The term rishi means “a seer,” or “one who is foresighted.” In the mythology the term rishi is interchangeable with sage, or may even be used for a distinguished priest (brahmin). Another related term would be guru (teacher). The
seven sages (sapta-rishis) were also known as the maharishis—the seven. Some disciples of modern sages appropriate the ancient title of maharishi for their teacher, but properly it refers to those seven who preserve the divine scriptures, the Vedas, at the beginning of each age.
