Ancient Wisdom Series
Vashishtha
Yoga & Meditation
- One of the original Sapta Rishis (Seven Great Sages)
- Served as the Royal Guru to the Solar Dynasty (Ikshvaku lineage) — including King Dasharatha, father of Rama
- Known for embodying spiritual serenity, wisdom, and forgiveness
- Played a key role in major texts like the Rigveda and the Ramayana
Family Lineage / Gotra
father
Brahma
The creator god, through manas (mind-born creation)
wife
Arundhati
A sage and symbol of chastity and devotion. Her name is invoked in Hindu marriage rituals
son
Shakti Maharishi
grandson
Parāśara
Who wrote Bṛhat Parāśara Horāśāstra
greatGrandson
Vyasa
Compiler of the Vedas
The Vashishtha lineage spans four generations of supreme spiritual figures!
Key Texts
Vashishtha Samhita
A text on Yoga and Dharma
Vashishtha Dharma Sutra
One of the earliest texts on Vedic law and ethical conduct
Rigveda hymns
Especially Mandala 7
Interesting Stories
The Cow Kamadhenu & Conflict with Vishwamitra
Vashishtha owned the divine wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu, which could produce anything
King Vishwamitra tried to seize it, but Kamadhenu defeated his army using magical beings
This humbling incident turned Vishwamitra from a proud king into a seeker — later becoming a Brahmarishi himself
Their rivalry is symbolic of ego vs. humility, royalty vs. spirituality
The Curse and Redemption of Vishwamitra
Vishwamitra, after intense penance, attained Brahmarishi status — only when Vashishtha accepted him as an equal
This act of forgiveness made Vashishtha a symbol of supreme inner strength
Attempted Suicides & Resilience
After his son Shakti was killed by a Rakshasa, Vashishtha fell into grief
Tried to end his life multiple times, but nature itself stopped him
He eventually attained deep detachment and returned to his dharma as a teacher
This tale reflects the path from sorrow to enlightenment
Teachings and Discoveries
Advocate of Brahmavidya (knowledge of the Self)
Developed the concept of mental purity over rituals
His name is associated with Yoga Vashishtha, a massive philosophical text (authorship attributed to later tradition, but reflects his teachings)
Defined key ethical codes later adapted into Dharma Shastras
Spiritual Symbolism
Vashishtha and Arundhati are immortalized as a double star (binary) system in the Saptarishi Mandala (Ursa Major)
In Hindu weddings, couples are shown these stars as a symbol of lifelong partnership in wisdom and virtue
Why is he second on the list?
As Parāśara's father, his wisdom shaped generations
His role in guiding kings, mentoring rivals, and overcoming personal loss places him as a model of spiritual leadership
He's a foundational figure in Vedantic thought, Dharma, and yogic literature
Lineage & Timeline
Satya Yuga
~2.16 million years
The first and most virtuous age where dharma stood on all four legs. Many Rishis including Vashishtha and Vishwamitra lived during this time.