Utilizing Higher Intelligence for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
The human form of life is distinguished by the gift of higher intelligence, an evolutionary development that sets man apart from the animals. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this elevated consciousness is not merely meant for constructing nice buildings or developing defensive weapons, but for the singular, most crucial purpose: purification and God realization. His Divine Grace warns that those who fail to understand this higher purpose misuse the immense opportunity afforded by the human birth.
Supreme Purpose of Higher Intelligence
Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly defines the mandate for higher intelligence: it is meant for the cultivation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He states that this intelligence should be used to inquire about the Absolute Truth, understand one's relationship with God, and strive for the ultimate goal of life, which is love of God (prema).
- The higher intelligence should be utilized to know God or Krsna. When we say: "Krsna," Krsna means God.
- Fortunately, man has been given higher intelligence for the cultivation of Krsna consciousness, or the understanding of God, one's relationship with Him, and the ultimate goal of life, love of God.
When this consciousness is utilized for its proper, higher purpose, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the individual becomes anxious to get free from the clutches of death, moving toward immortality and spiritual enjoyment.
Misuse of Superior Intellect
Unfortunately, Śrīla Prabhupāda observes that so-called intelligent men often misuse this valuable asset. Instead of focusing on God consciousness and the basic tenets of dharma (occupational engagements performed according to scriptural injunctions), he points out that they divert their intelligence toward producing "many unnecessary and unwanted things." This misuse includes the development of nuclear weapons and other temporary material inventions.
- Instead of using his higher intelligence to cultivate God consciousness, so-called intelligent men misuse their intelligence to produce many unnecessary and unwanted things.
- Philosophical speculations and artificial attempts to control the senses by the so-called practice of yogic postures can never help a man toward spiritual life. He must be trained in Krsna consciousness by higher intelligence.
Standard of True Intelligence
According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, the person who applies his higher intelligence to serve the Lord, even to the extent of thinking, "Why shall I bother God? He is supplying everyone food, why shall I ask Him food? My food is also there. Let me serve Him," demonstrates the true elevation of consciousness. He explains that this requires an intelligence higher than that of even a jīvan-mukta (a liberated soul).
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the presence of higher intelligence in the human form is a divine gift with a defined, non-negotiable purpose: God realization. By using this faculty for purification and Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he assures us that the human being can attain the highest enjoyment in life, which is purely spiritual and blissful, thus fulfilling the mission of human existence.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Higher Intelligence. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.