Vyāsa

The Eternal Guru: Vyāsa Maharṣi

The sacred birth of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, the Jagadguru who revealed the avatar secrets of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Paramātma and unfolded the greatness of the Guru-tattva to the world, has been commemorated as Guru Pūrṇimā for the past five thousand years.

Bhārata’s history, the Vedas, Itihāsas, Purāṇas, rituals, worship traditions, and the entire dharma system are the blessings of Vyāsa Maharṣi.

The Birth of Vyāsa Maharṣi

In Brahmā’s creation, there arose a need for someone who possessed complete knowledge of the Vedas to assist him in spreading that wisdom. For this purpose, Śrīhari manifested a being called Apāntaratama, who was given the knowledge of the Vedas directly from Brahmā in the Parā state. Śrīhari instructed him:

“Absorb the Vedas and the Śruti that I have given you from within myself. Propagate this knowledge.”

Thus was born Vedavyāsa. The word Vyāsa means ‘to expand’ or ‘to propagate.’ Hence, Vedavyāsa is the one who expanded and systematized the Vedas for humanity.

Before Vyāsa, the Vedas were experienced as ṛṣi-darśana—direct realization. Vyāsa Maharṣi classified, organized, and structured the vast Vedic knowledge and made it accessible.

Vyāsa’s Role as the Compiler of the Vedas

Vyāsa Maharṣi took the formless śruti transmitted by Brahmā and gave it structured vāk rūpa—oral form. He externalized the Vedas, codified them, and made them available for recitation and practice. For this contribution, Śrīhari blessed him with the name Vedavyāsa:

“You have fulfilled my sankalpa. Therefore, you will be called Vedavyāsa. In all manvantaras, you will continue this work. You will be honored among the muni-īśvaras and be recognized as eternal (sanātana). You will roam the worlds carrying this knowledge.”

Śrīhari foretold that in the Vaivasvata Manvantara, Vyāsa would be born as the grandson of Vasiṣṭha and the son of Parāśara Maharṣi. At a time when the Kuru dynasty would be destroyed due to internecine war, and the Vedas themselves would face a crisis, Vyāsa would restore and reorganize them. He would also be the ultimate source of clarification for any doubts, even those arising in trikāla-jñānins.

The Birth of Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana

Vyāsa Maharṣi’s birth is described in detail in the Ādi Parva of Mahābhārata. He was born to Satyavatī. As soon as he was born, he appeared as a fully grown adult. He told his mother:

“Whenever you remember me, I will come. Whatever work you have for me, call me and I shall appear.”

After receiving her permission, he went into tapas.

Because he was born in Kṛṣṇa Dvīpa, he is called Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana. He is described as being dark-skinned (kṛṣṇa) and born in an island (dvīpa) amidst a river. Some Purāṇas say he had a form that was not pleasing to the senses, possibly because his mother Satyavatī was known as Matsyagandhī. Hence, he did not prefer to live in society and chose solitary tapas.

The Events of the Kuru Dynasty

The Kuru king Śantanu, the last glorious king, married Satyavatī and had two sons, Citrāṅgada and Vicitravīrya.

• Citrāṅgada died in a battle with the Gandharva king of the same name.
• Vicitravīrya married Ambikā and Ambālikā, daughters of the king of Kāśī, but died childless.

At this point, Satyavatī requested Bhīṣma to take the throne, but he refused due to his terrible vow (bhīṣma pratijñā). As the dynasty was at risk of extinction, she remembered her son Vyāsa Maharṣi and summoned him.

Vyāsa came and agreed to perform niyoga dharma to preserve the lineage, but set a condition that the widows must observe vrata for one year. However, the union happened without this purification.

• Ambikā, seeing Vyāsa’s appearance, closed her eyes, resulting in the birth of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who was blind.
• Ambālikā, overcome by fear, turned pale, resulting in Pāṇḍu, who was born with a disease (pāṇḍu-roga).
• When requested again, Ambikā, unable to face Vyāsa, sent her maid. From this union was born Vidura, who was wise and virtuous.

