A CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON BUDDHI AND INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT (IQ) ACCORDING TO AYURVEDIC AND MODERN PROSPECTIVE

Abstract

In Ayurveda, Buddhi is considered the ultimate form of knowledge and intelligence, encompassing a wide range of cognitive functions, including perception, understanding, and decision-making. It represents the ability to process information, make judgments, and apply knowledge effectively. Buddhi is formed through sensory inputs received by the Indriyas (sensory organs) and processed by the Mana (mind), leading to higher intellectual functions. In modern psychology, intelligence is often measured by the Intelligence Quotient (IQ), which quantifies an individual's cognitive abilities in areas such as problem-solving, memory, and reasoning. While IQ provides a numerical assessment of intelligence, the Ayurvedic concept of Buddhi goes beyond mere cognitive ability, incorporating emotional, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of intelligence. Buddhi can be classified into Panchendriya Buddhi (sensory intelligence) and Manobuddhi (mental intelligence), correlating with sensory processing and higher mental functions. This abstract aims to explore the relationship between the Ayurvedic concept of Buddhi and the modern understanding of IQ, emphasizing how both frameworks contribute to our understanding of human intelligence.

Keywords: Buddhi, Intelligence Quotient, Cognitive Ability, Ayurveda, Mental Clarity, Dosha