3. These are some of theVedic sages or rishi. "Narada" a contemporary of the figures in the Mahabharata who is actually a character in the epic; Narada was an Upanishadic teacher and the author of the Narada Shiksa. "Asita Devala": another character in the Mahabharata, Asita Devala is credited with a physical theory of elements and a belief that the highest goal is ananda, or unification with Brahman. "Vyasa": a contemporary of the figures and a rishi and epic poet in the Mahabharata, Vyasa is credited in Hindu tradition with having compiled the entire collection of the Vedas.