Buddhi (Intellect, Discernment)

Jack Utermoehl

Buddhi is a Sanskrit term meaning “intellect” or “discriminative faculty.”

Part of the antahkarana (inner instrument), buddhi refers to the part of the mind that analyzes, discerns, and makes decisions with clarity and insight.

Unlike the reactive mind (manas), which processes sensory input and impulses, buddhi is the higher function of awareness that chooses wisely and sees truth.

In yogic and Vedantic philosophy, buddhi plays a central role in spiritual awakening—guiding the seeker away from illusion (maya) and toward the realization of the Self.

Etymology and Meaning

Sanskrit Spelling: बुद्धि

Root Word: "Budh" (to know, to awaken)

Translation Variations: Intellect, reason, discernment, wisdom, higher mind

Pronunciation: Buddhi [BOOD-thee]

Buddhi is not the ego or the thinking mind—it is the silent witness that discerns what is true, right, and aligned with inner wisdom.

It reflects the light of the Self and enables wise action.

Buddhi in Yogic and Spiritual Philosophy

In Samkhya Philosophy: Buddhi emerges from prakriti (nature) as the first evolute, responsible for decision-making and discrimination.

In Yoga: Buddhi must be refined and purified through practice (abhyasa) and non-attachment (vairagya) to see clearly.

In Vedanta: Buddhi is the faculty that helps recognize the difference between the Self (atman) and the not-Self (anatman).

It is through the power of buddhi that one can choose dharma over impulse, truth over illusion, and liberation over identification.

Symbolism and Elements

Color: White or gold, symbolizing clarity, purity, and illumination

Element: Closely aligned with space (akasha), representing subtle awareness

Chakra: Ajna (third eye), the seat of wisdom and inner vision

Mantra: Om, invoking the cosmic intelligence and higher mind

Yoga Essentials for Your Practice

Support your yoga journey with high-quality, sustainable props designed for comfort and stability.

EcoBlock Cork Yoga Block
EcoBlock Cork Yoga Block

Crafted from eco-friendly cork for durability and a comfortable practice.

$24

Shop Now
Complete Yoga Kit for Beginners
Complete Yoga Kit for Beginners

Includes everything you need to get started: a mat, blocks, and a yoga strap.

$120

Shop Now

Practical Application

In Yoga Practice

  • Use meditation to quiet manas and allow buddhi to emerge with clarity
  • Reflect after practice—What did I learn? What felt true?
  • Choose asana and pranayama with intention, not impulse

In Daily Life

  • Pause before reacting—give buddhi space to guide your response
  • Discern between helpful habits and unconscious reactivity
  • Seek simplicity, truth, and alignment in choices and commitments

Quotes and Wisdom

"The intellect is like a mirror; when it is clean, it reflects the Self perfectly."Swami Sivananda

"Buddhi is the lamp that shows the path when emotion clouds the way."

Modern Relevance

In an age of information overload and emotional reaction, buddhi offers a return to clarity and wisdom.

It helps us make thoughtful choices, navigate complexity with grounded insight, and align our lives with what truly matters.

Strengthening buddhi is essential for ethical leadership, conscious relationships, and spiritual maturity.

Related Concepts

Manas: The lower mind, responsible for processing sense data and emotion

Viveka: Discernment or wisdom—the skillful use of buddhi

Ahamkara: Ego or “I-maker,” which often obscures buddhi

How to Strengthen Buddhi

Mindset: Value inner clarity over outer approval

Actions: Cultivate daily reflection, reduce mental noise, practice mindfulness

Reflection: Ask, “What is truly wise here—not just what feels good or easy?”

Suggested Reading

  • Vivekachudamani by Adi Shankaracharya
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  • I Am That by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Conclusion

Buddhi, the intellect or discerning mind, is a guide toward right action and inner peace.

When we quiet the noise of ego and impulse, buddhi becomes a trusted inner compass—revealing truth, refining perception, and guiding us toward freedom.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Support Our Content

Please consider donating to support our efforts and future content.

It is because of you that we are able to share this knowledge.

Thank You

Gratitude and Blessings

Donate Links

  • Prana (Life Force)

    Jack Utermoehl

    Prana is a Sanskrit word meaning “life force” or “vital energy.” It is the subtle force that animates all living beings—governing breath, movement, digestion, thought, and even spiritual awakening. In...

    Prana (Life Force)

    Jack Utermoehl

    Prana is a Sanskrit word meaning “life force” or “vital energy.” It is the subtle force that animates all living beings—governing breath, movement, digestion, thought, and even spiritual awakening. In...

  • Sama Vṛtti (Equal Breathing)

    Jack Utermoehl

    Sama Vṛtti is a Sanskrit term meaning “equal movement” or “balanced action,” and it refers to a foundational pranayama (breath control) technique in which the length of the inhale and...

    Sama Vṛtti (Equal Breathing)

    Jack Utermoehl

    Sama Vṛtti is a Sanskrit term meaning “equal movement” or “balanced action,” and it refers to a foundational pranayama (breath control) technique in which the length of the inhale and...

  • Sukha (Ease)

    Jack Utermoehl

    Sukha is a Sanskrit term meaning “ease,” “good space,” or “comfort.” It is the balanced counterpart to sthira (steadiness), and together they define the ideal state of a yoga posture: sthira-sukham...

    Sukha (Ease)

    Jack Utermoehl

    Sukha is a Sanskrit term meaning “ease,” “good space,” or “comfort.” It is the balanced counterpart to sthira (steadiness), and together they define the ideal state of a yoga posture: sthira-sukham...

  • Sthira (Steadiness)

    Jack Utermoehl

    Sthira is a Sanskrit term meaning “steady,” “stable,” or “firm.” In yogic philosophy, it refers to the quality of grounded strength and unwavering presence. Most notably, it appears in Patanjali’s...

    Sthira (Steadiness)

    Jack Utermoehl

    Sthira is a Sanskrit term meaning “steady,” “stable,” or “firm.” In yogic philosophy, it refers to the quality of grounded strength and unwavering presence. Most notably, it appears in Patanjali’s...

1 of 4

Explore Yoga Knowledge Hub