A Devotee Is Also Called A Muni
In Vedic terminology, a muni is typically understood as a thoughtful sage or a philosopher who engages in mental speculation. The scriptures state, nāsau munir yasya mataṁ na bhinnam: one is not considered a muni unless he puts forward a theory that differs from others. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda elevates this concept, explaining that a pure devotee is the actual muni. While a materialist is thoughtful about improving material conditions, a devotee is always thoughtful about improving their service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Meaning of Muni
The word muni has various meanings, including "thoughtful," "grave," "ascetic," and "one who keeps great vows." In the context of the famous ātmārāma verse, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that it can even refer to a bird or a large black bee. Generally, however, it denotes a person who is absorbed in mental activity or meditation.
- A devotee is also called a muni. The word muni means "thoughtful."
- The word 'muni' refers to one who is thoughtful, one who is grave or silent, an ascetic, one who keeps great vows, one in the renounced order and a saint. These are the different meanings of the word 'muni'.
- It is said that every muni has a different angle of vision, and unless a muni differs from other munis, he cannot be called a muni in the strict sense of the term. Nasau munir yasya matam na binnam.
Perfection: Sthita-dhī-muni
The Bhagavad-gītā describes the sthita-dhī-muni—the sage of steady mind. Unlike the ordinary speculator who is agitated by the mind, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the Kṛṣṇa conscious muni has finished all speculative business and has come to the conclusion that Vāsudeva is everything. Such a person does not need to retire to the forest artificially; they are situated in yoga (yoga-yukta) wherever they are.
- A sthita-dhi-muni as mentioned herein (BG 2.56) by the Lord, is different from an ordinary muni The sthita-dhi-muni is always in Krsna consciousness, for he has exhausted all his business of creative speculation.
- Always thinking in Krsna consciousness, that is called yoga-yukta. Yoga-yukto muni. Muni. Muni means one who is thoughtful, he's called muni.
- A devotee should not be greedy. It is also recommended that the devotee should be muni, or thoughtful; he should always think of Krsna and how to render better service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That should be his only anxiety.
Great Munis and Incarnations
The history of Vedic culture is filled with great munis. Foremost among them, Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights Vyāsadeva, the compiler of the Vedas, who is known as Mahā-muni. Lord Kapila, an incarnation of Kṛṣṇa, appeared as a muni to teach the Sāṅkhya philosophy and devotion to His mother, Devahūti. Śukadeva Gosvāmī is celebrated as muni-sattama, the best of the sages.
- Among the munis, or learned men conversant in Vedic knowledge, Vyasa is the greatest because he explained Vedic knowledge in many different ways for the understanding of the common mass of people in this Age of Kali.
- Kapila Muni is the direct expansion of Krsna, who is the sun of spiritual knowledge.
- Maharaja Pariksit was rajarsi-sattama, the best of all saintly kings, and Sukadeva Gosvami was muni-sattama, the best of munis. Both of them were elevated because of their common interest in krsna-katha.
Risk of Falldown
Without the shelter of devotional service, being a muni is risky. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the examples of Saubhari Muni and Viśvāmitra Muni. Despite their great austerities and yogic powers, they fell down due to material allurements (sex desire). This proves that mental speculation or mechanical yoga alone cannot protect one from the modes of material nature; only the mercy of Kṛṣṇa can.
- The falldown of Saubhari Muni, who was supposed to be absorbed in spiritual bliss by meditation, is an instruction to the offender of Vaisnavas.
- There is every chance of failure on the yogic path when a great sage like Visvamitra Muni falls down due to material allurement. Although the muni fell for the time being, he again resolved to go on with the yoga process, and this should be our resolve.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that while the path of the muni typically involves arduous mental gymnastics and austerity, the path of the devotee is one of joyful absorption in Kṛṣṇa. By thinking of Kṛṣṇa twenty-four hours a day, the devotee achieves the perfection that often eludes the dry speculator. Thus, to be a true muni, one must become a pure devotee.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Muni. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.