Limit and Transcendence of Intellectualism
According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, intellectualism represents the highest level of material consciousness, situated above the mental and sensual planes. The intellectual brain is the core of the society (the brāhmaṇa class), and this capacity is naturally developed for advancement of learning in art, science, and philosophy. However, Intellectualism is not the final stage of life. The ultimate spiritual goal requires one to transcend the bodily, mental, and intellectual platforms to reach the simple, pure spiritual platform.
Limitation of Intellectual Feats
While intellectual activity is necessary, Śrīla Prabhupāda strictly limits its efficacy in understanding the Absolute Truth. The Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be understood by the individual soul through mental, physical, or intellectual exercises. The attempt by philosophers and scientists to study the cosmic manifestation independent of the Supreme Lord is described as mere reflective intellectual gymnastics which ultimately lead to illusion.
- One cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead by ones mental, physical or intellectual powers.
- In the Vedas also it is said that a person cannot know the Absolute Truth Personality of Godhead simply by dint of mundane education or intellectual gymnastics.
The Lord reserves the right not to be exposed by the intellectual feats of non-devotees. Furthermore, one cannot attain the Absolute Truth simply by intellectual speculation; rather, one must receive enlightenment from Him, as instructed in Bhagavad-gītā.
Transcendence of Consciousness
True knowledge lies on the spiritual platform, above intellectual consciousness. The chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra is a spiritual process that directly enacts from the spiritual platform, surpassing all lower states of consciousness—namely sensual, mental, and intellectual.
- This chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra is enacted from the spiritual platform, and thus this sound vibration surpasses all lower strata of consciousness—namely sensual, mental and intellectual.
- Unless the intellect is purified and spiritualized, even the most erudite philosopher and the greatest mystic yogi will become perplexed in trying to understand Lord Krsna.
Highest Intellectual Service
The highest intellectual person is recognized by his practical service. In this age, the truly intellectual offer yajña through the saṅkīrtana movement (yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyair yajanti hi sumedhasaḥ). The society is obliged to the devotee by his intellectual service more than by money. The goal is to use all our intellect as well as possible, and at the same time, always remember Kṛṣṇa.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that intellectualism is a precious, highly developed faculty that must be purified and spiritualized. It is not the source of ultimate truth, but the instrument by which the individual transcends the bodily concept and engages in devotional service. The ultimate instruction is to give up all bodily, mental, and intellectual occupations and simply surrender unto Kṛṣṇa.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Intellectual. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.