In a pravachan from our Sri Swamiji on Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Upadesasaaram, Sri Swamiji (HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji) uses a beautiful metaphor to explain the workings of the mind and intellect.
To understand this distinction, consider the movement of air. When air moves softly, we may call it a breeze. If it grows stronger, it becomes wind. When it swirls, we call it a hurricane; when it brings heavy rain, we name it a storm; and when its force lifts everything in its path, it is a tornado. Despite these many labels, what we are really describing is one thing: air in motion.
Similarly, the countless names we give to our inner processes- doubt, memory, determination, distraction- are all movements of thought. They are not separate entities but different patterns of the same mental energy. Navigating them skillfully pushes us one step closer in our spiritual journey.
Mind, also referred to as manas, means the stream of thoughts that wander, question, and doubt. The mind is restless by nature: “Can I do this? Should I not have done that?” It moves in many directions and scatters our attention.
Intellect (referred to as buddhi) comes to clarity and resolution. In Sanskrit, it is described as nishchayAtmaka buddhi – that which knows with determination. When the buddhi is sharpened, our mental energy is not wasted in endless cycles of doubt and negative thoughts. Unlike the wavering mind, the intellect concludes and directs.
Lastly there is Memory (called as chittam) – the recollective aspect of thought, holding impressions from the past that inform present experience. In Mahamantra meditation, most of our inner energy rests in observing rather than thinking. Observation itself arises from intellect, which brings awareness and focus. By strengthening our mind through this, we reduce the power of negative thoughts and enter a state of quiet attention.
Mind, intellect, and memory all function within the larger stage of Consciousness. With constant practice and sustained chanting of Mahamantra combined with Guru krupa, we can undoubtedly be on the path to reach true awareness. This state is marked by silence, joy, and selfless love. Sanatana Dharma describes it as the highest aim of spiritual life – to abide in pure awareness, free from the shackles of the wandering mind, enriched in wisdom.
Based on Sri Ramanujamji’s youth discussion sessions
Meera Srinivas, San Jose CA
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