Intelligence is a highly rated quality; it helps us function rationally and achieve success in life. However, intelligence alone is not enough for us to live a happy life, and if we really wish to rise above the ordinary, we need to have something more—a pure intellect.
Such an intellect would have elevated thoughts and good wishes for everyone. Free from the clutter of desires and fears, it can clearly discern what is valuable and what is not. One with an untainted intellect can see people as they are but is not influenced by their defects because they are able to discern the intention of each soul and interact with them accordingly. Instead, they note the good qualities of others and learn from them. A pure intellect creates a like attitude, which is benevolent. Benevolence is a quality that can inspire others to change their attitude and behaviour for the better.
Part of being benevolent is to see others with empathy. No matter what the other person is like if we remember that they are our brother souls, children of the one Supreme Soul, our perspective changes. Instead of being critical or judgmental, we recognise that each individual is on their own journey, with all its twists and turns, and the least we can do is to have good wishes for them.
Do we look at wrong as wrong? Do we think, “This one is wrong anyway”, or do we see how we can put right what is wrong? Sometimes, if we have the wrong kind of cleverness, we may take pride in our ability to detect other people’s faults. We fail to see that we are filling our minds with dross, which will contaminate our thinking and eventually become a part of our character. On the other hand, if we have elevated feelings, we become free from unnecessary and negative thoughts that arise from doubt, jealousy, attachment or other weaknesses. Our mental energy is conserved, leading to greater power, peace, stability and happiness.
B.K. Usha is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.