Significance of Intellect
Synonyms: Intelligence, Understanding, Reasoning, Thoughtfulness, Wisdom, Knowledge, Mental capacity, Sense, Mind, Wit, Perception, Minds, Intelligence., Learned individuals, Intelligentsia
In Malay: Akal; In Dutch: Intellect; In French: Intellect; In Finnish: Äly; In Spanish: Intelecto; In Portugese: Intelecto; In German: Intellekt; In Swedish: Intellekt; In Italian: Intelletto; In Polish: Intelekt
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 thought, understanding, and reason, closely linked with sentience. It's a subjective, soulless concept that prioritizes critical thinking, particularly within the prajna tradition. Intellect is the mind's faculty for comprehending reality and Buddhist teachings.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) It is one of the elements, along with sense-organs, that the term 'soul' is argued to be distinct from.[1] (2) Intellect is considered a subjective concept that, by virtue of being a thing with an origin, is found to be devoid of the soul.[2] (3) A term that denotes the capacity for thought, understanding, and reason, often considered synonymous with sentience.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The faculty by which the immense and infinite vijnana is perceived; the intellect plays a crucial role in understanding this concept.[4] (2) The critical thinking ability that is prioritized over mystical experiences by proponents of prajna, contrasting with the experiential focus of practices like the Pratyutpannasamadhi.[5]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The intellect is associated with discrimination and logic, and the religious discipline aims to go beyond intellectualism to attain self-realization, as the text describes.[6]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The Buddha questions Senika about whether this knows or self knows.[7]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The passage emphasizes that intellect and logic are insufficient to understand the dhamma or attain Nibbana, as these require realization through practices like vipassana.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Intellect'
In Hinduism, Intellect is a multifaceted faculty surpassing the mind. It is the essence of the soul, linked to deeper understanding, reasoning, and comprehending the Self and Brahman. Intellect is the foundation for positive influence, independent of the body, and the core of the heart, integrating the universe and the ultimate tool for wisdom.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) This is described as being without vitality, while the mind is seen as the vital power connected to sensations and external perceptions. It is considered the cause of thought, distinct from both the mind and the thinkable world.[9] (2) The faculty that was entered, with outward sensations infused into external senses, initiating a merging of awareness.[10] (3) It is associated with vacuity and is the composition of all existence contained within its vacuity, representing a formless, purely vacuous soul.[11] (4) The intellect perceives the world through a fallacy of understanding, similar to seeing mountains in the sky due to eye sight delusion, according to the text.[12] (5) The intellect is all in all, encompassing everything and existing in every place, engrossing everything in itself and showing itself in all forms, according to Vasishtha's understanding.[13]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The person's intellect is compared to that of Sukra or Vrihaspati, the son of Angiras.[14] (2) The faculty of the mind that the yogin aims to stabilize through training and meditation.[15]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The capacity of understanding and reasoning, described as incapable of grasping the deity's essence.[16]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Intellect is protected by Hrishikesha and Narayana, according to the text.[17]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) It is the primary adjunct to the Self, serving as a medium for reflection and superimposition, ultimately appearing as a knower due to reflected consciousness.[18] (2) The faculty which is illuminated by the Witness-consciousness, both in its presence and absence, allowing understanding and discernment.[19] (3) The faculty of reasoning and understanding, which plays a crucial role in discerning the meaning and implications of scriptural teachings, according to the text.[20] (4) Intellect refers to the cognitive faculty employed by Agni and other gods as a means to understand and attain Brahman, the first-born.[21] (5) The provided text says the intellect is always located at the center of the heart.[22]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The faculty of the mind responsible for understanding, reasoning, and making judgments, which, when lacking, leads to uncontrolled senses and poor decision-making abilities.[23] (2) It is destroyed by the enjoyments, along with virtue, strength, vigour, fame and the rest.[24] (3) The faculty of reasoning and understanding that becomes inactive, contributing to the attainment of the highest state.[25] (4) The faculty of reasoning and understanding, which plays a crucial role in comprehending deeper realities.[26] (5) The intellect is presented as an even higher form of awareness than the mind, capable of deeper reasoning and understanding.[27]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) It is the faculty that experiences the Rajasika nature, which needs to be purged through the elimination of fondness for external stimuli, renunciation of all activities, and consistent engagement in auditory learning with genuine belief.[28] (2) The "intellect" is the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, especially with regard to abstract or academic matters, playing a central role in the process of illumination.[29] (3) The text notes that the body's appearance of being alive is due to erroneous identification with the intellect.[30] (4) Refers to Buddhi, which is the aspect of mind responsible for reasoning and understanding.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This, along with the mind, is believed to originate from Brahman and is mentioned together with the senses, as the text provides.[32] (2) The intellect is the Great one, if the Great one is the intellect of Hiranyagarbha, and the statement of the Kathaka that 'the Undeveloped is beyond the Great one' is based on this fact.[33] (3) The faculty of understanding, considered superior to the mind in the process of cognition.[34]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) This is one of the four aspects of the inner organ, alongside the mind, ego, and Chitta, which is memory, according to the text.[35] (2) The capacity of understanding or knowledge that is associated with the birthless Self in the Brihadaranyaka text.[36]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Intellect is referred to as Hridaya, and a meditation on that Brahman called Hridaya (intellect) as Satya is being introduced according to the provided text.[37] (2) Identified as the core aspect of the heart (Hridaya) that integrates and understands the universe, equated with the essence of Brahman.[38]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) It is characterized as an efficient or instrumental cause, but not a material or immaterial cause according to the text.