Discernment is the core power of a divine intellect.
In times of conflict and anxiety, many find themselves questioning the deeper meanings of existence, grappling with questions like:
λ Who am I?
λ What am I doing on this earth?
λ What is my purpose in life?
λ Why do we suffer?
λ Why do we keep repeatedly making the same mistakes?
Exploring these questions, the fundamental ‘meaning of life’ questions, requires ‘discernment’ and that is a vital power of the intellect. A discerning intellect means to be able to see what is not evident to the mind and what is invisible to the physical eyes.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
The spiritual teachings of Rajyoga state:
“Each soul is given the grace gift of a divine intellect at the time of spiritual birth, with which the soul writes its lines of fortune.”
So, what is this ‘grace gift’, a God-given gift, called a divine intellect that is central to the soul’s journey? The gift of the divine intellect helps us to cultivate and develop greater spiritual understanding and discernment. The rewards for doing so are great. The divine intellect’s power to discern frees us from the manipulations and deceptions of others, and also of the self, returning the soul to what is authentic and true in our original and eternal self.
Each one of us is responsible for how we see, and how we see determines what we see. This is why the intellect is referred to as the third eye. Clear insight is a process through which an individual uses wise discernment to reach the best decision. The power of the intellect is responsible for our decisions and their underlying motives. If the intellect does not take responsibility for its motives, whether positive or negative, the potential for harm is much greater. Our negative thoughts and emotions are the source of wrong and weak decisions, which only occur because we did not take the time to discern.
To nurture the intellect, to empower it, requires spiritual teachings that help the intellect to concentrate on the deep peace within the soul. The clearer and more concentrated the intellect becomes, the easier it is to connect to the source of all wisdom, clarity and tranquility, the Supreme Soul, the Intellect of the Wise.
With this connection of the soul to the Supreme Soul, the intellect develops the power of love, and uses kindness, compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness in discernment. Decisions are then based on contributing to the well-being of the whole. A powerful intellect is broad and has far-reaching insight, and the ability to foresee the results of whatever decision it may reach.
A life built on this kind of decision-making power and this depth of discernment ignites the light of self-respect with which we understand our inner worth. With such dignity we live without prejudices, judgments, biases and other forms of discrimination. In fact, wise discernment is never used for the judging of the self or others. It is the ability to discern what is right and wrong, true and false, wise and ignorant. If the intellect passes judgment on the self or others, it is no longer wise.
A divine intellect shines a light in the darkness of ignorance. It moves us to a place of courage and gives us the confidence to see with love and understanding. It is when we go into silence that we understand. It is then that we can connect the intellect with the Supreme. It is this connection that builds the spiritual capacity and inner strength that gives power, wisdom and discernment to the intellect.
Gayatri Naraine represents the Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations in New York.
