Cultural Snapshots: On the Rishi

Authors

  • Phra Siriphong Kharuphankit

Abstract

Rishi is translated as a ‘seer’, meaning the possessor of a higher knowledge derived from insight. He can see the past, the present and the future and therefore is called ‘the knower of three periods of time’ [trikalajna]. The Rishi had many roles in ancient times: as a knowledgeable person, as a teacher, as a spiritual leader, and as an observer of culture. They are named according  to their characteristic behaviors or ways of living, for example: a ‘seer’ [Rishi], a ‘yoga practicer’ [yogi], a ‘trance possessor’ [tapasi], ‘a wearer of long hair’ [jatila], ‘a learned person’ [muni], ‘a successor’ [siddhi]. Rishis may wear a bark cloth, a dyed cloth, or a white cloth.

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