Vyāsa’s Guidance to the Kuru Family

Vyāsa Maharṣi guided the Kuru family through critical moments. When Pāṇḍu died, Kuntī grieved deeply. Vyāsa consoled her by saying:

“Those who understand the nature of time know that the past is always better than the present or the future. Find peace in the memories of past joy. Do not place hopes in the future.”

This profound teaching reflects the hard truth of life—that clinging to future expectations leads to suffering. He advised Kuntī to turn to tapas as the ultimate refuge.

Similarly, Satyavatī approached Vyāsa for guidance. He instructed her, Ambikā, and Ambālikā in yoga mārga. All three, led by Satyavatī, undertook tapas and ultimately left their bodies in the yogic way.

Vyāsa Maharṣi’s Guidance During the Kuru Crisis

The Mahābhārata began to unfold with complex events in the Kuru dynasty.

Pāṇḍu Rāja, after expanding his kingdom and establishing excellent governance, unfortunately died prematurely due to a curse. His sons were left fatherless. As Dhṛtarāṣṭra was the elder, he ascended the throne, despite his blindness.

Although Pāṇḍu had served the kingdom with righteousness and protected the people, his sons now had to depend on Dhṛtarāṣṭra, their uncle, for support.

Vyāsa’s assistance to Pandavas before the war

The Lākṣāgṛha Conspiracy

The Kauravas and Pāṇḍavas were living together in the same household, leading to inevitable disputes. To eliminate the Pāṇḍavas, Dhṛtarāṣṭra suggested they move to Vāraṇāvata, a distant village, under the pretense of ensuring their safety.

Under his permission, Duryodhana constructed a lākṣāgṛha—a house of lac (wax)—with the intention of burning the Pāṇḍavas alive. However, Bhīma managed to save his family from the fire. The Pāṇḍavas escaped into the forest.

Bhīma’s Marriage and the Refuge in the Hermitage

During Pāṇḍavas exile, Bhīma married Hiḍimbā, a rākṣasī. The Pāṇḍavas then reached the hermitage of Śālihotra Muni, who protected and guided them.

At this juncture, Vyāsa Maharṣi appeared to them. He said to Dharmarāja:

“You are well-versed in all dharmas. I know that you follow the righteous path. But the sorrow you now experience due to your relatives is a result of purā-kṛta-karma—past karmas. Do not grieve. In the future, you will reclaim your kingdom.

This hermitage of Śālihotra Muni is sacred. There is a pond nearby, and anyone who bathes in it will no longer feel hunger or thirst. Stay here peacefully for some time with the blessings of the muni.

Nearby is Eka-cakrapura. Once Śālihotra grants permission, go there in the guise of brāhmaṇas and live incognito. Continue to exist without revealing your presence to Dhṛtarāṣṭra.”

Life in Eka-cakrapura

With the muni’s permission and blessings, the Pāṇḍavas went to Eka-cakrapura, disguised as brāhmaṇas. They lived by begging alms from ten houses each day. The townspeople believed them to be simple mendicant brāhmaṇas.

Vyāsa’s guidance in Draupadī’s marriage with Pāṇḍavas

During their time in Eka-cakrapura, Vyāsa Maharṣi returned to meet the Pāṇḍavas. He informed them of Draupadī’s upcoming svayaṃvara arranged by Drupada. He revealed that after marrying Draupadī, the Pāṇḍavas would attain royal prosperity and rulership in the future.

Arjuna participated in the Matsya-yantra contest, where he succeeded in piercing the rotating fish target, thereby winning Draupadī’s hand.

Upon returning home with Draupadī, Arjuna announced, “Mother, today we have gained a great prize.” Without knowing what the prize was, Kuntī replied, “All of you share it equally.”

This statement led to confusion about the marital arrangement with Draupadī.

Vyāsa Maharṣi Explains Draupadī’s Previous Birth

At this crucial moment, Vyāsa Maharṣi explained Draupadī’s pūrva-janma-vṛttānta—her past life. He revealed that she was born for a specific purpose (kāraṇa-janma), and that it was ordained for her to marry all five Pāṇḍavas.

He clarified that it was dharmically acceptable for all five brothers to marry Draupadī due to her unique past karma.

