Intuition II

Intuition is that power of Spirit inherited by the soul by which truth is perceived directly, without the medium of any other faculty.

Intuition is soul guidance, appearing naturally in man during those instants when his mind is calm. Nearly everyone has had the experience of an inexplicably correct “hunch” or has transferred his thoughts accurately to another person.

Everyone has the power of intuition, as he has the power of thought. As thought can be cultivated, so intuition can be developed. In intuition one is in tune with that unchangeable Reality, with unity in diversity, with the inner laws that govern the spiritual world, of what we call God.

But intuition needs to be developed:

In the life of every person, two forces of knowledge are operative from birth: (1) the power of human reason, along with the faculties of sensation, perception, conception, and so forth; (2) the power of intuition. 

The former is developed through social institutions and interactions. The latter usually remains undeveloped, because of lack of proper guidance and methods of training.

So long as one's intuition remains undeveloped, he is guided mainly by the limited understanding of the mind, with only occasional promptings of intuitive wisdom. Thus he engages in some correct actions, but also in wrong ones. Through the operation of the law of cause and effect, or karma, he finds himself moving helplessly into his own self-created destiny, which can lead to either happiness or misery.

A life can be successful, healthy, and complete, balanced with wisdom and happiness when activity is guided by inner, intuitive direction.

Then one will see that life has a meaning, and that no matter what one is doing the inner voice is guiding him.

The ordinary person is guided by his ego; the one who is united with the Self is guided by the soul.

 Distinct from senses, thought and intellect, intuition manifest in the calm consciousness as feeling, perceived mostly through the heart. When such feeling comes, one receives through it a definite sense of right direction and unshakable conviction.

The senses and the heart are the outer doors through which knowledge seeps into the consciousness. Human knowledge filters in through the senses and is interpreted by the mind. If the senses err in perception, the conclusion drawn by the understanding of that data is also incorrect.

The senses and understanding are easily deluded because they cannot grasp the real nature, the essential character and substance, of created things.

One must feel as well as think; if one does not have feeling along with thoughts, he will not always be successful in reaching the right conclusion. Feeling is an expression of intuition, the repository of all knowledge. Feeling and thought, or reason, must be balanced. The harmonious balance of reason and feeling leads to intuitive perception and the ability to know what is Truth.

One should meditate deeply or be still until his thoughts become dissolved into intuition. In the lake of intuition, free from the waves of thought, one can see the unruffled reflection of the soul.

The scientific man or the business man or anyone seeking success would accomplish more if he concentrated upon increasing the receptive quality of his mind, instead of depending just on books and college work for his progress. We start with books and outside methods, but one should continue with increasing the receptivity of intuition and thus realizing that within oneself lies the infinite seat of all knowledge.

Ways to Develop Intuition

This intuitive power can be developed by learning the step-by-step methods of meditation that lead to Self knowledge.

First develop common sense.

Intuitive wisdom, though transcending ordinary knowledge, does not make one otherworldly or impractical; it is the parent of common sense, which is simply intuitional response to one's environment.

Whenever we want to solve a problem intuitively, we ought to first go into deep meditation or silence. It is advisable not think of problems during meditation. Meditate until you feel a sense of complete calmness. Deep breathing will enhance a state of calmness. Then one concentrates simultaneously at the point between the eyebrows or higher brain centre and the heart. Lastly, one asks for inner direction, so that he may know what you should do. An answer will come, it may not appear immediately, but it will come.

Another suggestion is that clear-thinking should be distinguished from thinking too much. Intuition manifests only in calmness; in the undeveloped person, it surfaces only occasionally when one is relaxed.

The clear-thinking individual also does not allow the intellect to overrule intuition; by his patient calmness, he permits intuition to guide him in the right direction.