ZATAYUPA (SATAYUPA) THE ANCIENT SAGE

 

Zatayupa was an ancient sage and a king of the Kekaya kingdom. He gave up his throne to his son and went to the Kurukshetra forest to meditate. There, he met Dhritarashtra and others and spoke to them about the rules of living in the forest.

He guided them on how to follow a simple and disciplined life. His wisdom was respected, and he played an important role in advising those who had renounced worldly life.

His grandfather was Sahasracitya. His story is mentioned in the Asramavasika Parva (Chapters 19-20) of the Mahabharata.

YAJNAVALKYA AN ANCIENT SAGE

        Yajnavalkya was an ancient sage renowned for his wisdom and spiritual insight. He spent a significant portion of his life serving at the court of King Janaka, where he was both a priest and an advisor. Yajnavalkya's teachings are crucial to understanding Vedic philosophy and are mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Mahabharata, the Agni Purana, and the Upanishads.

One of the key moments in his life took place when King Janaka organized a Yajna (a grand ritual) and promised to award a thousand cows to the sage who could prove to be the most knowledgeable. The cows were to be tied with gold coins on their horns. When no sage dared to claim the prize, Yajnavalkya boldly sent his disciple to take the cows. This act of confidence was questioned by other sages, but Yajnavalkya defended his claim.

One of the sages, Arthabhaga, asked him a complex philosophical question about the soul and its ability to accept another body after death. Yajnavalkya explained that it is through karma (action) that the soul takes on a new birth. The discourse continued with questions about the nature of the soul, the omnipresent Brahman, and the universe. Yajnavalkya's answers were profound, emphasizing that the soul transcends worldly desires and is ultimately one with Brahman, the supreme consciousness.

Throughout his life, Yajnavalkya engaged in many philosophical debates. He responded to questions from other sages, such as Kahola, Gargi, Aruni, and Sakalya. In one of his dialogues, he explained that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is present in everything, yet beyond all understanding. He also discussed the nature of the soul, explaining that it transcends the body, senses, and mind, and it is in a state of consciousness, sleep, and deep slumber, each with different experiences. According to him, attaining knowledge of the soul leads to liberation or Moksha, freeing one from the cycle of birth and death.

Yajnavalkya's teachings were also given in King Janaka's court. During these discussions, he explained that knowledge of Brahman is more important than wealth, fame, or learning. King Janaka was impressed with his insights and offered Yajnavalkya a thousand cows as a reward. However, Yajnavalkya, following his father's teachings, declined the payment, emphasizing that the purpose of knowledge is not to receive material gains but to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

In his later discussions, Yajnavalkya elaborated on the nature of light, both physical and spiritual. He described the sun, moon, and fire as different sources of light, but the ultimate light, he said, is the soul's inner light, Atmajyotis. The soul is the "Purusa," formed by the union of the pranas (life forces) and the inner light of the heart. This understanding helps transcend the limitations of wakefulness, dream, and slumber, leading one toward Moksha.

As Yajnavalkya continued to teach King Janaka, he imparted the essential knowledge that life and death are part of a cycle governed by desires (Kama) and actions (Karma). One can only escape this cycle by transcending desires and acquiring Brahmajnana, the knowledge of the supreme reality. This knowledge liberates the soul, making it immortal. Yajnavalkya's teachings were a profound commentary on the nature of existence and the path to spiritual freedom.

At the end of his life, Yajnavalkya passed on his wisdom to his two wives, Kalyani and Maitreyi, and then ascended to immortality. His teachings were preserved in various texts, including the "Brhadaranyaka Upanishad," which remains one of the key sources of Vedic philosophy.

Yajnavalkya's contributions were not limited to spiritual teachings; he also wrote a treatise on law called the "Mitaksara," which became a highly regarded commentary on legal principles in South India. His work in law, as well as his role as a priest at significant events like the Rajasiiya Yajna of Dharmaputra, showcases his diverse influence.

Yajnavalkya's life and teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers and scholars today. His wisdom, which emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge over material wealth and the ultimate goal of liberation, remains a cornerstone of Indian philosophical thought. 

XUPA (KSHUPA) THE DIVINE SAGE

 

Xupa was a Prajapati, a creator of beings. His birth is described in the Mahabharata.

