What is the Vedic Definition of Intelligence?

Vedas define intelligence with three components- memory, knowledge and realization about the difference between matter and spirit

In vedic literatures intelligence is described as having three components

• Memory
• Memory connected with hearing- hear subject matters and memorize.
• Knowledge
• Then we contemplate by that contemplation we gain knowledge , by performing service combined with this contemplation we get knowledge.
• Power of discrimination:
• The third stage then we get from knowledge is realization which is the power to discriminate.

   In Vedic Literature the power of discrimination is considered the highest.

 Within discrimination- the power to discriminate between matter and spirit - this is considered the most important.

The first two aspects of intelligence is addressed everywhere but no university addresses the discrimination between matter and spirit.Out of 14 branches of knowledge, 13 deal with material world the 14th branch deals with transcendence. Srimad bhagavatam deals with discriminating between matter and spirit.

Thus in the Vedic culture an intelligent person is one who can distinguish between matter and spirit.Intelligence begins by understanding that I am not the body I am the soul.

Reference:
BVPS 1997-10-10 Varnashrama Seminar-04 Brahmacarya - Mayapur - beginning of the lecture