Backlogged on Emails

Due to having my computer inoperable for a couple of days last week and to being on the road on another lecture series, I am extremely backlogged on answering my emails. I cannot rush through them answering them simply with a quick comment. I must deeply consider the needs of the inquirer and reply in the most thoughtful, complete, and compassionate way possible. So it will take some time for me to catch up. This is an opportunity for all those who are waiting for answers to develop the quality of patience, one of the greatest virtues on the pathway of spiritual perfection.

Answers According to the Vedic Version

Question: Mind and Intellect...

As always, am very grateful for helping us get close to Krishna with your wonderful thought for the day. Could you please explain the difference between intellect and intelligence...and also the difference between mind and intellect? I sincerely appreciate your response and thank you for your time.

Your humble student,
Uma

Answer: Driving Instrument and the Driver...

Intelligence and intellect are synonyms. The relationship between the mind and the intelligence is described in the following verses:

atmanam rathinam viddhi
sariram ratham eva ca
buddhim tu sarathim viddhi
manah pragraham eva ca
indriyani hayan ahur
visayams tesu gocaran
atmendriya-mano-yuktam
bhoktety ahur manisinah

"The individual is the passenger in the car of the material body, and intelligence is the driver. Mind is the driving instrument, and the senses are the horses. The self is thus the enjoyer or sufferer in the association of the mind and senses. So it is understood by great thinkers."
(Katha Upanisad 1.3.3-4)

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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