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 ||
Le roi Rantideva, à l’âme magnanime, atteignit cette perfection que tous les hommes du monde désirent. Il l’obtint en honorant les sages par de simples offrandes — fruits, feuilles et racines — montrant que c’est la révérence sincère et l’hospitalité désintéressée, non le luxe, qui portent le plus haut fruit spirituel.
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.