Teachings of Saptarishis

myNachiketa
Sep 4
4 min read

In ancient India, there lived seven very wise men called the Saptarishis. People respected them for their great knowledge and their deep understanding of life and the universe. They guided people with their teachings, just like the wise elders we hear about in stories who always give good advice. The word ‘Sapta’ means seven in Sanskrit, and ‘Rishi’ means sage or wise person. That is why they are together called the Seven Sages.

myNachiketa presents Teachings of Saptarishis for children to learn wisdom, live with kindness, and connect with the timeless values of our culture.

The Seven Great Sages

The Saptarishis are revered in Indian tradition, known for their immense knowledge and spiritual contributions. Let’s meet these distinguished sages:

Rishi Vashishta: The master of wisdom and the Vedas. He gave deep philosophical and spiritual teachings, showing how to stay calm even in tough times. He taught that truth and goodness always win. He often spoke about Dharma, meaning righteousness and performing duties. He taught people to lead their lives with honesty and to always choose what’s right.
Rishi Atri: A devoted sage known for his spiritual practices. He taught us the importance of self-discipline and seeking knowledge through our own experiences (self-realization). Just like how we learn better when we practice things ourselves, He emphasized personal learning. Imagine doing your homework before playing outside—just like Rishi Atri taught us to focus and work hard.

Rishi Bharadvaja: was a sage who knew a lot about health! He studied Ayurveda, which is all about keeping our bodies healthy and happy. He taught us that physical well-being is essential and that we can learn about this through nature- yoga and meditation. Remember how you feel great after eating fruits and veggies? That’s the wisdom of Bharadvaja helping us!

Rishi Vishwamitra: known for Vedic Knowledge and Literature. He was once a king, he became a sage through hard work and dedication. Rishi Vishwamitra contributed many hymns to the Rig Veda and showed that determination can help anyone rise to greatness.

Rishi Gautama: is known for Dharma and Justice. Rishi Gautama explained dharma—living with truth, fairness, and responsibility. Just like rules in a game keep it fair, dharma keeps our life and society fair and peaceful.
Rishi Jamadagni: known for Honesty and Discipline. He lived a life of simplicity and self-control. By following his example, we learn that true strength is not in wealth but in living with honesty, discipline, and respect for others.
Rishi Kashyapa: known for connection with nature. Called the “father of many beings,” Rishi Kashyapa taught us to respect all living creatures. He reminded us that Earth is our Dharti Mata, and we must live in harmony with nature.

Core Teachings of the Saptarishis

A. Dharma (Righteous Duty)

Dharma is guide us towards what is right and just. It means fulfilling our responsibilities while being honest and kind. Just picture yourself helping a friend who is struggling with homework—that's living your Sva-Dharma, your personal duty!

Dharma includes:

Sva-Dharma: Your own special duties and responsibilities, depending on who you are (like a student’s duty is to study and respect elders).
Samanya Dharma: The common duties everyone should follow, like being kind, honest, and helpful.

B. Karma (Action and Consequence)

Karma teaches us that every action has a consequence, just like when you toss a ball—if you throw it hard, it goes far! Doing good deeds will bring good experiences, but negative actions may lead to sadness.

Perform actions selflessly, like helping others without expecting something in return!
Understanding Karma encourages us to live mindfully and show compassion.

C. Pursuit of Knowledge

Knowledge is like a treasure chest, full of secrets waiting to be discovered. The Saptarishis encourage us to seek knowledge through reading and learning. Here are two fun ways to do that:

Meditation: Taking a moment to breathe and think deeply.
Studying Scriptures: Reading texts like the Vedas or Upanishads helps us understand ourselves better.

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Spiritual Practices

The Saptrishis also taught us how to incorporate spirituality into our everyday lives!

Meditation

Meditation helps calm our thoughts so we can understand who we truly are. It’s a great way to stay focused, especially before exams!

Rituals and Offerings

When we perform rituals with a pure heart, it helps us connect with something greater than ourselves, much like lighting a candle to brighten a dark room.

Connection with Nature

Just like the Saptarishis taught us to respect our environment, taking care of plants and animals helps us learn the importance of harmony and balance in life.

Conclusion

The teachings of the Saptarishis are like timeless wisdom that guide us in living a good life. By following dharma (doing the right things), karma (our actions), remembering that we are all connected, and always staying curious to learn, we can live peacefully and happily.

Let us keep these lessons in our hearts and share them with others. When we do this, we spread the light of wisdom around us.

By following the Saptarishis’ teachings, our lives can be full of kindness, courage, and joy.