Significance of Intellect
Synonyms: Intelligence, Understanding, Reasoning, Thoughtfulness, Wisdom, Knowledge, Mental capacity, Sense, Mind, Wit, Perception, Minds, Intelligence., Learned individuals, Intelligentsia
In Dutch: Intellect; In Finnish: 脛濒测; In Spanish: Intelecto; In German: Intellekt
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 is viewed as the mind's capacity for understanding reality and teachings, emphasizing critical thinking over mystical experiences, and is synonymous with thought, understanding, and sentience.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A term that denotes the capacity for thought, understanding, and reason, often considered synonymous with sentience.[1]
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.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Intellect'
In Hinduism, Intellect encompasses reasoning, understanding, and the capacity for critical thinking, playing a vital role in comprehending the Self and Brahman, while also being distinct from material concerns, ultimately influencing spiritual development and realization.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The faculty where the anandamaya self is manifested and through which knowledge of Brahman arises.[3] (2) The faculty of the mind that conditions the way Brahman is meditated upon, playing a crucial role in one's spiritual practice.[4] (3) The cognitive aspect or reasoning capability, which represents another conditioned layer of the self.[5] (4) The faculty of reasoning and understanding that allows the knower to comprehend the Self and Brahman.[6] (5) Represents rational thought and reasoning, which, according to the text, cannot grasp the nature of the Self.[7]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The faculty of reasoning and understanding that becomes inactive, contributing to the attainment of the highest state.[8] (2) The faculty of reasoning and understanding, which plays a crucial role in comprehending deeper realities.[9] (3) The intellect is presented as an even higher form of awareness than the mind, capable of deeper reasoning and understanding.[10] (4) The capacity for understanding and reasoning, which is emphasized in focusing on the teachings.[11]
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.[12] (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.[13] (3) The faculty of understanding, considered superior to the mind in the process of cognition.[14]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Refers to Buddhi, which is the aspect of mind responsible for reasoning and understanding.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The capacity of understanding or knowledge that is associated with the birthless Self in the Brihadaranyaka text.[16]
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.[17]
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.[18] (2) The fundamental essence of existence; Sukra explains that true understanding lies in recognizing the collective nature of intellect.[19] (3) The essence of the soul, believed to be eternal and unaffected by physical states.[20] (4) The faculty of the mind that perceives and gives rise to manifestations; it is characterized as both vacuous and the essence of unity.[21] (5) The faculty of reasoning and understanding, believed to be distinct from material concerns of the body.[22]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The faculty of the mind that the yogin aims to stabilize through training and meditation.[23]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The capacity of understanding and reasoning, described as incapable of grasping the deity's essence.[24]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A faculty of understanding and reasoning that is not derived from similar qualities in its causes.[25] (2) A quality associated with thought processes and mental capabilities.[26] (3) The instrumental cause responsible for the production of the mentioned qualities, as per the commentary.[27] (4) The capacity for thinking and reasoning, which is part of the process of Conjunction with the Mind.[28] (5) A quality associated with understanding and reasoning, influencing qualities like Magnanimity and Cleverness.[29]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) The mental capacity for cognition, understanding, and reasoning, which is an essential component in the frameworks of various philosophical systems discussed.[30] (2) The aspect of existence represented by mere character, which indicates cognitive functions.[31]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The mental capacity that allows individuals to understand, reason, and discern various perspectives and conditions.[32] (2) A cognitive faculty that reflects and processes information, influenced by the quality of sattva.[33]
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.[34]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The cognitive abilities of individuals that are sought to be protected and guided through prayers.[35]
Jain concept of 'Intellect'
In Jainism, Intellect is viewed as a mutable attribute that can fluctuate throughout a person's life, reflecting an individual's spiritual growth or decline, influencing their path towards enlightenment or degradation.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) One of the attributes that can increase or decrease during the rise and fall of human beings.[36]
The concept of Intellect in local and regional sources
Intellect serves as a crucial faculty in decision-making and reasoning, influencing perceptions and knowledge. While limited by sensory experiences, it encourages intellectual growth, particularly in women, and seeks higher pleasures and understanding, ultimately aiding spiritual pursuits.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) 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.[37] (2) 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.[38] (3) The state of mind which reacts is called this, and the process is described as necessary for perception, according to the provided text.[39] (4) This is used to perceive God as mind, and is combined with the senses to contribute to the creation of things in the world.[40] (5) The intellect is the determining faculty and decides upon what is brought to it; the intellect must carry it forward and present the whole thing before the ruler in the body, the human soul, the king on the throne.[41]