The Ancient Indian Lifestyle that Helped Rishis Live Over 100 Years
Riya Kumari | Jan 10, 2025, 20:58 IST
In a world where we’re constantly trying to outpace time, the idea of living over 100 years with vitality and purpose might sound like an impossible fantasy. But there’s an ancient wisdom that suggests it’s not only possible—it’s within reach. Long before the wellness industry started peddling miracle cures and self-care trends, the rishis of ancient India had figured out a way to not just survive, but thrive well into their centennial years.
While the rest of us are over here trying to avoid awkward small talk at parties and figuring out how to survive on two hours of sleep (and half a bottle of coffee), these guys were casually living to be 100+ years old. And no, they weren’t sipping on kale smoothies or slathering their skin with organic avocado face masks (though, can we talk about how good avocado is for your skin?). The rishis were onto something deeper, something so simple and so ancient it’s almost like they were time travelers who knew all the secrets of the universe. So, what was their thing? Why were they living longer than your grandmother’s Tupperware?
1. The Magical Elixir: Routine
Now, I know what you're thinking: “A routine? Oh great, I came here for ancient wisdom, and you’re telling me these guys lived forever because they woke up at 5 AM every day?” Yes. Yes, I am. Because let’s be real, we all know we’re supposed to have a routine, but we’d rather be in denial about it. These rishis, however, were basically the OG self-care influencers. They practiced disciplined routines—eating, sleeping, meditating, and working in sync with the cycles of nature. They weren’t scrolling through TikTok at 2 AM, wondering why they hadn’t gotten 8 hours of sleep in three days. They didn’t need a fancy app to tell them that a consistent sleep schedule makes you feel like a human being, not a zombie.
2. The Art of Mindfulness
Picture this: you’re a rishi sitting under a tree in a quiet forest, meditating for hours. No Wi-Fi. No notifications. No deadline. Just you, your breath, and the occasional squirrel side-eyeing you like you’ve lost it. And they did this every day. Imagine the tranquility. It’s like a spa day for your soul. Meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing—they were basically living like they were on a permanent vacation from the chaos of the world. Meanwhile, you’re lucky if you can keep your mind from wandering after two minutes of trying to meditate without thinking about your laundry or the email you forgot to send. But hey, rishis had no distractions except maybe the occasional tiger or bear wandering by (which honestly, sounds like a better distraction than my inbox). Mindfulness wasn’t a buzzword back then, it was survival. These sages were cultivating clarity of mind and body, which—surprise, surprise—kept them healthier and more vibrant. No surprise they lived to see 100+ years, right?
3. Food for Thought
Let’s talk food, because, well, food is life. While we’re here eating ramen for lunch and calling it “adulting,” these rishis had their diets so on point it could probably bring about world peace. They ate fresh, seasonal foods—simple, nutritious, and never processed. No Swiggy or Zomato, just vegetables, fruits, grains, and the occasional herb that could probably heal a sprained ankle, soothe a stomach ache, and maybe even help you ace your next exam. Their food wasn’t just fuel—it was medicine. But you’d be surprised how few people actually believe this. I mean, when was the last time you heard someone say, “You know what, I’m going to eat that spinach because it’s the antidote to my existential dread”? Never, that’s when. We’re more likely to ignore a salad for a bag of chips. But the rishis knew: you put good stuff in, you get longevity out. Simple.
4. The Power of Silence
Silence. Sounds boring, right? Well, the rishis were really into it. They spent hours, days, sometimes weeks in solitude, just tuning into the rhythms of the universe, their inner peace, and the occasional cricket chirping in the background (okay, maybe not just the cricket, but you get it). In a world where every second is filled with noise—whether it’s your favorite podcast or someone’s unsolicited opinion on your Instagram post—the rishis showed us the power of silence. They embraced it, knowing that when you take a step back and unplug, you can actually recharge—not just your phone, but your entire being.