Vyāsa Maharṣi and the Mahabharata War

Vyāsa Maharṣi’s Repeated Warnings to Dhṛtarāṣṭra

Vyāsa Maharṣi frequently visited Dhṛtarāṣṭra to prevent the malicious intentions of Duryodhana and his companions. He repeatedly advised:

“What you and your sons are doing is adharma. It will not bring you or your sons any welfare. I am telling you this for your own good—follow the path of dharma. Do not harm the Pāṇḍavas.”

Despite his efforts, the wicked plans of the Kauravas continued, but Vyāsa Maharṣi managed to stop some of their schemes temporarily.

Preparing the Pāṇḍavas for Battle

While the Pāṇḍavas were in the forest during their araṇya-vāsa, they began to discuss the inevitability of war and assessed their strengths and weaknesses.

They said, “The Kaurava side has Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and Kṛpācārya. Can we defeat them? What are our capabilities compared to theirs?”

After they honored Vyāsa Maharṣi with arghya and pādya, he told them:

“You must possess greater astra-sampadā than Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and Kṛpa. I will teach you the path to acquire that strength. With the power of tapas and yoga, you will obtain divine weapons directly from the deities. I will give you the knowledge of Prati-smṛti Vidyā.”

Vyāsa imparted this to Arjuna and Dharmarāja, guiding them on how to obtain astra-bala from Indra, Kubera, Yama, Varuṇa, and ultimately Īśvara himself. He advised:

“After gaining this knowledge, you will be ready for war. Do not fear Bhīṣma and others. Leave Dvaitevana and proceed to Kāmika Vana. Travel along the banks of the Sarasvatī River near present-day Assam. Do not stay in one place for long. For your welfare, keep moving.”

Thus, Vyāsa Maharṣi continuously protected the Pāṇḍavas and guided them.

Vyāsa’s Revelation About the Outcome of War

During the Mahābhārata war, Sanjaya narrated the battle events daily to Dhṛtarāṣṭra. Once, Dhṛtarāṣṭra asked Sanjaya:

“Sanjaya! Since war is inevitable, who do you think will win?”

Sanjaya replied, “How can I say that? Remember Vyāsa.”

When Dhṛtarāṣṭra meditated on Vyāsa Maharṣi, he immediately appeared and said:

“The Pāṇḍavas will be victorious. Your sons will perish.”

Despite this clear prophecy, Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s mind did not change. He said:

“How can I save my sons? How can I accept their destruction? Naturally, I wish for my sons’ welfare even if it means the sons of my brother must suffer. Show me a solution.”

Vyāsa Maharṣi advised him to take refuge in Śrī Kṛṣṇa, but Dhṛtarāṣṭra failed to do so.

Vyāsa’s Gift of Divine Vision to Sanjaya

Vyāsa Maharṣi granted Sanjaya special powers to narrate the war to Dhṛtarāṣṭra in vivid detail. Sanjaya could:

• See both day and night happenings,
• Understand secret conversations,
• Know the thoughts of warriors, including what Kṛṣṇa would teach Arjuna in the middle of the battlefield,
• Travel swiftly and remain unharmed by weapons.

This divine vision allowed Sanjaya to narrate the entire Kurukṣetra war in real-time.

Consoling the Pāṇḍavas After Abhimanyu’s Death

When Abhimanyu died in the war, the Pāṇḍavas were drowned in grief. To console them, Vyāsa Maharṣi narrated ancient stories like the Suvarṇa-sthīvi episode and imparted spiritual wisdom to ease their sorrow.

The Secret of Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna

Once, Aśvatthāmā tried to annihilate Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna with the Nārāyaṇa Astra, intending to destroy them both with a single arrow. However, the weapon stopped near Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna and became ineffective.

Confused, Aśvatthāmā sought clarification from Vyāsa Maharṣi.

He asked, “If the Nārāyaṇa Astra cannot destroy Kṛṣṇa, can it at least kill Arjuna?”

Vyāsa replied:

“When you direct this weapon at both of them together, it must either destroy both or spare both. There is no middle path. This is not your weapon’s fault; it is your misunderstanding.”

The True Identities of Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna

Aśvatthāmā further asked, “Who are these Kṛṣṇārjuna?”

Vyāsa explained:

“Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi worshipped Śiva and obtained a boon to be free from death and pain from all śastra and astra. He is Kṛṣṇa in this life.

