THE TITLE AT LAST

Viswamithra was upset, that, despite years of asceticism, his great rival, Vasishta addressed him only as Rajarishi, and not by the coveted appellation, Brahmarishi. So, one moonlit night he crouched behind the seat of Vasishta, when he was teaching a group of disciples, determined to kill him with the sharp sword he had brought with him. He sat unseen amidst the bushes for a moment to listen to what Vasishta was telling them.

What was his surprise when he heard Vasishta describing the charming moonlight and comparing it to the heart of Viswamithra, cool, bright, curative, heavenly, universal, all pleasing! The sword fell from his grasp. He ran forward and prostrating at the feet of his rival, he held the feet.

Vasishta recognised Viswamithra and accosting him, “Oh Brahmarishi, rise up,” he lifted him on to his own seat. Vasishta explained that he could not be styled Brahmarishi, so long as the ego persisted in him. When the swelling of the head disappeared and he fell at the feet of his rival, he became entitled for the honour he no longer coveted, and so deserved.