By Victor M Fontane
It is said in the Bhagwat-Gita, 4/7-8, that when true Dharma—which in essence is the eternal and truthful law governing the life of the human race as laid down by the ancient scriptures, and envisaged by wise and erudite ancient sages and seers as a path that would not only provide peace and harmony but also lead one to his final liberation and deliverance from the misery of birth and death so characteristic of this mortal and deluding world, the laws and codes of conduct that bring a man closer to God as the Lord represents all that is divine, righteous, auspicious, holy, noble and pious—is eclipsed and neglected by its followers who are overwhelmed by A-Dharma or villany, the Lord God intervenes to restore the balance in favour of the Dharma. This task is accompalised by the Lord in two ways—either coming down to earth as an incarnation, or empowering some human being with the mystical powers of the Holy Spirit to do the job for the Lord God. We may call such men by many epithets—sages, seers, saints, prophets, teachers, preceptors, etc., but the intent and the aim is the same.
The image shows artistic depictions of 12 sages. They all appear to be standing on water, with a sunset scene in the background.
Each sage's name is written above their depiction. They are:
1. Vyasa
2. Brihaspati
3. Vishwamitra
4. Shukracharya
5. Kapila
6. Agastya
7. Kashyapa
8. Parashara
9. Vasishtha
10. Bhrigu
11. Durvasa
12. Bharadvaja
The sages shown in the image are highly revered and influential in Hinduism. They are renowned for their wisdom, penance, and spiritual accomplishments.
This image illustrates the importance and role of the great sages in Hinduism.
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