The people of ancient times were inclined to give their attention not only to the external world of inert matter, but also to the world within, the vital world of consciousness. Those sages who understood the importance of such contemplation comprise the prime subject matter of this book. Especially in the troubled world of today, it is by the conscientious study of their activities and teachings that we may come to understand the Absolute Truth, or the Ultimate Reality, and attain lasting peace and joy. The pastimes of such great, sagely personalities have been narrated in detail in an ancient collection of works known as the Puranas, as well as in timeless epics such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and other Vedic literatures. In this book, Srila Bhakti Ballabha Tirtha Goswami Maharaja, a bona fide self-realized representative of the bhakti (devotional) lineage, has narrated important episodes and addressed salient points from these literatures. Thus, the avid reader may understand their inner meaning and apply this knowledge to their search for real happiness. Ultimately, such unadulterated, permanent happiness, according to the devotional tradition, is realized as the attainment of pure love of God, Sri Krishna.

The foundations of Hinduism are the eternal and super sensuous truths discovered by ancient Indian sages. Most of them are unknown. The truths discovered by them are known as the Vedas. Sages are the great souls who have found out the truth and devoted their life, energy and experience for the welfare of the people. They are extraordinary human beings having great wisdom, vast experience and character worthy of imitation. They gifted everything to the world without seeking fame or any kind of gain. Welfare of the world was their sole objective. According to Hindu chronology, the period of the ancient sages is till the end of Dwapara Yuga, which is about 5000 years back. The penetration of these sages in the subjects they dealt with is very profound and clear. The later generation just interpreted their work and followed their footsteps. India has been blessed from time immemorial by the advent of innumerable sages. In this book you can read the stories of some of these known sages.

The book comprises two parts part I deals with the socio-historical aspects of family of the Vedic Seer Bharadvaja and Part II discusses the significant contribution the family has made to the various fields of Indian culture.

Indian Saints and Sages presents in short the celestial power, and miraculous and supernatural wonders by numerous Saints who were enlightened and brilliant persons with blissful souls. Their appearance was divine and the departure sublime. Most of them took SamĠdhi alive and in the presence of many; some entered the caves and never returned back, some changed into blazing light and some became flowers. The book tells how the God came to eat from the hands of devotees, played with them, listened to their discourses and hymns and fulfilled their simple, general, esoteric and extraordinary desires. This work describes wonderful and mind-boggling sacrifices. It shows and establishes that man is man only when he achieves distinction in all the four pursuits, PurushĠrth: Dharma, Artha, KĠma and Moksha. Kindness, Charity, Help, Contentment, and Sacrifices are the ways to Salvation, Freedom from the cycle of Birth and Death, and entry to Heavenly Abode. ‘Indian Saints and Sages’ shows the ways and means to all round prosperity, health, happiness, and full and complete living. It shows how to accumulate and spread Sweetness, Light, Delight and Fragrance, ensuring continuity to life and making the earth a better place to live and grow.

India traces its roots to sages, rishis, and seers of truth. It is proud to trace its ancestry to the half-clad sages who had nothing in this world and yet ruled the hearts of millions, sages to whom the even mighty emperors bowed down and sought counsel from. It is pride in our glorious past and ancestors that inspire us to strive to create a better country for the future generations. This book published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math presents short lives of thirty-four of our ancient sages and seers. A detailed Glossary and Genealogy enhance the value of the book.