Vasishta Muni: The epitome of Patience, the ideal family man, and a star

          Every man reaps the consequences of his own acts. Even a reactionary act has its consequences. In any given situation, anger is the passion of fools. The wise are dispassionate towards anger. Anger is evil and anger is poison, say the noble souls. 

          Vasishta Muni was the Manasaputra (born of the mind) of Brahman (the creator). He is the husband of Arundhati (the star). The Arundhati-Vasishta Nakshatra are the only "twin-stars in the sky that revolve around one another. In all other twin stars, one star revolves around the other. That is why the newly wed couples are made to see the "Arundhati-Vasishta" Nakshatra, as they are the ideals of how a couple must be. Also Vasishta Muni is one among the Saptarshis (The seven Great Rishis who are also apparently part of the constellation, Saptarshi Mandala).

Arunshathi-Vasishta Twin Stars

Saptarishi Mandala 

           The Puranas heap praises on Vasishta for his unique quality of patience. He had the patience par the mother earth herself. It so happened that once, King Koushika (later Sage Vishwamitra) came to the ashram of Vasishta along with his large army. Vasishta, a poor hermit had not many resources to feed such a huge army. Yet, he fed them all with sumptuous meal. A surprised Koushika enquired about this miracle and found about the Cow Nandini (Daughter of heavenly Kamadhenu), the fulfilling goddess, prepared all the sumptuous meal for the entire army. It was a wish fulfilling cow and could grant anything. Koushika insisted Vasishta to give the cow to him in return for massive gold and wealth. Vasishta refused, Koushika ordered his army to kidnap the cow. The unprotected Sage Vasishta was beaten and harassed by the army. Seeing the plight of its master, Nandini, built her own army with her powers and destroyed the army of Koushika within minutes. It was then that Koushika realised the power of knowing "Brahman" (the ultimate realty). Drawing inspiration from Vasishta, Vishwamitra took to penance and become a "Brahma Jnani" himself. Vishwamitra though could not let go his anger towards Vasishta. Though being beaten up by an army of strong men, Vasishta never let his cool or lose his temper. 

On another occasion, Vasishta's hundred sons were killed by Kalmashapada (who was engulfed by a spirit named kinkara at the behest of Vishwamitra), a king of the Ikshwaku race who was cursed to become a man-eater by a certain Brahmana. The Brahmana was none other than Shakti, the son of Sage Vasishta. Even at such a difficult time of grief, Vasishta kept calm and had no hatred towards Vishwamitra or even Kalmashapada. During this time of grief, Vasishta tried to commit suicide. Neigh the ocean would not allow him to drown, nor did fire burn him. He tried to drown in a river named Haimavati, but the river, recognizing him as a Brahmana of great merit, fled in a hundred directions to avoid him. Such was the greatness of Vasishta, whom even the nature herself refused to consume. However, the progeny of Vasishta is restored through his grandson Parashara, the son of Shakti (the eldest among his hundred dead sons). 

Shakti Cursing Kalmashapada for blocking his way in a narrow path

          Verily, there is no match to Vasishta will power and his patience. No one has and will match Vasishta. He is a gem never to be. He is example and an ideal for all. May his blessings guide us in the path of forgiveness, perseverance, self-restraint, forbearance, tolerance, and acceptance.