A Wisdom Archive on Intellect

intellect: The power to reason or understand; power of thought; mental acumen.
See: buddhi, intellectual mind.

(See also: Intellect, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul )

For more dictionary entries, see » Intellect Dictionary

The Intellect And Its Functions: The intellect or the Buddhi is the most important of all the products of Prakriti. The senses present their objects to the intellect. The intellect exhibits them to the Purusha. The intellect discriminates the difference between Purusha and Prakriti.
 
Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda
 

Read more here: » Intellect: Vedic Philosophy - The Intellect And Its Functions

The mind is bigger than the brain. When people say "my mind," they are most likely referring to their intellect. The intellect is a process of the brain and, much of the time, along with our emotions, acts as part of our ego's defense system. The intended function of the intellect was to assess our immediate environment and communicate the information to the body so it could respond in whatever manner was appropriate to protect our physical being.
 
An excerpt from A Heaven on Earth by Jenka  

Read more here: » The Mind: Mind vs. Intellect

To think wisely, the mind needs to undergo a purification process. Mantras help us to purify the mind and make full use of the intellect.
 
Once, an oyster tried to distract a pearl diver. With great effort, it placed a loose pearl on a leaf on the ocean bed. The pearl diver, however, did not see the pearl - he caught the oyster. We don't know where to look and we become a victim of our limited knowledge.

 
(See also: Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul )

Read more here: » Love and Happiness: Dance of Intellect: Mantra Yoga

The Process Of Knowledge: An object excites the senses. The mind arranges the sense-impressions into a percept. Egoism refers it to the Self. Intellect forms the concept. It converts the percept into a concept and presents it to the Purusha. Then there is knowledge of the object.
 
Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda
 

Read more here: » Knowledge: Of Vedic Philosophy - The Process Of Knowledge

The Dissolution Of Prana And Others
69. The Kundalini then goes to the seat of the Sahasrara. It gives up the eight forms of the Prakriti: earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect and egoism.
 
From "Kundalini Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda
 

Read more here: » Yoga-Kundalini Upanishad: The Dissolution Of Prana And Others

The Six Darsanas are the intellectual section of the Hindu writings, while the first four are intuitional, and the fifth inspirational and emotional. Darsanas are schools of philosophy based on the Vedas. The Agamas are theological. The Darsana literature is philosophical. The Darsanas are meant for the erudite scholars who are endowed with acute acumen, good understanding, power of reasoning and subtle intellect. The Itihasas, Puranas and Agamas are meant for the masses. The Darsanas appeal to the intellect, while the Itihasas, Puranas, etc., appeal to the heart.
 
Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda
 

Read more here: » Six Darsanas : The Six Darsanas in the Hindu Scriptures

Jnana Yoga - The Yoga of wisdom or knowledge
Jnana means wisdom or discernment. Commonly known as Yoga of the knowledge, Jnana focuses on man's intelligence. Yogis have an open mind for everything, they accept all philosophies and religions. Their unity of intellect and wisdom enables them to surpass boundaries and look beyond ideological controversies.
 

Read more here: » Yoga Branches: Jnana Yoga