One day, Lord Brahma wanted to perform a special sacrifice. However, he could not find a suitable priest to perform the rituals. So, he decided to create one himself. To do this, he kept the priest inside his head, as if he were pregnant.

Brahma carried this being inside him for a thousand years. Then, one day, he sneezed, and from his head, a Prajapati was born. This Prajapati was Xupa.

Brahma made Xupa his priest, known as a Rtvik, to conduct the sacrifice. Xupa performed his duty as required.

Later, Lord Rudra, also known as Bhagavan Rudra or Shiva, recognized Xupa’s abilities. He gave him an important position as a Prajapati, making him a ruler of all living beings.

This story shows how Xupa was created by Brahma and later honoured by Rudra. It highlights the divine way in which great beings were born and chosen for special roles in the universe. (Mahabharata, Sand Parva, Chapter 122) 

WAISAMPAYANA (VAISAMPAYANA) THE GREAT SAGE

 

General Information

Waisampayana was a well-known student of the great sage Vyasa. Vyasa had many important disciples, and Vaisampayana was one of them. The Devi Bhagavata (Skandha 1) mentions that Vyasa’s main disciples were Asita, Devala, Waisampayana, Sumantu, Jaimini, and Paila. These disciples learned sacred knowledge from Vyasa and helped in spreading it.

Other Details

Waisampayana played an important role in preserving and sharing the story of the Bharata. Vyasa had written this great epic, and Waisampayana was chosen to tell it to King Janamejaya. This is mentioned in the Mahabharata (Adi Parva, Chapter 1, Stanza 20).

Vyasa gave Waisampayana the task of narrating the Mahabharata to King Janamejaya. Following his teacher’s instructions, Vaisampayana recited the great story to the king (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 60, Verse 22).

Waisampayana also spoke highly of the Mahabharata. He described its greatness and the wisdom it contained. He explained that this epic was not just a story but a source of deep knowledge and moral teachings (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 62, Stanza).

However, there was a time when Waisampayana made a serious mistake. Due to ignorance, he committed a grave sin by killing a Brahmin. Despite this act, he was still able to attain heaven. The Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva, Chapter 6, Stanza 36) mentions that he was forgiven and achieved a place in the divine realm.

Waisampayana remains an important figure in Hindu tradition because of his role in preserving the Mahabharata and passing down its teachings. 

VYASA THE GREAT SAGE

                          

Vyasa was a wise sage and the author of the Mahabharata. His name means "one who explains in detail." He was called "Vedavyasa" because he divided the Vedas into four parts.

Birth and Early Life

Vyasa was born to the sage Parashara and a fisherwoman named Kali, also called Matsyagandha (meaning "fish-smelling"). A magical event led to her birth—King Vasu's semen fell into a river, and a fish swallowed it. This fish was actually a celestial woman under a curse. When caught and cut open, she gave birth to twins: a boy and a girl. The boy became a king, and the girl, Kali, was raised by a fisherman.

One day, the sage Parashara met Kali while she was ferrying him across a river. He was attracted to her and created a magical fog for privacy. He blessed her so that she would remain a virgin even after giving birth. She gave birth immediately to a son, Vyasa, who grew up quickly and left to meditate in the forest.

Spiritual Life

Vyasa spent his life as a hermit, teaching the Vedas to students in the forest. He once saw baby birds being lovingly fed by their parents, which awakened his desire for a child. He prayed for a son and, through divine power, had a son named Suka, who later became a great sage. Vyasa’s disciples included Vaisampayana, Jaimini, and Suta, who helped spread his teachings.

Role in the Kuru Dynasty

Vyasa’s mother, Kali (now called Satyavati), later married King Shantanu and became queen of Hastinapura. When her son’s royal lineage faced extinction, she called Vyasa to father children with the widowed queens. His children, Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura, became the ancestors of the Kauravas and Pandavas. Vyasa guided both families during their struggles.

Writing the Mahabharata

Vyasa later retreated to the Himalayas. Reflecting on life, he composed the Mahabharata, dictating it to Lord Ganesha. The great epic was completed in two and a half years.

Many Vyasas

Hindu scriptures say that Vyasa is one of many sages who appear in different ages to divide and organize the Vedas. The next Vyasa will be Ashwatthama, son of Drona.

