Significance of Intellect
Synonyms: Intelligence, Mind, Understanding, Reasoning, Knowledge, Wisdom, Cleverness, Discernment, Wit, Sagacity, Insight, Wisdom.
In Dutch: Intellect; In Finnish: Äly; In Spanish: Intelecto
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Intellect'
In Buddhism, Intellect encompasses the mind's ability to understand reality and teachings, emphasizing critical thinking and reasoning over mystical experiences, aligning with the concept of prajna versus experiential practices like Pratyutpannasamadhi.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The faculty of the mind responsible for understanding and discerning the nature of reality and the teachings.[1]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A term that denotes the capacity for thought, understanding, and reason, often considered synonymous with sentience.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The critical thinking ability that is prioritized over mystical experiences by proponents of prajna, contrasting with the experiential focus of practices like the Pratyutpannasamadhi.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Intellect'
In Hinduism, intellect signifies the mind's capacity for understanding and reasoning, crucial for spiritual practice and distinguishing immaterial knowledge, while being ultimately influenced by the eternal essence of Self.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The capacity of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments, which plays a critical role in perceiving reality.[4] (2) The fundamental essence of existence; Sukra explains that true understanding lies in recognizing the collective nature of intellect.[5] (3) The essence of the soul, believed to be eternal and unaffected by physical states.[6] (4) The faculty of the mind that perceives and gives rise to manifestations; it is characterized as both vacuous and the essence of unity.[7] (5) The faculty of reasoning and understanding, believed to be distinct from material concerns of the body.[8]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The meaning of the word mati (mati).[9] (2) The capacity or ability to think critically and understand complex concepts.[10] (3) Buddhih, a feminine noun that represents intellect and appears in various grammatical forms.[11]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The faculty of the mind that the yogin aims to stabilize through training and meditation.[12]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The faculty of reasoning, understanding, and forming thoughts or concepts.[13]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The capacity of the mind to understand and reason; however, it is noted that no one can surpass or escape the influence of Kala through intellect alone.[14]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The capacity of the mind for knowledge, understanding, and reasoning.[15]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The capacity of understanding and reasoning, described as incapable of grasping the deity's essence.[16]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The faculty where the anandamaya self is manifested and through which knowledge of Brahman arises.[17] (2) The faculty of the mind that conditions the way Brahman is meditated upon, playing a crucial role in one's spiritual practice.[18] (3) The cognitive aspect or reasoning capability, which represents another conditioned layer of the self.[19] (4) The faculty of reasoning and understanding that allows the knower to comprehend the Self and Brahman.[20] (5) Represents rational thought and reasoning, which, according to the text, cannot grasp the nature of the Self.[21]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The faculty of reasoning and understanding that becomes inactive, contributing to the attainment of the highest state.[22] (2) The faculty of reasoning and understanding, which plays a crucial role in comprehending deeper realities.[23] (3) The intellect is presented as an even higher form of awareness than the mind, capable of deeper reasoning and understanding.[24] (4) The capacity for understanding and reasoning, which is emphasized in focusing on the teachings.[25]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Refers to Buddhi, which is the aspect of mind responsible for reasoning and understanding.[26]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The capacity of understanding or knowledge that is associated with the birthless Self in the Brihadaranyaka text.[27]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Identified as the core aspect of the heart (Hridaya) that integrates and understands the universe, equated with the essence of Brahman.[28]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A faculty of understanding and reasoning that is not derived from similar qualities in its causes.[29] (2) A quality associated with thought processes and mental capabilities.[30] (3) The instrumental cause responsible for the production of the mentioned qualities, as per the commentary.[31] (4) The capacity for thinking and reasoning, which is part of the process of Conjunction with the Mind.[32] (5) A quality associated with understanding and reasoning, influencing qualities like Magnanimity and Cleverness.[33]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The mental capacity for cognition, understanding, and reasoning, which is an essential component in the frameworks of various philosophical systems discussed.[34] (2) The aspect of existence represented by mere character, which indicates cognitive functions.[35]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The mental capacity that allows individuals to understand, reason, and discern various perspectives and conditions.[36] (2) A cognitive faculty that reflects and processes information, influenced by the quality of sattva.[37]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Considered the ultimate tool for achieving success in the story, underpinning the belief in the power of wisdom over brute force.[38]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The cognitive abilities of individuals that are sought to be protected and guided through prayers.[39]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Canakya's mental capacity that he claims surpasses an army in accomplishing tasks.[40]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) The mental ability that is essential for poets, allowing them to comprehend, recall, and create poetic works.[41]
Jain concept of 'Intellect'
In Jainism, Intellect is viewed as a fluctuating attribute that can vary throughout an individual's life, influencing their spiritual development and understanding according to their actions and choices.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) One of the attributes that can increase or decrease during the rise and fall of human beings.[42]