Q. In Bhagavad-gita (BG) 3.42 it is said “The working senses are superior to dull matter; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is still higher than the mind; and he [the soul] is even higher than the intelligence.” However in Srimad Bhagavatam (SB) 3.26.27 it is said, “From the false ego of goodness, another transformation takes place. From this evolves the mind, whose thoughts and reflections give rise to desire.” And in SB 3.26.29 “By transformation of the false ego in passion, intelligence takes birth, O virtuous lady. The functions of intelligence are to help in ascertaining the nature of objects when they come into view, and to help the senses.” So while the BG seems to say that intelligence is higher than the mind, the SB indicates that mind evolves from the mode of goodness and intelligence from the mode of passion which would lead one conclude the mind is superior to intelligence. How to explain this apparent contradiction?
Answer by Romapada Swami: Material intelligence has the function of assisting the mind and senses in fulfilling their demands, and therefore it is in the mode of passion; in other words, the intelligence is acting subservient to the mind, ‘ascertaining the nature of objects’ to give the best pleasure to the mind and senses. However, spiritual intelligence is guided by superior knowledge from guru and sastras, and this ‘spiritualized intelligence’, when properly trained, can act superior to the mind and control the mind.
Due to its capacity to control the mind and elevate the soul under the guidance of higher instruction, the intelligence is said to be superior.
