Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa: The Sage of Ancient India
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa is one of the most revered sages in Hindu mythology. His full name, Krishna Dwaipayana, translates to "black" or "dark-skinned" and refers to his complexion, while "Dwaipayana" means "island-born." He is often referred to as Veda-Vyasa, which implies that he was the compiler of the Vedas, ancient Hindu scriptures.
Birth and Death Dates
The exact dates of Vyasa's birth and death are unknown. However, it is believed that he lived during the Dwapara Yuga, one of the four ages or yugas in Hindu cosmology. According to some accounts, he was born on the island of Bhauma in the Yamuna River around 3000 BCE.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Vyasa was an Indian sage, philosopher, and poet who lived during a time when ancient India was transitioning from the Vedic period to the epic age. His primary profession was that of a rishi or seer, which involved composing sacred hymns and scriptures.
Early Life and Background
Vyasa's early life is shrouded in mystery. However, it is said that he was born after his mother had been blessed by the god Narayana (an incarnation of Vishnu) and that she conceived him while on a pilgrimage to the holy river Ganges. Vyasa's father, Parashara, was also a sage who had previously impregnated another woman, Satyavati. This union resulted in a son named Chitrangada.
Major Accomplishments
Vyasa is credited with several major accomplishments that have shaped Hinduism and Indian literature. Some of his notable contributions include:
Compilation of the Vedas: Vyasa is said to have compiled the four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda) from the various hymns and mantras composed by earlier sages.
Composition of the Mahabharata: Vyasa is credited with writing the epic poem, the Mahabharata, which contains over 100,000 verses. This work includes stories about the Pandavas and the Kauravas, as well as philosophical discussions on dharma (duty), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation).
Authorship of the Puranas: Vyasa is also credited with writing several other sacred texts known as the Puranas, which contain stories about the gods and goddesses of Hinduism.Notable Works or Actions
Vyasa's works have had a profound impact on Indian culture and literature. Some of his notable writings include:
The Bhagavad Gita: This chapter from the Mahabharata contains philosophical discussions between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu) on the nature of reality, duty, and spirituality.
The Harivamsa: This work is an appendix to the Mahabharata and provides a detailed account of the lives of the Pandavas and the Kauravas.Impact and Legacy
Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa's contributions have had a lasting impact on Indian culture, literature, and spirituality. His works continue to be studied and revered by millions around the world.
Influence on Hinduism: Vyasa's writings have shaped the development of Hinduism and its various branches.
Literary Significance: His compositions have been considered some of the greatest works of Indian literature for centuries.
Philosophical Contributions: His discussions on dharma, artha, kama, and moksha continue to inspire spiritual seekers and philosophers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa is widely quoted and remembered due to his profound contributions to Hinduism, literature, and philosophy. His works have inspired countless generations of Indians and non-Indians alike, making him one of the most revered sages in human history.
His quotes and teachings continue to be studied and referenced by scholars, spiritual seekers, and philosophers worldwide.
Quotes by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
Yet there are always a few who are not content to spend their lives indoors. Simply knowing there is something unknown beyond their reach makes them acutely restless. They have to see what lies outside – if only, as George Mallory said of Everest, “because it’s there.
The Yaksha asked, ‘What is that which, if renounced, maketh one agreeable? What is that which, if renounced, leadeth to no regret? What is that which, if renounced, maketh one wealthy? And what is that which if renounced, maketh one happy?’ Yudhishthira answered, ‘Pride, if renounced, maketh one agreeable; wrath, if renounced leadeth to no regret: desire, if renounced, maketh one wealthy: and avarice, if renounced, maketh one happy.
While seeing or hearing, touching or smelling; eating, moving about, or sleeping; breathing 9 or speaking, letting go or holding on, even opening or closing the eyes, they understand that these are only the movements of the senses among sense objects. 10.
46 Meditation is superior to severe asceticism and the path of knowledge. It is also superior to selfless service. May you attain the goal of meditation, Arjuna! 47 Even among those who meditate, that man or woman who worships me with perfect faith, completely absorbed in me, is the most firmly established in yoga.
Just as the world dissolves into a sea of energy, the mind dissolves into a river of impressions and thoughts, a flow of fragmentary data that do not hold together.
Weapons, such as arrows, bullets, and bearded darts, can be easily extracted from the body, but a wordy dagger plunged deep into the heart is incapable of being taken out. Wordy arrows are shot from the mouth; smitten by them one grieveth day and night.
Even one who inquires after the practice of meditation rises above those who simply perform rituals.
You have the right to action, but not to the fruits of action”: each of us has the obligation to act rightly, but no power to dictate what is to come of what we do.
The Yaksha asked, ‘What is the soul of man? Who is that friend bestowed on man by the gods? What is man’s chief support? And what also is his chief refuge?’ Yudhishthira answered, ‘The son is a man’s soul: the wife is the friend bestowed on man by the gods; the clouds are his chief support; and gift is his chief refuge.
Providence controlled everything. Men were simply instruments of destiny, driven by desire and hate. The.