Most Intelligent Way of Approaching God
In the modern world, intelligence is often measured by academic degrees, scientific achievements, or the ability to manipulate matter. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda offers a radically different perspective. He defines the "most intelligent" person not as one who can build a skyscraper or theorize about the universe, but as one who knows who owns the universe. By connecting with the source of all intelligence, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a living entity fulfills the true purpose of the human form of life.
Definition of True Intelligence
Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently challenges the materialistic definition of intelligence. He asserts that anyone who surrenders to Kṛṣṇa is the most intelligent person (kṛṣṇa yei bhaje sei baḍa catura). This is because such a person has understood the ultimate goal of life—to break the cycle of birth and death. In contrast, those who misuse their human energy for animalistic propensities, simply eating, sleeping, mating, and defending, are considered less intelligent, regardless of their university credentials. True intelligence is demonstrated by using every moment of one's life to render loving service to the Lord.
- Anyone who is surrendering to Krsna, taking to Krsna or devotional service fully, he is the most intelligent man. He's not cats and dogs or rascals. Because Krsna says jnanavan. This is real knowledge.
- The human form of life is a chance for one to understand his position. Therefore the most intelligent person takes to devotional service just to engage his mind, senses and body in the service of the Lord without deviation.
- The most intelligent person uses every moment of his life to render loving service to the Lord.
Strategy of Approach
Approaching the infinite Supreme Lord might seem like an impossible task for a finite living entity. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals the "most intelligent way" to execute this: taking shelter of a pure devotee. He explains that one cannot approach the Lord directly without the mercy of His servant. Therefore, the most intelligent spiritual strategist seeks the association of authorities in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This indirect approach is actually the most direct path to Kṛṣṇa’s heart, as the Lord is more pleased by service to His devotees than by service to Himself.
- Without the mercy of a devotee nobody can approach the Lord directly - and it is easier to get mercy of a devotee than to get mercy of the Lord. So therefore the most intelligent way of approaching God is to take shelter of a pure devotee.
- One has to associate with authorities in Krsna consciousness and learn the secret from them; this is as good as learning from the Lord directly. Otherwise, even the most intelligent persons will be bewildered.
- To understand all this (BG 4.17) one has to associate with authorities in Krsna consciousness and learn the secret from them; this is as good as learning from the Lord directly. Otherwise, even the most intelligent person will be bewildered.
Original Intelligence vs. Evolution
Śrīla Prabhupāda also uses the concept of the "most intelligent" to refute the Darwinian theory of evolution. He points out that according to Vedic evidence, the first created being in the universe was Lord Brahmā, who is the "most intelligent living entity." Brahmā was endowed with full knowledge by the Lord to create the cosmic manifestation. This suggests that intelligence in the universe flows from the top down—from the Supreme Lord to Brahmā—rather than evolving from matter upwards. Thus, the original state of the universe was one of high intelligence.
- According to our Vedic information, from the very beginning the one person, one living creature, was Brahma, the most intelligent person. Not that he developed from monkey. The intelligence is coming from the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- The first creation is the most perfect or intelligent living being. This is our theory. Not theory; it is the Vedic evidence. And he got full knowledge from the Supreme.
- The whole universe is populated. It is not the rascal Darwin's theory that "There was no human being. It came out of a stone, the life." The first is the most intelligent person, Lord Brahma.
Cultivating Spiritual Intelligence
Finally, Śrīla Prabhupāda gives practical guidelines on how to maintain this intelligence. He identifies the brāhmaṇa as the most intelligent class of men because they cultivate qualities like truthfulness, mind control, and simplicity. Specifically, he mentions the importance of celibacy (brahmacarya) for retention of semen, which raises memory power to the brain. Yet, he concludes that regardless of one's material birth—whether woman, śūdra, or vaiśya—anyone who takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness immediately becomes the most intelligent.
- They (the sages) never discharge their semen, either knowingly or unknowingly. By such celibacy they are able to raise the semen to the brain. Thus they become most intelligent and develop very sharp memories.
- Brahmana means the most intellectuals, most intelligent person. Intelligent means one who knows, who has got sufficient knowledge. So brahmana means he has got sufficient knowledge, even up to the understanding of the Absolute Truth.
- Women, sudras, and vaisyas are ordinarily regarded as less intelligent, but if one takes to Krsna consciousness one is the most intelligent, as stated in the Caitanya-caritamrta - krsna yei bhaje sei bada catura.
Conclusion
Real intelligence is the ability to distinguish spirit from matter and the temporary from the eternal. By surrendering to Kṛṣṇa through His pure devotee, any living entity can claim the title of "most intelligent." This path is not reserved for the academic elite but is open to all who are willing to use their human form of life for its intended purpose: self-realization and service to the Supreme.
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. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.