Shloka 7
Vasiṣṭha on Saṃsāra, Guṇas, and Misattributed Agency
Mahābhārata 12.292
रन्तिदेवेन लोकेष्टा सिद्धि: प्राप्ता महात्मना । फलपपत्रैरथो मूलैर्मुनीनर्चितवांश्ष सः
rāntidevena lokeṣṭā siddhiḥ prāptā mahātmanā | phala-pattrair atho mūlaiḥ munīn arcitavān saḥ ||
The great-souled King Rantideva attained that perfection which is desired by all in the world. He won it by honoring sages with simple offerings—fruits, leaves, and roots—showing that sincere reverence and selfless hospitality, not luxury, is what bears the highest spiritual fruit.
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
True spiritual success (siddhi) arises from dharmic conduct—especially sincere reverence and service to the wise—performed with whatever simple means one has, rather than from wealth or display.
Parāśara cites King Rantideva as an example: by worshipfully receiving and honoring sages with modest forest-like offerings (fruits, leaves, roots), Rantideva attained a highly desired spiritual accomplishment.