Arjuna is Nara Ṛṣi, a direct aspect of Śrīmannārāyaṇa. Due to Śiva’s boon, Kṛṣṇa is invincible, and no harm can come to him. Arjuna is part of that divine purpose.”

The Power of Śiva’s Worship

Aśvatthāmā argued, “But I too worshipped Śiva.”

Vyāsa explained:

“In your previous birth, you worshipped Śiva using a mṛṇmaya-liṅga (clay liṅga), whereas Kṛṣṇa performed arcana to the sākṣāt liṅga. Therefore, his worship was superior.”

Even if two people perform the same worship externally, the upāsya vastu bheda (the difference in the object of worship) results in vastly different fruits.

The Vision of the Trident-Bearing Figure

During battle, Arjuna once saw a divine figure holding a triśūla, slaying countless warriors while Arjuna shot arrows.

Arjuna asked Kṛṣṇa, “Who is this figure?”

Kṛṣṇa replied, “Ask Vyāsa Maharṣi. He will tell you.”

Vyāsa Reveals the Identity of the Divine Protector

Vyāsa appeared on the battlefield and said:

“The mahāpuruṣa you saw is Rudra Śiva himself. He has immense compassion for you. Not only did he grant you the Pāśupata Astra, but he has taken you under his protection. Wherever you go, he will shield you. He will wage your battles and destroy your enemies.”

Vyāsa instructed Arjuna to meditate upon Īśvara in the form of liṅga-dhyāna, assuring him that no weapon could harm him during battle.

Vyāsa Maharṣi’s contributions after the War

Vyāsa Maharṣi Consoles Dhṛtarāṣṭra

After the Kurukṣetra war, Dhṛtarāṣṭra was overcome with putra-śoka—grief for his sons. Fearing that his unbearable sorrow might lead him to curse the Pāṇḍavas, Vyāsa Maharṣi visited him. With great compassion, Vyāsa taught him tattva-bodha (the wisdom of reality) and calmed his grief, primarily to ensure the Pāṇḍavas’ welfare.

Guiding Yudhiṣṭhira to Accept Kingship

When the war ended, Yudhiṣṭhira lamented:

“So much bloodshed has occurred. I do not want this kingdom gained through such violence.”

Vyāsa Maharṣi appeared before him and instructed:

“No, O Dharmarāja! This destruction was destined from the beginning. It happened according to divine will. You were merely an instrument in this cosmic plan. If you refuse to rule after waging war, that too becomes adharma. As a kṣatriya, it is your duty to govern. Failing in this would bring you sin. Therefore, accept the throne and perform your duties righteously.”

Vyāsa taught him all aspects of dharma and adharma, narrated the story of Marutta, and advised performing the Aśvamedha Yajña. He guided the Pāṇḍavas in completing the Aśvamedha sacrifice.

Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Withdrawal to the Forest

Later, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Gāndhārī, Kuntī, and Vidura renounced worldly life and left for vānaprastha. Kuntī accompanied Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Gāndhārī, serving them in the forest.

When the Pāṇḍavas visited Vyāsa Maharṣi in his āśrama, he consoled them and explained the situation. Some texts state that the elders departed silently, while others describe Vyāsa meeting them afterward.

Granting Divine Vision to Dhṛtarāṣṭra

Upon seeing Vyāsa, Dhṛtarāṣṭra remembered his sons and wept again. Vyāsa comforted him and said:

“Ask for any boon that brings you peace.”

Dhṛtarāṣṭra requested:

“I wish to see my sons once more, even though they have passed away.”

With his yoga-bala, Vyāsa granted Dhṛtarāṣṭra the vision to see Duryodhana and the others in the celestial realms, enjoying happiness and bliss in svarga.

Revealing Past Lives and Granting Closure

Dhṛtarāṣṭra asked Vyāsa about his pūrva-janma (past life). Vyāsa revealed his previous births and explained the karmic reasons for his current situation.

Vyāsa instructed everyone to bathe in the Bhāgīratha River the next day. After the bath, the deceased warriors appeared before their families in divine forms. The departed souls conversed with their loved ones, bringing immense solace.