5. Connection to Nature
Let’s be honest: the closest most of us get to nature is walking to our car in the parking lot after work. The rishis, however, spent their days surrounded by lush forests, rivers, and mountains. They were living their best life in harmony with nature, probably speaking to the trees like they were old friends (which, honestly, would be a lot more calming than talking to the latest tech gadget). Nature wasn’t just a backdrop for their life—it was the life. The rishis understood that humans thrive when connected to the earth, breathing fresh air, soaking up sunlight, and feeling the pulse of the planet beneath their feet. Forget that overpriced gym membership. Go for a hike. You might just live longer than your Wi-Fi password.
1. The Magical Elixir: Routine
Sunrise
Now, I know what you're thinking: “A routine? Oh great, I came here for ancient wisdom, and you’re telling me these guys lived forever because they woke up at 5 AM every day?” Yes. Yes, I am. Because let’s be real, we all know we’re supposed to have a routine, but we’d rather be in denial about it. These rishis, however, were basically the OG self-care influencers. They practiced disciplined routines—eating, sleeping, meditating, and working in sync with the cycles of nature. They weren’t scrolling through TikTok at 2 AM, wondering why they hadn’t gotten 8 hours of sleep in three days. They didn’t need a fancy app to tell them that a consistent sleep schedule makes you feel like a human being, not a zombie.
2. The Art of Mindfulness
Meditation
Picture this: you’re a rishi sitting under a tree in a quiet forest, meditating for hours. No Wi-Fi. No notifications. No deadline. Just you, your breath, and the occasional squirrel side-eyeing you like you’ve lost it. And they did this every day. Imagine the tranquility. It’s like a spa day for your soul. Meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing—they were basically living like they were on a permanent vacation from the chaos of the world. Meanwhile, you’re lucky if you can keep your mind from wandering after two minutes of trying to meditate without thinking about your laundry or the email you forgot to send. But hey, rishis had no distractions except maybe the occasional tiger or bear wandering by (which honestly, sounds like a better distraction than my inbox). Mindfulness wasn’t a buzzword back then, it was survival. These sages were cultivating clarity of mind and body, which—surprise, surprise—kept them healthier and more vibrant. No surprise they lived to see 100+ years, right?
3. Food for Thought
Pray before eating
Let’s talk food, because, well, food is life. While we’re here eating ramen for lunch and calling it “adulting,” these rishis had their diets so on point it could probably bring about world peace. They ate fresh, seasonal foods—simple, nutritious, and never processed. No Swiggy or Zomato, just vegetables, fruits, grains, and the occasional herb that could probably heal a sprained ankle, soothe a stomach ache, and maybe even help you ace your next exam. Their food wasn’t just fuel—it was medicine. But you’d be surprised how few people actually believe this. I mean, when was the last time you heard someone say, “You know what, I’m going to eat that spinach because it’s the antidote to my existential dread”? Never, that’s when. We’re more likely to ignore a salad for a bag of chips. But the rishis knew: you put good stuff in, you get longevity out. Simple.
4. The Power of Silence
Silence
Silence. Sounds boring, right? Well, the rishis were really into it. They spent hours, days, sometimes weeks in solitude, just tuning into the rhythms of the universe, their inner peace, and the occasional cricket chirping in the background (okay, maybe not just the cricket, but you get it). In a world where every second is filled with noise—whether it’s your favorite podcast or someone’s unsolicited opinion on your Instagram post—the rishis showed us the power of silence. They embraced it, knowing that when you take a step back and unplug, you can actually recharge—not just your phone, but your entire being.
5. Connection to Nature
Nature
Let’s be honest: the closest most of us get to nature is walking to our car in the parking lot after work. The rishis, however, spent their days surrounded by lush forests, rivers, and mountains. They were living their best life in harmony with nature, probably speaking to the trees like they were old friends (which, honestly, would be a lot more calming than talking to the latest tech gadget). Nature wasn’t just a backdrop for their life—it was the life. The rishis understood that humans thrive when connected to the earth, breathing fresh air, soaking up sunlight, and feeling the pulse of the planet beneath their feet. Forget that overpriced gym membership. Go for a hike. You might just live longer than your Wi-Fi password.