Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c6.18

c6.18

There was, however, the widest difference between kings and rishis. Kings occupied settled countries and towns. The rishis were not confined to any place, but wandered into woods and hills and wilds to practise asceticism and a religious life in order to form and enhance their sacred character. The conditions of a king’s life were fixed. The rishi was independent; spiritual eminence being his aim, he sought out when young the teaching of a distinguished preceptor and, when he had completed his novitiate, was free to establish his hermitage where he pleased or to seek the patronage of some king who might welcome his ministrations. The kings inherited the throne of celebrated ancestors, whose memory and fame they cherished with pride and sought to emulate. The rishis came from well-known families indeed, but that birthright merely entitled them to acquire religious lore, and their advancement depended wholly on their own faculties. To maintain their lineage and dynasties was the natural and ardent wish of kings; hence the great desire that is often mentioned among kings to have sons. Rishis perpetuated their sacred lore and fame through their disciples, among whom might be their own sons if capable.