Domination of the intellect and the power of words

Summary overvieew

This text examines the relationship between human intellect and spiritual purpose, arguing that the mind should serve as a tool for manifesting higher values rather than acting as a dominant, destructive force. While the intellect is essential for navigating the material world, the author suggests it has become overdeveloped, leading to a secularized society that neglects intuitive insight and altruistic action. True progress is achieved when individuals align their thoughts and emotions with a higher creative design, transitioning from purely logical reasoning to a more profound spiritual awareness. A central theme is the sanctity of language, where words are viewed as a divine gift meant to anchor noble intentions into physical reality. By choosing sincere communication over superficial influence, humans can break free from intellectual stagnation and foster social harmony. Ultimately, the source calls for a responsible use of our mental faculties to serve the common good and fulfill a greater existential mission.

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Any reader of The Grail Message will note that the author comes down very hard on the Intellect and Intellectuals. He does it so strongly that the feeling may awaken in one to want to get rid of their intellect, if it were possible. Thus, a reader who sees the great value in the Message, may find themselves in a quandary on what to make of this warning against the Intellect. Especially since the Intellect is an integral part of our constitution as human beings. It is an attribute of the human brain, and it is what makes it possible for us to think and to reason. This is a capacity that animals, or even primates who have a well-developed brain, are not endowed to the same degree. It is also the intellect that has, and still makes it possible for all of the nice and noble developments of mankind on Earth. There is also no debating the fact that, compared to other creatures, much of man’s activities have been, and continue to be destructive to themselves and the planet. Therefore, by the same logic, all of mankind’s destructive and ignoble activities could be attributed to the Intellect, since it is what distinguishes humans from all other creatures who inhabit this planet.

It is from this perspective that the strong “condemnation” of the Intellect in The Grail Message needs be understood. In other words, how the Intellect is used by man to manifest ignoble and destructive activities. That is, activities that are against creation’s design, or evolution scheme. By contrast, one who uses the intellect to manifest noble and upbuilding activities on Earth can be describe as using the enhanced capacity of their intellect in the manner intended by creation’s design.

The underlying premise here is that man is a creature , created for a purpose in the grand scheme of things.

So, why does one person use the intellect to manifest actions that promote harmony and upbuilding, while another does the opposite?

The answer to this question lies in the word manifest.

By definition, to Manifest is the process of turning thoughts, beliefs, and emotions into physical reality.

This idea is no longer foreign or outlandish today, as proven by the growing practice of Manifestation, a technique taught and used by many today to try to improve their life through focused intention, visualization, and ultimately action. The explanation that practitioners and promoters give, is that Manifestation helps to bring about a spiritual alignment of the creative forces which, when strengthened by the spiritual Law of Attraction, leads to conditions that facilitate the materialization of the desired force, through action.

This explanation clearly shows the intellect as a tool, used by a preceding force to translate its intentions into material reality.

The preceding force could be a pre-existing material force (e.g. an order issued by an authority figure), or a force that has not yet taken material form, such as a thought, a desire, a vision or an emotion.

Which raises the next logical question: Where do these not yet materialized forces originate?

The answer from The Grail Message to this question, as understood by this writer, can be summarized as follows:

Thoughts - arise from the brain, initiated by some external or internal stimulus. For example, a rude exchange in traffic could be escalated by thoughts of the insult, which then manifest in acts of road rage. Or the sight of an injustice can lead to deeper reflection, that can lead one to activism.

Emotions - The Grail Message explains that emotions are tied to the brain function. The difference is that emotion can find its origin in the bodily sensations which retroactively initiate brain activity, that then results in generation of thoughts. For example, fear can originate from the body’s survival instinct, an unpleasant memory of a similar incident that is recorded in the brain, or a combination of both.

Visions (Insight) and Desires - generally originate from deep within, from what is variously described as the soul, the spirit, or the psyche. The origin of these forces lies generally outside of the brain.

From the foregoing, it follows that any force whose origin can be linked to our thoughts or emotions can be described as Intellectual in nature, because the Intellect played the primary role in giving rise to the force, as well as playing a primary role in manifesting the force in the material. By contrast, forces, like vision, strong desire or sudden burst of insight (intuition), have their origin outside of the brain, and are not Intellectual in origin, even though the Intellect will still be involved in manifesting them in the material.

Using this foundation, we can now take another look at the contexts in which the terms Intellect and Intellectual are used in the Grail Message, especially as it concerns human activities.

