What Is the difference between Rishi, Sadhu, Sant, Maharshi, and Muni?
Looking briefly at Spiritual Healers in Hinduism.
Whenever we see a holy person wearing a saffron or white robe, wearing beads around the neck, chanting the divine name or mantras, our first reaction is we bow down our heads in front of them with respect, for they are considered next to the Divinity. Even when we read our holy scriptures, we come across many stories revolving around the righteous lives of these holy people: Rishi, Sadhu, Sant, Maharshi, or Munis.
In the Sanatana Dharma, many people have attained great spiritual heights and have gained the title of a Rishi, Sadhu, Sant, Muni, or Maharshi. These titles are given to people who have achieved certain goals in their lives by following the path of spiritual practices. The goal might be anything from attaining self-realization or enlightenment through meditation or other methods. Even though we consider them synonyms, how many of us know the difference between them? Here’s a quick guide to help you learn more about each one.
Who is a Sant?
According to the ancient epic Matsyapurana, the word Sant has the following definition:
ब्रह्मणाः श्रुतिशब्दाश्च देवानां व्यक्टमूर्तयः| सम्पूज्या ब्रह्मणा होतास्तेन सन्तः प्रचक्षते ॥
Brahmanaha ShrutiShabdashcha Devanam VyaktaMurtayah:|
Sampoojya Brahmana Hotasten Sant: Prachakshte ॥
-The Brahmanas, the texts, and the words of the Vedas are the guide idols of the gods. Those in whose hearts the combination of these and Brahma remains, they are called Sants.
In Sanatana Dharma, that person who practices truth and is empowered with self-knowledge is called Sant; therefore, not every Sadhu and Rishi is called a ‘Sant .’In this process, the person who strikes a balance between the world and spirituality is called a ‘Sant’. Just like Sant Tulasidas, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Kabeer, etc.
Who is a Rishi?
“ऋषयो मन्त्र द्रष्टारः न तु कर्तारः।”
“Rishayo Mantra Drashtarah Na Tu Kartarah.”
That means Rishi is the visionary of the mantra and not the creator; that is, there is only the Divine who creates.
The etymology of the word Rishi is ‘Risha,’ which means ‘seeing’ or ‘vision power.’
Rishi means “seer” in the Indian tradition, the people who see (i.e., understand as it is) what the Vedic texts are saying. Those special people who, on the strength of their extraordinary understanding, saw remarkable words in deep meditation, knew their deep meaning and expressed by writing the words caught in reflection for the welfare of humans or animals only. Rishis are considered to be the founding fathers of Indian philosophy, religion, and culture.
Who is a Maharishi?
According to ancient texts, there are 3 types of eyes in every human being, Gyana Chakshu (knowledge eye), Divya Chakshu (Divine vision), and Param Chakshu (the ultimate vision). The person whose ‘knowledge eye’ is awakened is called ‘Rishi .’The one whose divine eye is awakened is called ‘Maharshi,’ and the one who has their ‘Param Chakshu’ awakened is called ‘Brahmarshi.’
The person who has reached the highest limit of knowledge and penance is called ‘Maharishi .’Maharishi gets detached from illusion and surrenders to the Supreme Soul. Above this, the only category of sages is considered to be Brahmarshi or the Rishi, who has become one with the Divine with the ultimate knowledge. The Maharshi is one who has realized the Self, Brahman, and Atman. For example, Guru Vashishtha and Vishwamitra were considered ‘Brahmarshi.’
Who is a Muni?
In the second Adhyaya of Shreemad Bhagavad Geeta, while explaining who the Muni is, Lord Krishna explains,
दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः । वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते ॥
Dukkheshanuda Vignamanaha Sukheshu Vigastapruha:|
VitaragbhayaKrodh: Sthitadhirmu Niruchyate||
One who is not disturbed in spite of the threefold miseries, who is not elated when there is happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger is called a Muni of steady mind. In earlier times, Vedic sages used to live by eating the roots of the forest. Sages are the ones who have composed the scriptures and show the way for the welfare of society.
Who is a Sadhu?
Sadhu is a Sanskrit word that generally means ‘gentleman .’Such a person has renounced 6 vices — lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and jealousy. The person who renounces all these things is given the title of ‘Sadhu.’
In the ancient scripture of LaghuSiddhantKaumudi, the word Sadhu is defined as
साध्नोति परकार्यमिति साधुः|
Sadhnoti Parakaryamithi Sadhu:|
One who gets others’ work done is a Sadhu.
Or the one who does Sadhna is called ‘Sadhu .’There is no need to be a scholar to become a sadhu, as anyone can perform a Sadhna. The fundamental objective of a Sadhu (a Sanyasi) is to achieve salvation by following the path of religion while guiding society. Sadhus and Sanyasis spread the knowledge of the Vedas in the world while practicing meditation and penance while living their lives with renunciation and quietness. Their defining path takes them toward the Divinity.
So, now you know the actual difference between Rishi, Sadhu Sanyasis, etc. There are many others who have made outstanding contributions to society and humanity. Their stories are inspiring and motivating for all of us to follow in their footsteps. They have shown us how important it is to follow your heart and do what makes sense for yourself instead of following someone else’s path blindly just because they’re popular or successful in their field.
