Rishi and Muni

The rishis are seers and munis are the spokesmen. We generally get confused and think that Rishis and Munis are same. It is interesting to note that they are different.

The word Rishi has four meanigs –
1. Speed,
2. Shruti (that which is heard),
3. Truth and
4. Austerity.
Lord Brahma says that one who has these four qualities is called Rishi.

In Taittiriya Aranyaka it is explained that in the beginning there was only austerity - Tapas. Lord Brahma imparted the Vedas and Shrutis to these Rishis who were undergoing great austerities. These rishis then propogated the mantras or the hymns to their disciples and thus the chain was formed.

The Muni is one who is also undergoing austerities. He lives like a mendicant and nomad and spends his night wherever he finds some shelter at night. Bhagavad Gita also states that
1. one who is not affected by miseries,
2. not bothered about material comforts and
3. free from anger and fear
is called muni.

This certifies that Puranas are not ordinary or written by some persons with
ulterior motives. They are transcendental.