[39] (2) Intellect is mentioned as an example of a non-pervading quality, meaning it is perceived inside and not outside, and does not extend over the whole of its substrate.[40] (3) A faculty of understanding and reasoning that is not derived from similar qualities in its causes.[41] (4) A quality associated with thought processes and mental capabilities.[42] (5) The instrumental cause responsible for the production of the mentioned qualities, as per the commentary.[43]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) Also known as Vijnanmaya kosha, affects the process of intellectual reasoning and judgement derived from subjective experience.[44] (2) Kamya Rasayana is used with an intention or desire of having it, vitality and physical beauty.[45] (3) Denoted by 'Medha', refers to the ability to retain knowledge, grasp and retain information, and is essential for happiness.[46] (4) This is one of the effects of Rasayana, and is achieved through rejuvenation therapy, along with longevity, memory, and freedom from diseases.[47]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is responsible for determining certain features of items that compel an individual to speak or act intellectually.[48] (2) This is Medha, which diminishes with age, and is enhanced by Rasayana Chikitsa.[49] (3) This term is broadly correlated with the ability to understand and reason, and it is a focus of the study within the context of the provided text.[50]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The intellect, according to the text, has a purpose to accomplish, and its state is a part of intellectual liberation.[51] (2) This is the understanding of an object and is the establishment of its usefulness by knowing it to be the cause of pleasure or pain, and it may decide about the nature of the sight.[52] (3) The mental capacity for cognition, understanding, and reasoning, which is an essential component in the frameworks of various philosophical systems discussed.[53] (4) The aspect of existence represented by mere character, which indicates cognitive functions.[54]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The mental capacity that allows individuals to understand, reason, and discern various perspectives and conditions.[55] (2) A cognitive faculty that reflects and processes information, influenced by the quality of sattva.[56]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The sacrificer offers something to this entity, along with Prajapati, in a specific formula during the ritual.[57]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) It is involved in the actions that are effects of a permanent emotional state, and it is connected to specific figures and their followers, as well as minor emotions.[58]
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.[59]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The cognitive abilities of individuals that are sought to be protected and guided through prayers.[60]
Jain concept of 'Intellect'
In Jainism, intellect fluctuates with human life cycles, potentially growing or diminishing. It's a dynamic attribute, not a fixed state. This suggests that intellectual capacity is subject to change.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) One of the attributes that can increase or decrease during the rise and fall of human beings.[61]
The concept of Intellect in local and regional sources
Intellect, as described, is the capacity for rational thought and understanding, but is limited. It's a tool for knowledge, can be developed, and offers higher pleasures. However, it can also be a barrier to deeper understanding and is often contrasted with spiritual or emotional realms.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The intellect of one who has not realised the Atman is one-sided, whereas the genius of the knower of Atman is all-embracing.[62] (2) This is positioned between the mind and the external gross matter, differentiating only in the degree of its substance according to the provided text's viewpoint.[63] (3) This is the faculty of the mind responsible for rational thought and understanding, which is surpassed by the plane of spirituality and divine inspiration, leading to a state of bliss.[64] (4) The state of mind which reacts is called this, and the process is described as necessary for perception, according to the provided text.[65] (5) This is used to perceive God as mind, and is combined with the senses to contribute to the creation of things in the world.[66]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A force that gives heat essential for creation and acts as a check on imagination, conceived as a feminine being, inspiring as well as limiting activity, essential for achieving illumination through the cessation of intellectual and imaginative faculties.[67] (2) The speaker seeks intellect, but not the ability to understand the past, suggesting a wish to focus on the present and future rather than being burdened by historical knowledge or events.[68] (3) The text highlights that Sri Rajagopalacharyar's prestige stemmed from his wide learning and high intellect, making him a prominent figure among politicians.[69] (4) A sharp mind is necessary but not sufficient for philosophy; a detached spirit is also required to understand essential truths.[70] (5) This is the faculty of the mind, which has limitations, and is not the tool to discover the limitless aspects of life, which is found within.[71]
The concept of Intellect in scientific sources
Intellect, as defined by regional sources, equates to the Greek concept of Nous and the medieval scholastic Intellectus. It represents a specific form of understanding and reasoning.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The intellect is involved in intellectual beauty, and it exists in two ways: either it exists by itself, or it is connaturally united to another, like the human intellect.[72] (2) Intellect, in the context of the study, is related to transcendence proper and spiritual openness, examined in relation to age and sex as covariates in an extended SEM model.[73] (3) Some early Sufis were strongly opposed to actively involving it in acquiring knowledge of God.[74] (4) It is a term equivalent to the Greek philosophical notion of Nous or medieval scholastic notion of Intellectus.[75]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) This is the faculty that perceives existence, not by definition or description, but as the most universal concept, according to Avicenna.[76] (2) It is considered a self-manifesting thing that brings other things to manifestation, and for the Peripatetics, it was essential to prophecy.[77] (3) Intellects are also called angels and archangels, and according to Avicenna, they are manifestations of divine Names and are mediators of divine Effusion that can be known and experienced.[78]
Classical concept of 'Intellect'
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) No one would choose to live with this of a child throughout his life, however much he were to be pleased at the things that children are pleased at.[79] (2) If one friend remained a child in intellect while the other became a fully developed man, it becomes difficult for them to remain friends.[80] (3) The intellect, especially when aimed at an end and practical, rules the productive intellect, as every one who makes makes for an end, emphasizing the guiding role of intellect.[81] (4) The intellect is divided into the contemplative and the calculative, which are the two parts of the rational soul that help in understanding different aspects of the world.[82]