From VedicSocietyWiki
RISHI ATRI
Atri means one who is above trigunas, and functions with a consciousness beyond the three "Kosas". It does not mean that trigunas are nullified in him. It only means that he has gained total control over them and manifests them according to need or occasion. He uses them, but is not affected by Satwaguna, Rajoguna or Tamoguna, the attributes of Vishnu, Brahma and Maheswara respectively. The Trimurtis are not three different entities but three different aspects of the same Divine essence. An evolved yogi experiences their oneness. This truth is symbolically conveyed in Dattatreya being born to Atri and Anasuya embodying the attributes of Brahma Vishnu and Maheswara. Sage Atri thus signifies a state of consciousness above the physical, mental, and vital planes and is the source of Divine utterance.
The legend regarding Atri’s birth is as follows. Brahma created by the power of His wills Saptarishis, the seven great sages to assist Him in the creation of the universe. Atri was one of them. Atri prayed to Brahma to enlighten him about his life’s mission. Brahma told him that He had to be the progenitor of a great soul who would be the savior of humanity. Atri then retired to the forests to do penance.
Atri has written many books on dharmic injunctions also. Atri Smrithi, Laghvathismrithi and Vriddhatrismrithi enjoy equal renown with Manusmrithi May Atri bless the readers of Mihira with health, wealth, prosperity and good progeny.
He who is the Lord of the Universe will teach everyone. He alone teaches us, who has created this universe; who has made the sun and moon, men and beasts, and all other beings; who has provided means for their sustenance; who has given children parents and endowed them with love to bring them up. The Lord has done so many things - will He not show people the way to worship Him? If they need teaching, then He will be the Teacher. He is our Inner Guide.
