Proper Utilization of Good Intelligence

Good Intelligence (sumedhasah or sudhiyah) is a transcendental qualification that distinguishes the spiritually successful person from the materially absorbed. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this is not merely a high IQ, but a quality measured by its ultimate utility: engaging the self in the service of the Supreme Lord. The Proper Utilization of Good Intelligence is to dedicate oneself fully to the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.

Hallmark of Good Intelligence

Good intelligence is ultimately defined as having the clarity of purpose to understand the goal of human life: returning back home, back to Godhead. Those who possess this clarity dedicate themselves to satisfying the yajña-puruṣa (Viṣṇu) through the collective chanting of the Holy Name, or saṅkīrtana.

• Good intelligence means becoming Krsna conscious. In the Caitanya-caritamrta it is said: krsna ye bhaje se bada catura. Unless one is Krsna conscious, he cannot be called an intelligent person.
• It is recommended that in this age specifically, yajnaih sankirtana-prayair yajanti hi sumedhasah: those who have good intelligence satisfy the yajna-purusa, Visnu, by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra.

This level of intelligence is contrasted with those who utilize their advanced brains only for temporary ends, such as hankering after nice motorcars and skyscraper buildings without knowing their spiritual future.

Kṛṣṇa's Gift to the Devotee

Good intelligence is not merely cultivated by human endeavor; it is a benediction bestowed by the Lord Himself. Kṛṣṇa gives the understanding by which one can come to Him to those who are constantly devoted and worship Him with love. This spiritual guidance is awakened after many births through good association and is the basis for a life in complete bliss and eternity.

• Good intelligence means going back home, back to Godhead. This is confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (BG 10.10): "To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me (Krsna) with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me."
• You have all got good intelligence, now use it to full capacity for Krsna's service and cooperate together. That will please me very much.

Conclusion

The Proper Utilization of Good Intelligence is a simple, direct matter: to become the sincere and serious servant of Kṛṣṇa, engaging one's words, mind, body, and intelligence in perfect devotional service. Those who neglect this transcendental opportunity become bewildered and engage in sinful, distracting activities. The mark of truly good intelligence is realizing that success is guaranteed when one utilizes one's full capacity for Kṛṣṇa's service.

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 Good Intelligence. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.