Vyasa’s wisdom continues to inspire people worldwide.

VASISTHA THE WISE SAGE

                                                   

Vasistha was a wise sage and the son of Brahma. He is famous in ancient stories and was born three times.

In his first birth, he was created from Brahma’s breath. He married Arundhati, who was raised in a hermitage. When she was five, Brahma arranged for her to be educated by celestial women. One day, she saw Vasistha, and they fell in love. Their marriage was blessed by the gods. They had seven sons, all great sages. The name Vasistha means someone who controls great powers, and Arundhati means one who follows her husband faithfully. After their death, they became stars in the sky. In India, married women are shown the star Arundhati as a symbol of devotion.

In his second birth, Vasistha was born from a sacrificial fire of Brahma. His wife was Aksamala, a rebirth of Arundhati. However, his life ended due to a curse from a king named Nimi.

In his third birth, Vasistha was born from a pot as the son of Mitravaruna. His brother was Agastya, and his wife was another Arundhati, Narada’s sister. Many stories about Vasistha likely happened in his second and third births.

VASISTHA AND VISVAMITRA

Vasistha and Visvamitra were two powerful sages who were enemies throughout their lives. Their conflict began due to a sacred cow named Kamadhenu that belonged to Vasistha.

One day, King Visvamitra and his army visited Vasistha’s hermitage. Vasistha welcomed them and, with the help of Kamadhenu, provided a grand feast. Visvamitra was amazed and asked to buy the cow, but Vasistha refused. Angry, Visvamitra tried to take Kamadhenu by force, but the cow created a powerful army that defeated Visvamitra’s men. When Visvamitra attacked Vasistha directly, his arrows turned into flowers upon touching him. Realizing Vasistha’s spiritual power was greater than his own, Visvamitra vowed to become a powerful sage himself.

In another incident, King Trisanku wanted to go to heaven in his human body. Vasistha refused to help, but Visvamitra performed a ritual to lift him up. However, Indra, the king of the gods, rejected Trisanku, so Visvamitra created a new heaven for him in the sky. This increased their rivalry.

Later, King Harishchandra was caught in a dispute between the two sages. Vasistha tried to help him, while Visvamitra put him through great suffering. This led to another fierce argument, where they cursed each other. As a result, Visvamitra became a stork, and Vasistha became a kingfisher. They fought every day as birds, until Brahma, Vasistha’s father, freed them from the curse.

In another fight, Visvamitra forced the river Sarasvati to drag Vasistha away. However, the river did not want to harm Vasistha, so she carried him past Visvamitra’s hermitage. Angry, Visvamitra cursed the river, turning its water red. Finally, the gods intervened, and both sages made peace. The place became a holy site, known as Vasisthapavaha.

                           

VAMADEVA AN ANCIENT HERMIT

 

Vamadeva and King Sala

King Pariksit and his wife Susobhana had three sons: Sala, Dala, and Bala. When Pariksit grew old, he made his eldest son, Sala, the king and went to the forest for penance.

One day, King Sala went hunting in the forest. While chasing a deer, he asked his charioteer for faster horses. The charioteer told him that such horses could be found at the hermitage of the sage Vamadeva. Sala went there and borrowed the horses on the condition that he would return them later.

After hunting, Sala returned to his kingdom. He was so impressed by the strength and beauty of the horses that he decided to keep them. Vamadeva sent his disciple to take the horses back, but the king refused. This angered Vamadeva, and he went to the court himself to demand his horses. Sala argued that sages did not need such horses.

While they were arguing, fierce giants suddenly appeared and attacked Sala with a trident, killing him. (Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Chapter 192).

Other Information

Vamadeva was a friend of Sage Vasistha and served as a priest for King Dasaratha. (Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda, Sarga 7, Stanza 3).

He composed Mandala 4 of the Rigveda.

He praised the twin gods Ashvins while still in his mother’s womb. (Rigveda, Mandala 1, Sukta 119).

He once tried to eat dog meat to save Brahmins from starvation. (Manusmriti, Chapter 10, Stanza 106).

He was a respected member of Indra’s assembly. (Mahabharata, Sabha Parva, Chapter 7, Stanza 17).

He gave advice on righteousness to King Vasumanas.