2. "the seven great sages": the seven Vedic sages who are responsible for Vedic literature and practices; the most important of these sages is Vyasa, who is said to have compiled all the Vedas together. "the four ancients": Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanâtana, Sanatkumâra. "Manus": Manu, author of the Dharma-shastra, is considered the great lawgiver of Indian society. The plural refers to the originary lawgivers including Manu.