A rishi is not one who is a great scholar or a ritualist, but one who is free from evil tendencies. (SSS Vol. 29)
The Rishis are leaders of the world. That is, they are path finders. In the history, you may find various human qualities ascribed to great Rishis. All such qualities have always been used by them for the prosperity of the people. Individuals, who cannot understand this truth, begin to comment and discuss the conduct of these great Rishis. Rishis were always totally selfless. All their actions were directed towards the prosperity of the people. The important events, that are contained in the sacred story of Ramayana are examples for proclaiming such ideals. Every word in Ramayana has the potency of a Mantra. Rama has been Himself as an ideal human being. (SSB 1977, pp. 32-33)