Most Intelligent Class of Men - The Devotees of God
The Most Intelligent Class of Men is primarily identified as the brāhmaṇa class—those who know the Absolute Truth (brahma janāti iti brāhmaṇa). This class, as the social brain, is vital for giving direction to the entire human society. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that the ultimate expression and perfection of this intelligence is not mere scholarship, but devotional service.
Brāhmaṇa - The Intelligent Foundation
The concept of the brāhmaṇa defines the necessary intellectual foundation for a civilized society. This is the class that must be trained to possess the most profound knowledge (both absolute and relative) to manage society nicely, acting as the head of the social body.
- Devotees worship Lord Sri Krsna by addressing Him as the well-wisher of the brahmanas and the cows. The most intelligent class of men, who have perfectly attained knowledge in spiritual values, are called the brahmanas.
- Brahmin means the most intelligent class of men of the society. Philosophers, scientists, astronomers, so many, intelligent class. So in every society there is a class of men who are very intelligent than ordinary men.
Apex of Intelligence is Devotion
While a man may be considered a brāhmaṇa by qualification, Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that the most intelligent men are those who recognize the supremacy of Lord Kṛṣṇa and surrender unto Him. This requires overcoming the forgetfulness of our eternal relation with the Lord, a revival made possible by the bhakti-yoga process.
- Unless one is very wise and intelligent, he cannot become a devotee of Krsna. The first-class intelligent class of men surrenders to Krsna.
- In Srimad-Bhagavatam the devotees are described as nipuna-buddhayah, which means that they are the most intelligent class of men. Uninfluenced by attachment or hatred, the devotee lives very peacefully and is not agitated by the influence of passion and ignorance.
Movement for the Most Intelligent
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is specifically designed for the most intelligent class of men (catura). This is why the philosophical depth of our literature, including the Bhagavad-gītā, is meant to be understood by the topmost class of men, the scholars, and the intellectuals.
- 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.
- 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.
Conclusion
The true measure of the Most Intelligent Class of Men is not their birth or academic title, but their realization of spiritual values and their ultimate decision to surrender to the Supreme Lord. As Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes, they are the devotees of God who use their superior intelligence to transcend material life by adopting the authorized method of the saṅkīrtana movement.
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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.