Fixed Intelligence - The Platform of Liberation
Fixed Intelligence (buddhi) is a critical spiritual asset, serving as the bridge between the conditioned mind and the pure soul. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that the intelligence is truly fixed only when it is entirely surrendered to and placed upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This state transforms the individual's consciousness, leading to ultimate freedom.
Result of Fixed Spiritual Understanding
When a devotee's intelligence, mind, faith, and refuge are all fixed in the Supreme, the process of purification is immediate and complete. The individual is cleansed of all misgivings through perfect knowledge, allowing them to proceed straight on the path of liberation. This fixed state is not merely philosophical but is the practical goal of human life.
- When one's intelligence, mind, faith and refuge are all fixed in the Supreme, then one becomes fully cleansed of misgivings through complete knowledge and thus proceeds straight on the path of liberation.
- O Your Majesty, best of all saintly kings, because you (King Pariksit) are greatly attracted to topics of Vasudeva, it is certain that your intelligence is firmly fixed in spiritual understanding, which is the only true goal for humanity.
In this fixed position, the devotee is situated on the śama platform, recognizing Kṛṣṇa as the origin of everything.
Freedom from the Modes of Nature
Intelligence that is not fixed hovers over various modes of life, remaining subjected to the fluctuating modes of material nature (goodness, passion, and ignorance), which expose one to varieties of temporary happiness and distress. However, those who fix their intelligence upon the Supreme Lord are no longer influenced by these modes, even while situated within the material world.
- One who is not fixed in proper intelligence discovers many modes of life. Thus involved in material activities, he is exposed to the different modes of material nature and subjected to varieties of so-called happiness and distress.
- This is the opulence of the Lord. Although situated within the material nature, He (Krsna) is never affected by the modes of nature. Similarly, those who have surrendered to Him and have fixed their intelligence upon Him are not influenced by the modes of nature.
Conclusion
Fixed intelligence is the foundation for spiritual perception. By serving the Absolute Truth, one's intelligence becomes firmly fixed, enabling one to see beyond the external elements of māyā and recognize the Lord's transcendental form and position as the Supersoul (Paramātmā) in the background of everything. This fixed status ensures that after giving up the material body, the devotee attains the Lord's association in the transcendental world.
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 Fixed Intelligence. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.