrishti of the rishi enables him to see the past, present and future at the same time.

Rishis can be classified as brahmarshi, rajarshi and devarshi. Though all the three are engaged in the service of Vishwa vasudha (world) the areas of work are different. Brahmarshi is always engaged in chintan. He can reach to the depths of consciousness and subtlety of universe and find the principles of life. This type of research work is generally possible only in seclusion and hence brahmarshis lead a life of seclusion. Vashista, Vishvamitra and Yagnavalkya are examples of Brahmarshis.

Uttarkhand in Himalayas is such divine place where several bhramarshis are engaged in the research into tatvagnan and atma vignan and come out with the lofty principles, which can manifest divinity in man.

The principles formulated by Brahmarshis are implemented by Rajarshis, who are engaged in the direct service of society. King Janaka is an ideal example of rajarshi.

Devarshis are those who communicate the messages of Brahmarshis to others in inspiring words. Narada is an example of Devarshi who could inspire Dhruva, Parvati, Valmiki and Prahlada.

In the recent times Bhagwan Rajneesh (Osho) can be quoted as Brahmarshi, Ravindranath as Devarshi and Gandhi and Purushottam Das Tandon as examples of Rajarshis.