First, let’s use the foregoing to assign the prevalent forces behind activities in the common arenas of human activities.

In Education and Investigation

Needless to say, today’s education and investigation is driven by the Scientific approach, which relies primarily on studying only what is tangible. It also bases all conclusions drawn from such observable phenomenon purely on what can be substantiated materially (or physically).

By its very nature, this approach excludes any mechanism or force that is not tangible or readily measurable. Therefore, modern education and investigation exclude, or frown upon any assertion of the possible role of unsubstantial forces in human activities, i.e. forces that are generally associated with the spiritual or religious. Thus, this arena is dominated by thoughts and conjectures developed by the human brain, and therefore can be said to be dominated by the Intellect.

In Governance or public administration: 

Most countries or societies on Earth today are secular in nature and practice. This means that their public policies are driven by “civic principles”, based on ideas (or philosophies) of their leading minds, rather than religious doctrine. Even where these philosophies have spiritual or religious roots, subsequent developments in thinking have moved their evolution so far afield that they no longer look to an external source for guidance. For example, few of the secular countries today would officially use the wordings of the 10 commandments as official guiding policy, even though the philosophy upon which their political and administrative systems are built, can be traced back to spiritual tenets similar to the 10 commandments.

There are still a few Theocratic countries on Earth, where governing and administrative policies are supposedly based on the "rule by God", or divine guidance. But even here, interpretations of the religious texts are often subject to the thoughts, emotions or personal desires of their leading clerics. Thus, the governing and administrative policies of Theocracies are not immune from being guided by human thoughts, and therefore also dominated by the Intellect.

In Social Life: 

With the secularization of society, people have turned away from seeking guidance in sacred texts or the spiritual, on how to conduct their everyday life. This includes setting goals for their lives, how they interact with others, their leisure pursuits, and in establishing their values. This change has also had an effect in familial relationships and undertakings. For example, modern society’s reliance on pronouncements from the disciplines of Sociology and Psychology have, in reducing the influence of religious institutions, led to higher rates of divorce, cohabitation, and non-marital childbearing. It has also shifted focus from duty-based multi-generational obligations, to personal fulfillment, and emotional satisfaction. The result is the shattering of bonds with extended kin, and the promotion of individualism. Thus, here too, societies are unconsciously being guided by the product of the intellectual process, and human social life is now also dominated by the Intellect.

In Organized Religious Activity

As already stated, the texts of organized religions are usually interpreted by the “experts”, for the guidance of the flock. And these interpretations can also be influenced by the emotions or personal desires of the interpreter, which are driven by their thought processes. Thus, religious life is not immune from the influence of the brain/Intellect. Indeed, the long list of atrocities committed by organize religion throughout history demonstrate the selfish and non-spiritual drive behind these actions, showing once again the strong presence of the intellectual activity in this arena.

In non-organized Spiritual or Secular life

Despite the spread of highly structured societies, some of the common-people have tried, through the ages, to pursue and maintain their own independent life, by withdrawing to seek within themselves. Unfortunately, the majority succumbed to fantasies, that eventually led to the same rigid structures that they were trying to escape. Or to a frivolous life style based on conjectures that proved in the long run to be unfulfilling, or sometimes led to chaotic anarchy. Being products of the intellect, driven by personal desires or emotions, such conjectures were also dominated by the Intellect.

Fortunately, a few succeeded in their search to connect with something higher. And these few successes are arguably responsible for the profound leaps in the developments of human society. A few that readily come to mind include teachings by sages that led to ethical advances in human thinking and relationships. Indeed, it is the teachings of wise ones like Jesus, and other well-known Spiritual teachers that have raised our levels of social consciousness. Even on the physical level, societies have benefited from these spiritual teachings through the cultivation of shared morality, compassion, and a sense of interconnectedness, which collectively foster social cohesion, altruism, and collective action for the common good. By encouraging individuals to look beyond selfish, materialistic interests and recognize a common humanity, these teachings promote a more harmonious and supportive society.

By the very nature of these teachings which put emphasis on altruism, and actions that focus on the common good, it is obvious that the driving force does not originate from the human brain or human emotion, which invariably taint their product with some degree of self-preservation, which is also visible in all activities dominated by the Intellect.

These profound contributions to human evolution are not limited to the Spiritual or ethical. Names like Issac Newton, Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Pythagoras, Marie Curie, Galileo, Copernicus, Jan Huss, Emperor Constantine, Johannes Goethe, Raphael, are just a few of the people who went against the popular or sanctioned thinking, and in doing so blazed new paths that led to greater advances in the sciences, political administration, social thinking, and inspiration through the arts.

