Greater than the intellect is the Self.

Karma Yoga

Chapter 3, Verse 42

 

indriyāṇi parāṇy āhuḥ 

indriyebhyah‌ paraṁ manaḥ 

manas-astu parā buddhiḥ 

yo buddheḥ paratas-tu saḥ

 

It is said that the senses are supreme, but the mind is superior to the senses, the intellect is superior to the mind, and greater than the intellect is the Self.

 

“It is said that the senses are supreme.” It is said that the senses are greater than the body. Greater than the senses is the mind. Greater than the mind is the intellect. Greater than the intellect is the Self. Greater than the Self is Parabrahma, the Eternal Soul, God. In this verse, Lord Krishna says that the intellect is greater than the mind and that the mind is greater than the senses. The mind controls the senses and the senses control the body. There is something greater than these games of the intellect, the mind, the senses, and the body. This is the game of the Self. When this order is reversed, one attains the true perfection of the Self. When one controls the senses, then one controls the mind and the intellect: when all three are conquered, they all are transformed. And when they are under control, they are your best friend. But if they are not under your control, they are your worst enemy.

 

Krishna says, “Don’t be into the games of the senses, the mind, the intellect. You are beyond this. You are the Self, the Supreme Soul.” True Love awakens when there is full control of the senses, when the mind is focused on God. Then there is no desire for anything, only for God. And when the intellect shows its power, knowledge will help.

 

“…greater than the intellect is the Self.” Greater than the intellect is this cosmic Intelligence, this wisdom of the Self. And if you have this wisdom of the Self, the Lord will reveal Himself.

Bhagavad Gita