In yoga tradition, a Rishi (pronounced “ree-shee”) refers to an enlightened sage or seer who has received divine knowledge through direct revelation. The word comes from the Sanskrit root “rsh,” meaning “to see” or “to know.” Rishis are venerated as the inspired poets and saints who composed the Vedas, India’s most ancient sacred texts, and established the foundations of yoga philosophy.
According to Hindu tradition, there were seven primary Rishis (Saptarishis): Kashyapa, Atri, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Bharadvaja. These legendary figures are revered not just as scholars but as beings who achieved extraordinary spiritual powers (siddhis) through their intense meditation practices and austerities. Many yoga postures and practices are attributed to these ancient sages—for example, Vishwamitra is credited with creating the sun salutation sequence (Surya Namaskar).
The Rishis lived in forest hermitages or mountain caves, devoting themselves to spiritual practices while teaching disciples who sought their wisdom. Their lifestyle embodied the ideal of simple living and high thinking that continues to inspire modern yoga practitioners. The concept of living as a Rishi involves developing direct perception of reality beyond intellectual understanding.
In contemporary yoga, the term “Rishi” is sometimes used as an honorific title for highly respected yoga masters who have attained profound spiritual insight. The ancient Rishis remain important role models for serious practitioners, representing the ultimate goal of yoga: direct experiential knowledge of universal truths.