Final word

We would be amiss if this article ends at this point.

It has hopefully help to establish a sound premise for why The Grail Message describes our world today as dominated by the Intellect, and the dangers as well as consequences for the individual from being dominated by the intellect.

We have also alluded to the power that comes from connecting to and manifesting forces that originate from higher realms.

This may suggest to some that they need to now strive to establish this connection, or to ignite it somehow within themselves, thinking that this may be the way to introduce purity into their thoughts and actions. But, Abdrushin, the author of the Grail Message, anticipated such response from those who come to this awakening. And he warns against any attempt to impose purity on our thoughts by such means. Rather, he points to a way that is available to everyone, from our everyday activities.

He explains that refamiliarization with the power contained in how we understand and use the words of our language, holds a key to inner change and connection, for anyone who truly desires this. And through this, such a person will gradually free themselves from their intellectual domination.

This arises simply by correcting the abuse or misuse of simple words or concepts that we use every day.

To illustrate, we use the words Influence and Help, without giving much thought to the power inherent in them. And the ignorance or misuse of their inherent power has a reciprocal effect that can bind us to the intellect.

Now to explain.

To influence means to promote one’s ideas, and through this to have others emulate, copy or follow us. Thus, one who is consciously or unconsciously driven to influence, seeks to cultivate a following, regardless of motive. But a follower, by definition, means one who copies without necessarily gaining an insight of their own on the matter. Thus, influencing fosters “indolence” in the follower because it does not demand self-examination and evaluation by the follower. Without this, there can be no inner awakening of the follower. This is regardless of whether the follower derives some benefits from being influenced. Ultimately, such followers do not develop their own inner initiative.

Yet, the ultimate purpose of human life, according to the grand design of creation is to develop a self-conscious awareness of the Spiritual principles, or Laws, that govern existence, so that one may responsibly choose their own path, and thereby grow in their own recognitions.

From this, we can see that the misunderstanding and misapplication of this word/concept has been the driver of much social and religious endeavors through the ages, with the resulting consequence on human and social developments.

A true Helper, by contrast, endeavors to help a seeker develop their own independence and grow. True Helpers never entice. They will only point the way to one who asks, and, at best, give an initial helping hand, or explanations where this is deemed necessary. But the road must be walked by the one seeking help. And help is not offered to those who do not ask.

A quiet reflection on this example of the proper use and comprehension of the power inherent in these two commonly used words, gives an idea of the numerous opportunities that our daily conversations or interactions offer us to gain insights, and thus tap into the unseen powers that can shape our thinking and world view.

Let us take another very common phrase that most people use every day – “Good Morning or Day”. Its proper usage means that you are approaching that person with a sincere desire or hope for their wellbeing.

If we gave more thought to this greeting and allowed it to become genuine within us, it goes without saying that this recognition and proper use of this phrase will have a profound impact on our interaction with everyone to whom we extend this greeting. And the force of the words will then drive our interaction with the person in such a way as to reflect compassion, and a sense of interconnectedness, which will foster better social cohesion, altruism, and manifest through the activity of our properly guided Intellect, into collective action for the greater common good.

Closing words

No words can summarize the essence of this write up better than this quote from Lecture 21, “The Human Word” from the Grail Message….

AS A GREAT GRACE for your maturing in the coarse World  of Matter, the ability to form words has been bestowed upon you human beings by the Creator! You have never recognized the true value of this sublime gift, because you did not trouble yourselves about it, and treated it carelessly. Now you must suffer bitterly under all the consequences of your wrongdoing.

You stand in this affliction, and do not yet know the causes which bring such suffering in their wake.

No one may trifle with gifts of the Almighty without harming himself; such is the Law which rests and works in Creation, and which can never be diverted.

And when you consider that this being able to speak, thus your ability to form words, which anchor your volition in the World of Gross Matter through speaking, is an especially high gift of your Creator, then you will also know that it involves obligations for you, and that an immense responsibility arises therefrom; for it is with the language, and through it, that you are to work in Creation!

An After thought.

Given the power of words, and how their use can bind us, or free us from domination of the intellect, it raises a profound question on the possible consequences of the growing use of AI to generate our communication scripts. How could this affect our spiritual development, as we hand over the choice of words to the AI machines, or worse yet as we hand over the composition of the script to AI machines, and we become removed from the intentions behind the words generated.

This is something that any serious spiritually minded person should reflect upon.