The wives of Duryodhana and the other warriors also attained divya-loka along with their husbands, as Vyāsa Maharṣi conferred divya-darśana upon them through his tapobala.

The Passing of the Elders

Gāndhārī, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Kuntī continued their tapas in the forest. After about thirty-five years, a dāvānala (forest fire) consumed the area. This was long after the Mahābhārata war, during which the Yādava clan perished, and Balarāma and Śrī Kṛṣṇa concluded their earthly avatāra.

Arjuna’s Power Diminishes

At that time, Arjuna, though once invincible with countless weapons, found himself powerless to protect the Yādava women from common robbers. His astra-vidyā faded, and he could not recall the necessary mantras.

Distressed, he approached Vyāsa Maharṣi, bowed down, and sought refuge.

Vyāsa explained:

“Strength exists only in the appropriate kāla (time). When time passes, so do buddhi, tejas, and bala. Childhood, youth, and life itself vanish. Wealth is lost even while you are still alive. Similarly, your puṇya has been expended. Everything has its own time.

Remember, Kṛṣṇa is Śrī Mahāviṣṇu himself. If his saṅkalpa does not permit it, no one can escape their fate. If his grace is there, no protection is needed; if not, no defense will suffice. Everything happened as it should. The robbers succeeded because of vidhi (destiny). Your time has come, Arjuna. The time for the Pāṇḍavas to begin mahāprasthāna has arrived.”

The Pāṇḍavas’ Final Journey

Following Vyāsa’s advice, the Pāṇḍavas undertook mahāprasthāna—the great journey toward the Himalayas, renouncing the world.

One by one, they fell along the path, leaving behind their mortal bodies. Yudhiṣṭhira alone continued walking until he too reached his destined place beyond the realms of this world.

Vyāsa Maharṣi: The Trikāla Vedi Who Composed the Mahābhārata

Vyāsa Bhagavān is revered as a trikāla-vedi—one who knows the past, present, and future. His composition of the Mahābhārata was not merely a documentation of events but an unveiling of their profound causes and cosmic significance.

Many sages and seers witnessed the events of the Mahābhārata era. They saw who was born, who performed what deeds, and who perished in battle. There were numerous eyewitnesses to the great war and the incidents that preceded and followed it. Yet, why was it only Vyāsa Maharṣi who composed the Mahābhārata?

The answer lies in Vyāsa’s unique vision. He alone understood the inner causes, the hidden karmic accounts, and the pūrva-janma sambandhas of all the beings involved. He knew the punya-viśeṣa—the merit and demerit accumulated by each soul over countless lifetimes. He comprehended the deeper rahasyas, the spiritual and cosmic secrets behind every event.

Each incident in the Mahābhārata, whether a birth, a death, or a battle, was not merely historical but metaphysical. Vyāsa Maharṣi alone had the vision to discern the mūla-kāraṇas—the root causes that led to these occurrences. Because of this supreme insight, he alone was qualified to compile and narrate the Mahābhārata in its entirety.

The Mahābhārata as the Fifth Veda

The Mahābhārata is not merely an itihāsa; it is revered as the Pañcama Veda—the Fifth Veda. It encompasses dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa, offering guidance for every aspect of life.

It is said that Vyāsa Maharṣi composed the Mahābhārata over the course of three years. This is mentioned in the Mausala Parva of the text itself. His work stands as a monumental contribution to humanity, serving as a mirror to society and a guide for righteous living.

Mahābhārata: The Legacy of Vyāsa Maharṣi

Because Vyāsa possessed knowledge of the past lives of each character, the causal web of their destinies, and the divine plan underlying the events, his narration of the Mahābhārata remains unparalleled.

Through his composition, he not only preserved history but revealed the dharma-artha of each action and consequence. His work is both a historical epic and a spiritual scripture, earning its place alongside the Vedas as an essential guide for all times.

The Mahābhārata, through the pen of Vyāsa Bhagavān, stands as a cosmic chronicle, illuminating the subtle interplay of karma, fate, and divine will across the ages.

The Encounter with the Kiṭaka and the Secrets of Jīva Dharma

Once, Vedavyāsa Maharṣi was walking along a path where chariots and carts frequently passed. On the same path, he noticed a tiny kiṭaka (insect) running frantically, dodging back and forth. Observing this, Vyāsa asked, “Why are you running in such fear? What has happened?”

