Page 301 - The Path of Grace

APPENDIX I - KOSAS
Thoughts in a framework of decision-making are generally considered as the intellect. Vedantins hold that ignorance of the Self manifests first in the decision of the intellect to pronounce statements such as "I am the doer, I am finite etc." It is also held to be responsible for entertaining the notions -"I am tall, I am hungry, I am happy etc.” It is also agreed that knowledge of the Self also takes place in the intellect as "I am infinite, I am pure happiness etc." The intellect is the seat of the values of life. What we value, we try to emulate, run after or cherish are all in this sheath of consciousness. The intellect discriminates between right and wrong, real and unreal, good and bad etc. To innovate, create, discover, visualize, imagine, observe, conclude, inquire, question, recognize, assimilate etc. are intellectual abilities. The mind carries the sense perception to the intellect. Based on previous experience, it recognizes, understands and decides on the course of action. It conveys the same, through the mind, to the organs of action and the body to act accordingly. Hence, the intellect is called the 'Driver' of this vehicle of the body.
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