8TH September 2025

#MindAndIntellect

Senses (indriyani) are superior [to the body]; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is still higher than the mind; and the soul is even higher than the intelligence. (Bhagavad Gita 3.42)

Buddhi (Intellect) is superior to the manas (mind) as per this sloka. But what is the difference between mind and intellect?

#DifferenceBetweenManasAndBuddhi

The mind (manas) is the broad faculty of thought, feeling, and memory, characterized by emotions and desires. In contrast, the intellect (buddhi) is a distinct faculty that discriminates, reasons, and makes decisions, helping us to understand what is right and wrong and to analyze situations logically.

Even the memory connected to the mind is considered a distinct domain. It has a specific function to memorize and recall. The mind produces thoughts, but it is the memory that records these thoughts.

To understand the difference between the mind and the intellect, watch the waking mind as the body sleeps. We realize that the mind is different from the memory and the intellect because whatever the mind dreams when we are asleep, the intellect does not review or discriminate. The intellect does not decide whether the mind should dream or not dream. The intellect is disconnected, disabled and not conscious. Therefore, when the body sleeps, it seems that the intellect also goes to sleep, but not the mind.

The mind is typically associated with a monkey because constant streams of thoughts go through our minds. Our intellect can control our thoughts by channelling them with the help of meditation and practice.

Intellect Learns

In Artificial Intelligence parlance, the mind is akin to the CPU, which processes instructions and is capable of giving outputs, but the AI models give the CPU the ability to analyze logically and generate outputs from the inputs.

The distinction between the mind and the intellect is illustrated in many ancient indian literatures. There are many distinct references about the mind and the intellect in #BhagavadGita.

Why is intellect superior to the mind

When the intellect guides actions and thoughts, it can lead to a sense of peace and freedom from emotional turmoil.

Understanding the mind and the intellect as two different faculties presents us with many advantages. It gives us the confidence that it is possible to control and manage emotional and irrational thoughts. Understanding the mind and the intellect can help us feel happier. Mind can be calmed by listening to the intellect, and that is possible through mindfulness practices like meditation.

#PureDevelopedIntellect

If so, can every human being control and manage their thoughts with their intellect? The intellect develops through practice. Intellect has to be refined and evolved. How? By purifying, regulating, and focusing it. If the intellect is not pure, it can justify all evil acts.

When all the elements of consciousness are purified, regulated, and focused, direct perception is enabled.

#ElementsOfIntellect

Instinct, Intuition, Intelligence and wisdom are the elements of intellect.

The relationship between the body, senses, mind, intellect and the soul are complex relationships and the understanding is made simpler by this Kathopanishad sloka 1.3.3-4.

The #Kathopanishad presents a profound analogy of life as a chariot journey, with each element representing a different aspect of our existence (Refer title picture)

·        The chariot represents the body, serving as the vehicle through which we navigate the material world.

·        The horses symbolise ten indriyas, responsible for action & senses.

·        The reins represent the mind, connecting the horses (senses) to the charioteer and crucial for maintaining control.

·        The charioteer represents the intellect, responsible for steering the chariot by managing the reins (mind) and guiding the horses (senses).

·        The passenger symbolises the soul residing in the body, ideally guiding the intellect (charioteer) towards the desired destination.

Wait a week to review the sloka in the next chapter of #MondayMusings.

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#PositiveNewsPage

Changemakers

Adapted from newindianexpress.com

The Yellow Bag Foundation #YellowBagFoundation has been empowering women from economically weaker sections through skill development in and around Madurai since 2014. So far, over 500 women have benefited from the NGO’s tailoring, beautician and aari work courses, enabling them to become more economically independent.

Krishnan Subramanian founded the NGO in 2014 along with his wife R G Gowri to fight against plastic bags. “Plastic bags are major pollutants as well as killers of marine and terrestrial life. Our mission is to bring positive, planet-friendly change through our strong, sturdy cotton bags,” Krishnan said.

Apart from training, the foundation provides employment opportunities to the women in manufacturing eco-friendly bags. The NGO also offers financial literacy courses to help women entrepreneurs secure loans for their businesses.

Over 100 women from urban, low-income areas have turned into entrepreneurs through the Foundation.

Contact Yellow Bag Foundation, https://theyellowbag.org/ to participate in the noble service being carried out by #KrishnanSubramanian and RG Gowri.

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Conceived, compiled and posted as a weekly positive newsletter #MondayMusings every Monday by Jaganathan T (www.authorjaganathan.com) so that the readers can start their work week on a positive note.

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