The kiṭaka replied, “Mahātmā! I am terrified for my life. This road is used by heavy carts and chariots. If I get crushed beneath them, I will die. That is why I am trying to escape from this danger.”

Vyāsa asked, “You are a small insect. Why are you so eager to survive? Isn’t it better for you to die and be free from this insignificant existence? Why do you fear death so much?”

The kiṭaka answered, “O great sage! You are a supreme knower of truth, but perhaps you do not fully understand the jīva-lakṣaṇa—the essential nature of living beings. One must know avidyā and ajñāna as well, to guide others properly. We are ordinary jīvas bound by ignorance. We do not know why suffering and happiness come to us. For all of us, despite hardships, survival is itself bliss. Death is frightening. Please remember this, Mahātmā!”

Hearing this, Vyāsa Maharṣi contemplated the pūrva-janma of this kiṭaka. He realized that in its previous life, the insect had been a wealthy vaiśya addicted to sensual pleasures like meat and alcohol. However, despite his vices, the vaiśya had regularly performed dāna and honored brāhmaṇas. Due to that puṇya, he was reborn as this kiṭaka, but with the fortune of Vyāsa’s darśana.

Vyāsa told the kiṭaka, “Because of your previous good deeds, you have been blessed with my presence and conversation even in this form. Even devas who commit sins may be born as insects. But if there is sukṛta (merit), even an insect can attain divine realms. The secret of creation is mysterious and astonishing. The same being may be a deva today and a kiṭaka tomorrow.”

Vyāsa then said, “Through my tapo-bala, I will grant you a series of ten births. You will be born as a śūdra, then as a vaiśya, then as a brāhmaṇa. You will study the Vedas and Vedāṅgas, follow the path of dharma, attain svarga, and eventually reach mukti.”

All the pañca-bhūtas and devas praised Vyāsa Maharṣi for his compassion and grace, as recorded in the Ānuśāsanika Parva of the Mahābhārata.

The Division of the Vedas and the Spread of Knowledge

By the grace of Viṣṇu, Vyāsa was born in the ādi-janma, and by the command of Brahmā, he divided the Vedas into four parts:

• The first part, Ṛgveda, he taught to Paila.
• The second part, Yajurveda, he gave to Vaiśampāyana.
• The third part, Sāmaveda, he entrusted to Jaimini.
• The fourth part, Atharvaveda, he passed on to Sumantu.

He instructed his disciples to spread these Vedas.

For the Purāṇas and Itihāsas, he entrusted the knowledge to Sūta, the son of Romaharṣaṇa, and instructed him to disseminate them.

• Paila’s disciples propagated the Ṛgveda into many branches.
• Vaiśampāyana’s disciples spread the Yajurveda into 27 branches. Yājñavalkya Maharṣi learned the Śukla Yajurveda directly from Sūrya and propagated it separately.
• Jaimini’s disciples spread the Sāmaveda into various schools.
• Sūta spread the Purāṇas extensively.

Sūta further instructed six disciples—Suyati, Agnivarcā, Mitra, Śaṅkhapāla, Kṛtavrata, and Sāvarṇi—to spread these texts across all seven continents. Thus, Bharata’s Purāṇic culture expanded far beyond India into regions like Java, Borneo, and Malaysia, where these sacred stories persisted under different names.

The Desire for Progeny and the Birth of Śuka

After spreading the Vedas, Purāṇas, and fourteen vidyās, Vyāsa felt a longing for progeny. Since he had no wife, he went to Meru Parvata, to Karṇikāvana, and performed intense tapas for Rudra.

When Śiva appeared and asked him to request a boon, Vyāsa prayed for a sarvajña, all-knowing, all-pervading son. Śiva granted this boon with a tathāstu.

Returning to his āśrama, Vyāsa began araṇi mathana (churning sacred fire sticks). At that time, the apsarā Ghṛtācī appeared before him. Upon seeing her, Vyāsa’s mind wavered, and his śukla (seed) fell into the araṇi. From this, Śuka was born spontaneously.

