Intuition that cannot be explained by knowledge or experience is actually the centre of consciousness, writes Pratiksha Apurv. Published in The Times of India and Speaking Tree, November 21, 2020.
A study done by researchers at the US-based ‘Heart-Math’ Institute defines three types of intuition. The first two relate to implicit knowledge, learning and the capacity for energetic sensitivity. For example, the ability to sense the rain before it happens. The third type of intuition is being referred to as ‘non-local intuition’ which they say cannot be explained by either knowledge or accumulated experience. This undefinable type of intuition is actually the centre of consciousness, mentioned in the Vedas and Upanishads.
In the Vedas, shruti is transmitted verbally from one generation to the next. Sages clarify that it is not knowledge or words that were transmitted but pure consciousness. Since it cannot be defined, science may find it difficult or even impossible to arrive at a scientific explanation. And that is why Albert Einstein is supposed to have said that the intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant.
Intuition is our sensitivity, our awareness. It is a call coming from the core of our consciousness.
It is different from instinct because instinct is rooted in knowledge, while intuition is rooted in consciousness. That is why instinct is known as the lowest form of sensing. Then comes knowledge or intellect gathered over the years, and the highest is intuition. All three are interrelated but remain separate from each other.
Osho has stated that instinct is in the power of the unconscious nature, and intuition is in the hands of the superconscious universe; instinct always leads us to the other, while intuition leads us to oneself. “Intellect is the functioning of the head, instinct is the functioning of your body, and intuition is the functioning of your heart. And behind these three is your being, whose only quality is witnessing,” says Osho.
So, for our daily survival, instinct might work, but when we take the path of meditation or commence the journey of a creative quest, it is only intuition that helps. Art, music, love, emotional bonding are all rooted in creativity and are basically intuitive. The mystic poet Kabir in a doha describes it thus: “Vaidya naa vedan janasi, karak kaleja mahi.” He is indicating that a doctor cannot exactly diagnose the longing for the Almighty by checking the hand because the pain is not there, it is in the heart. And when there is intuition, much of our worldly affairs just disappear. When the journey of meditation begins, the door of intuition is also opened. We see truth, love and trust with our inner eyes. This flowering – by becoming one with existence and giving up our dependence on our physical eyes – is what we call intuition.
Krishna says to Arjuna in the Bhagwad Gita, that he must know the wisdom that is missed by most people, wisdom that is above all science – that purifies the ones who really listen to it. We may acquire instinct and intellect through our experiences, but intuition simply happens on its own. It is like a sudden leap from nothing to being in the journey of meditation. One can feel the jump, but may not be able to explain it scientifically. This was Kabir’s situation when he said, “When intuition happens, when we taste the beauty of existence, when we penetrate the unknowable, it cannot be explained in words.” Because the knower and the known have become one, we have already melted and merged into the superconscious universe.
Quote by Osho from The Hidden Splendor, Ch 25, Q 2
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