Defining the Most Intelligent Class of Men
In the Vedic social conception, society is likened to a complete organic body, where different classes of men represent different limbs. The "most intelligent class of men," traditionally termed brāhmaṇas, are equated to the head or the brain of the social body. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that just as a body cannot function properly without a head, human society cannot prosper without a class of men who possess both material and spiritual knowledge to guide the other sections of society.
This article explores the qualifications of this intelligent class, the necessity of their presence for social sanity, and how the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement acts as an educational institution to train qualified individuals from all backgrounds to assume this vital role.
Defining the Intelligent Class
True intelligence is not measured by material degrees but by the realization of the Absolute Truth. Śrīla Prabhupāda defines a member of the intelligent class, or a brāhmaṇa, as one who understands the distinction between the temporary body and the eternal self, and ultimately knows the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Anyone who has knowledge, not only this knowledge, absolute knowledge as well as relative knowledge, such class of men is called the brahmanas, the most intelligent class.
- Brahmana means the most intelligent class of men who can understand even up to the knowledge of Brahman, brahma janati iti brahmana.
- By nature's way or by God's arrangement, there are four classes of men. The most intelligent class of men is called the brahmanas. Intelligent means one who knows up to the Supreme Lord.
The Scientific Division of Society
A peaceful and progressive society requires a scientific division of labor based on qualification and quality, known as varṇāśrama. The intelligent class acts as the advisors to the administrators, ensuring that the government acts in accordance with spiritual principles for the benefit of all citizens.
- As I was talking the other day, scientific division of the human society. The most intelligent class, they should be trained up as brahmana. Less, little less intelligent should be trained up as administrator.
- In order to manage things very nicely, you cannot make classless society. Four classes. The most intelligent class, brahmana, and then next intelligent, the ksatriyas, and the next intelligent, the vaisyas, and the last one, who has no intelligence, sudra.
- For everyone. At the head of the social body there must be the intelligent class of men, who will give advice.
The Mission to Create Brahmanas
In the modern age, the traditional caste system has degraded, and society is largely populated by those without spiritual training. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that the mission of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to rectify this imbalance by training individuals from any background to become the "head" of society through the cultivation of spiritual knowledge and character.
- This Krsna consciousness movement is meant for creating some brahmanas, or the most intelligent class of men. There is no hindrance. Anyone can become brahmana. Just like in education anyone can become engineer.
- Brahmin does not become by birth. Brahmin is a qualification. That is the injunction of Vedic literatures. The most intelligent man is called brahmin. And how his intelligence is exhibited? There are twelve qualities.
- This (Krsna consciousness) movement, is for the most intelligent class of men.
Intelligence in the Age of Kali
The scriptures enjoin that in the current age, the most intelligent action one can take is to accept the process of saṅkīrtana, the chanting of the holy names. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while rituals were appropriate for other ages, the worship of Lord Caitanya through chanting is the specific duty of the intelligent class in this era.
- As far as the approved method is concerned, it is enjoined in the sastras that intelligent men in this age will take to the sankirtana movement, and by so doing they shall worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Caitanya.
- Bhagavad-gita was taught to Arjuna for topmost class of men. They'll understand. Imam rajarsayo viduh. Evam parampara praptam. So be yourself amongst the topmost intelligent class of men and try to understand Bhagavad-gita. Then you'll be happy.
- Although such ceremonies (Vedic ritualistic ceremonies) are certainly mentioned in the Vedas, they are not meant for the intelligent class of men.
Conclusion
The designation of the "most intelligent class of men" is not an arbitrary title of social hierarchy but a functional necessity for a sane civilization. Without a class of people dedicated to understanding the Absolute Truth and guiding others toward self-realization, society loses its direction. Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings clarify that this status is achieved through qualification—specifically the study of Bhagavad-gītā and the practice of bhakti-yoga—rather than birth. By accepting the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, anyone can rise to this platform and contribute to the welfare of the entire social body.
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 Most Intelligent Class of Men. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.