Some Purāṇas state he was born in the form of a parrot (śuka), while others say he appeared in human form. Devas performed his upanayana saṁskāra, and Śuka learned dharma from his father.

Desiring brahma-jñāna, Śuka asked Vyāsa, “From whom should I learn the highest truth?”

Vyāsa directed him to Janaka, the king of Mithilā, known for his wisdom. There, Śuka received brahma-vidyā from Janaka and returned to his āśrama to continue his tapas.

The Blessing from Śiva and the Path of Renunciation

Later, Śiva appeared to Vyāsa again, saying, “I have granted you the son you desired. Do not grieve that he has renounced the world. I grant you a boon—he will always remain in your mind as a chāyā-rūpa (mental presence). Though he has gone, you will feel his companionship eternally.”

This was to prevent putra-moha (attachment to progeny) from arising in Vyāsa. The Iśvara intervenes to cut off such attachments, ensuring the sage remains steadfast in tapas and jñāna.

The Teachings of Vyāsa: Nitya Karmas and Dharma

Vyāsa Maharṣi prescribed daily brahma-muhūrta bathing and danta-dhāvana with twigs of specific trees. He instructed everyone to perform sandhyā-vandana, stating that without it, all other pujā, dāna, and vratas become fruitless.

He taught the pañca-yajñas: deva-yajña, pitṛ-yajña, bhūta-bali, atithi-pūjā, and svādhyāya.

In his teachings, compiled as the Vyāsa Saṁhitā, he detailed japa, japa-mālā, tīrtha-snāna, the importance of āghamaraṇa-mantras, and the supreme significance of Śiva-pūjā. He taught the vaiśvadeva karma, bhūta-bali, and the duties of all āśramas and varṇas, emphasizing bhagavad-dhyāna, bhakti, and a pavitra-jīvana-vrata (pure way of life).

The Vyāsa Smṛti and Dharma Śāstra

Vyāsa Smṛti is another text authored by Vyāsa Maharṣi, covering saṁskāras, vivāha-vidhi, strī-dharma, and nitya karma for women.

One famous verse from Vyāsa Smṛti illustrates his teaching on wealth:

yaddadāti yadaśnāti tadeva dhaninaṁ dhanam।
anye mṛtasya krīḍanti dārairapi dhanairapi॥

“The true wealth of a person is only what is given in charity and what is consumed. The rest becomes the property of others after death—enjoyed even by one’s own family without concern.”

Vyāsa Maharṣi’s teachings and restoration of Dharma

Vyāsa taught that the greatest accomplishment is vairāgya (detachment) and tapas (austerity). Accepting life as it is, seeking inner light, and not clinging to transient pleasures is the path to liberation.

His guidance transcends mere knowledge of Vedic texts. It is about seeing the truth of life, renouncing worldly attachments, and embracing the yoga of realization.

The Restoration of Dharma through Mahābhārata

As the Kuru dynasty declined and kali-yuga approached, Vyāsa Maharṣi composed the Mahābhārata to preserve dharma. He saw that the coming times would lead to confusion and degeneration of dharma and created a text that would serve as the pañcama Veda.

He did not only compile the Mahābhārata, but also composed Purāṇas, systematized the Vedas, and mentored great disciples like Paila, Vaiśampāyana, Jaimini, and Sumantu to propagate the knowledge.

Vyāsa’s Contribution to Dharma and Smṛti

Vyāsa Maharṣi is not only the compiler of the Vedas and Mahābhārata but also the author of numerous Purāṇas and Smṛtis. He codified rituals, social orders, and paths to mokṣa. His teachings span jñāna, bhakti, karma, and yoga.

His legacy remains timeless, guiding the world through both śruti and smṛti, standing as the cornerstone of Sanātana Dharma.

Vyāsa Smṛti is a text authored by Vyāsa Maharṣi, covering saṁskāras, vivāha-vidhi, strī-dharma, and nitya karma for women.

One famous verse from Vyāsa Smṛti illustrates his teaching on wealth:

yaddadāti yadaśnāti tadeva dhaninaṁ dhanam।
anye mṛtasya krīḍanti dārairapi dhanairapi॥

“The true wealth of a person is only what is given in charity and what is consumed. The rest becomes the property of others after death—enjoyed even by one’s own family without concern.”