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This compulsive slavery of the intellect || Acharya Prashant (2018)
Acharya Prashant
1.4K views
6 years ago
Intellect
Wisdom
Reason
Authenticity
Freedom
Risk
Limitation
Bondage
Description

Acharya Prashant explains that the intellect is inherently profit-oriented and thrives on reason, purpose, and concrete conclusions. He suggests experimenting with living without a profit motive or a specific destination, as the intellect is afraid of falling freely or being deceived. He encourages the listener to act in ways that might seem foolish or stupid within the intellect's frame of reference, as being constrained by the intellect's need for security is a form of imprisonment. He advises taking definite losses and big risks without seeking rewards or examples, noting that examples only limit one's options and prevent authentic living. He further clarifies that while the intellect is often correct within its small domain, it is limited and cannot comprehend the vastness of life. The intellect warns that one is not strong enough to handle hurt, but Acharya Prashant asserts that one is actually bigger than any wound or hurt the world can offer. He speaks of a higher source of guidance that the intellect cannot comprehend or co-opt, which he refers to simply as 'That'. He concludes by stating that wisdom begins with the humble acknowledgment and acceptance of one's own inner idiocy, rather than being identified with or fueling it.