Rishi, Muni, Sadhu, Sant, and Sanyasi contribute as much to our history as elders in a happy family, because every Vedic text of Hinduism certainly mentions these highly spiritual individuals. They have always had particular importance in India since ancient times because they were considered to be society's guides. These inspired holy persons were always engaged in social welfare on the strength of their knowledge and austerity and used it to relieve people from problems. But it is less likely that you would know the difference between them.
Simply put, in the Vedas, Rishi is a title given to a sacred person, who knows everything about his scriptures and the science behind everything. They are considered to be at a high level of learning and understanding because of hundreds of years of penance or meditation. The words said by the rishi never prove to be untrue and that is why the curses and boons given by them never go in vain. There are mainly four types of rishis mentioned in Hindu religious texts.
1. Maharshi:- Maharishi is considered a high rank among rishis. A person who reaches the highest limit of knowledge and austerity is called Maharishi. Above them only Brahmarishis are considered.
2. Rajarshi:-If a king acquires knowledge of the level of Rishis, then he is called Rajarshi.
3. Devarshi:-If a Deva acquires too much knowledge then he is called Devarshi, like Narada Muni who is a Devarshi.
4. Brahmarshi:-Brahmarshis are those who have immense spiritual knowledge, such as Brahmarshi Vasishtha and Brahmarshi Vishwamitra who were the guru of Shri Ram.
On the other hand, the word Muni is derived from the Sanskrit word Manan, which means to think. Muni has always been known to think very deeply and his thinking power is far ahead of us. They speak very little and take an oath to keep silent and acquire knowledge of Vedas and scriptures.
Generally, a person who practices sadhana (disciplined and dedicated practice in religion) is called a sadhu. A sadhu is said to be the person who always walks on the right path and never does wrong to anyone. Sometimes the word sadhu is also used to differentiate between a good and a bad person. One does not need to be a scholar to become a sadhu because anyone can do sadhana.
On the other hand, Sanyasis are those people who have renounced this world and given up all worldly desires, and have chosen the only path to attain God.
A yogi is a practitioner of yoga or meditation. Yogis call themselves as saints and spend their whole life worshiping God in an ascetic discipline.
Sants are those who have attained knowledge through rigorous penance so that they can benefit society. A Sant always practices truth and is enlightened. Sant Kabir Das, Sant Tulsidas, and Sant Ravidas are perfect examples of Sants. If simply said, Sants are those who show the right path to society. Many Sadhus and Sanyasis cannot become Sants because they leave their families and go to attain salvation, which means they have already relinquished their responsibilities. In real words, the one who maintains the balance between the world and spirituality is called a true Sant.
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