How to Become Intelligent in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
This article explores the distinction between material cunning and spiritual wisdom as presented by Śrīla Prabhupāda. While modern civilization equates intelligence with academic degrees and technological advancement, Vedic philosophy defines it as the awakening of spiritual inquiry. The text examines how true intelligence is manifested through the worship of Lord Kṛṣṇa and warns against the spiritual danger of becoming "over-intelligent" through mental speculation.
Defining True Intelligence
According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, a person cannot be considered intelligent simply by possessing material knowledge. Real intelligence awakens only when one begins to question the fundamental miseries of life—birth, death, old age, and disease. Until one asks, "Why am I suffering?" and seeks a solution beyond the material body, they remain on the platform of animals, regardless of their social status.
- Everyone knows animal life is full of suffering, but they cannot realize. But a human being can realize. And when the question comes, when he becomes intelligent enough that "Why I am suffering?" then his human life begins.
- Vimarsana means that think over the matter, that "Why I am doing this?" This is called brahma-jijnasa. This is called brahma-jijnasa. Means when a person becomes inquisitive about this "Why?" "Why I am suffering?" then he becomes intelligent.
- When actually one becomes intelligent, then the enquiry is, Why? Why I am put into this miserable condition of life? I do not want this, and it is forced upon me. I do not want to die; death is there. I do not want disease; the disease is there.
Devotional Service: The Sign of Wisdom
The ultimate result of becoming intelligent is the acceptance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The scriptures declare, kṛṣṇa yei bhaje sei baḍa catura—one who worships Kṛṣṇa is very intelligent. While the less intelligent are bewildered by the external energy and struggle for sense gratification, the wise surrender to the Supreme Lord, knowing this to be the only path to fearlessness and freedom from karma.
- Without becoming intelligent, nobody can worship God. In the Caitanya-caritamrta it is said, krsna yei bhaje sei bada catura. Catur means very intelligent. Unless one is first-class intelligent, he cannot worship God.
- If such a person actually becomes intelligent, he takes to Krsna consciousness by engaging himself in intense devotional service to Lord Sri Krsna.
- Those who engage in the loving service of the Lord become sudhiyah, intelligent, but this is not so of a Vedic scholar who does not understand Krsna's name, fame and qualities.
- If we become intelligent enough, then we fully surrender to Krsna. And Krsna says, man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru (BG 18.65). We take up the principle to think of Krsna always, twenty-four hours.
Trap of Being "Over-Intelligent"
There is a distinct warning in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings against becoming "over-intelligent." This term refers to the arrogance of mental speculation, where a disciple attempts to change or interpret the spiritual master's instructions. Such behavior is not a sign of wisdom but of folly, leading to spiritual ruin. True intelligence lies in simplicity and obedience to the paramparā system.
- Remain always a servant of your spiritual master and present the thing as you have heard. You'll be spiritual master. This is secret. You should know it. Don't try to become overintelligent. That will spoil. Evam parampara.
- Bhaktivedanta has no difficulty. The things are already there. Simply you have to present them as it is. That's all. You become Vaisnava. Where is the difficulty? And as soon as you change, become over-intelligent, everything spoiled.
- You understand overintelligent rascal? Don't be overintelligent. That is very risky. Be intelligent. Overintelligent means rascal. Spoiling.
Conclusion
Becoming intelligent in the eyes of the Vedas requires a radical shift from material cunning to spiritual inquiry. It is not about accumulating information but about realizing one's position as a servant of the Lord. By asking the right questions about suffering and accepting the simple, authoritative process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness without speculation, one attains the highest perfection of human intelligence.
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 Becoming Intelligent. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.