A modern understanding of intuition is a “quick and ready insight,” or an “immediate apprehension or cognition.”1 In the past, in Latin and medieval English the word carried connotations of mystical insight. This deeper meaning also occurs in the spiritual teachings of India. For example, in the Yoga Sutra—one of the most respected among the ancient texts on yoga, and one which contains cogent insights into the nature of the mind—the sage Patanjali speaks of intuition as a power that reveals divine knowledge:
प्रातिभाद्वा सर्वम्॥३.३३॥
prātibhād vā sarvam ॥
By intuition comes [knowledge of] everything.2
The Sanskrit word for intuition, pratibha, is instructive, because it suggests where intuition comes from and how it does so. Pratibha means “a flash of light,” a revelation from the highest Self that arises in a moment when maya, the veil of unknowing, is pierced and we have access to the omniscience of our own inner divinity. In such a moment, the truth of a teaching we have hitherto understood only intellectually may suddenly “flash forth”—that is, it comes alive for us, and we comprehend it at a level more profound than the thinking mind. Likewise, as Patanjali indicates, aspects of creation previously unknown to us can also be known. Pratibha, intuition, is our inbuilt power of revelation.
How can we cultivate such a virtue? Gurumayi says:
When you do self-inquiry, you get in touch with your own energy. Then you are able to hear the true voice, the real voice, the real intuition.3
The core of self-inquiry, atma-vichara, as taught in Vedanta philosophy, is inquiring into and reflecting on the most profound question of all—Who am I?
As we do this self-inquiry, the transient identifications of the ego fall away, and we access our deepest, most expansive energy—the atman, our own great Self. Then we are able to hear the voice of pratibha, our inner light of intuition. As we ask the question “Who am I?,” the answer arises with profound conviction: “I am the Self of all.”
1Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition (Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, 2007), p. 658. 2Yoga Sutra, 3.33; Edwin F. Bryant (trans.), The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Edition, Translation and Commentary (New York: North Point Press, 2009), p. 363. 3Swami Chidvilasananda, “The Real Intuition,” Darshan magazine, no. 88, Self-Inquiry, p. 42.
In the commentary on intuition the virtue is described as the piercing of “maya, the veil of unknowing.” For me, the practices of meditation, chanting, and contemplation of the virtues are all ways to bring about such a piercing of maya’s veil. I know the state of the Self lies behind the veil of maya. The deeper my practice, the wider the opening beyond the piercing becomes—and the greater my experience of the Self.
Texas, United States
Recently, I found myself involved in a stressful situation with a person whom I honestly love so much. But in this particular scenario, I realized that I was struggling with a feeling close to dislike toward them. While the unpleasant interaction was over quickly, it left me with a heavy heart and an inner feeling of contraction. Thankfully, however, the commentary on intuition appeared on the Siddha Yoga path website that very day. Through reading this commentary, I felt as though I received a priceless teaching from Gurumayi. As the commentary urged, I asked myself, “Who am I?” As I contemplated this question, it felt as if intuition, in the form of the divine knowledge that the sage Patanjali refers to in the quotation, suddenly burst open within my heart. As a result, I was once again able to access the feelings of great love that I have for that person. I recognized that they and I are made up of the same supreme, universal Consciousness.
Nairobi, Kenya
For a long time I’ve been aware that on the Siddha Yoga path it isn’t just intellectual wisdom we are offered, but also the experience of the divine inner Self. So I was deeply moved to read that “the sage Patanjali speaks of intuition as a power that reveals divine knowledge."
As I continued to read the commentary, I felt a deep connection with the great Self within me, and I felt an extraordinary sense that my innermost Self was lovingly inviting me to partake of the divine knowledge it had to offer. It was as if this knowledge itself was longing to be known! Even now, as I recall this experience, I can feel the bliss, love, and power of this great energy within me, this treasure house of divine knowledge.
Engaging with this commentary has opened my eyes to a deeper understanding and experience of intuition as an aspect of my innermost Self.
Havant, United Kingdom
Intuition has become a gift in my life that brings me gratitude and fulfillment. Inspirations that seem timely and wise rise up independently. I recognize the value of following each intuitive message as it guides me to perform a beneficial, needed, or right action.
I have noticed that my intuitive messages more often seem synchronistic, as if light from the universe, flowing with Guru’s grace, is responding to intentions and affirmations that I hold for myself and others. I value the power of intention to help me access my intuitive wisdom.
I am grateful for this commentary on intuition, which gave me scriptural references and a deeper sacred understanding about this divine virtue.
Maryland, United States
This morning after reading the beautiful commentary on today’s divine virtue, intuition, I asked myself, “Who am I?”
I heard from within, “I am everything, and nothing but ‘I’ exists.” I felt a quiet elation and sweet gratitude, knowing that nothing but God exists.
California, United States
Over the years I’ve learned to be quiet in order to allow my inner Self to surface and lead me in the right direction. Nowadays I don’t overthink things; I remain quiet and see what emerges.
Colwall, United Kingdom
The commentary affirms my experience: when I listen to my inner voice, I never make a mistake. When I hear it and don’t listen, I always discover later that I should have listened.
This inner voice is very powerful. The more I listen to it, the more it is present, and it becomes recurring guidance. Then I feel I am becoming more and more united with my inner Self.
Dorval, Canada
Reading this brilliant commentary has led me to a direct experience of the sacredness of my own being. I’m still in this experience while writing this. I am so grateful.
Madrid, Spain
After reading this commentary, I now understand more clearly the meaning of the word intuition, and the fact that intuitions sometimes take the form of a few words or a phrase that comes into our mind and helps us in our sadhana.
I feel that intuition happens when we are deeply connected to the great power of Shri Guru. One day I was meditating and suddenly this sentence came into my mind: “When our mind becomes pure, we will become Lord Shiva.” This experience encouraged me to free myself from all negativities.
Indore, India
This commentary about intuition deepens my appreciation for this beautiful virtue. I usually call on intuition when I’m making a practical decision, and I notice often how it comes to my rescue.
The commentary expands my thinking and awareness of this virtue. I can pay attention to intuition as a flash of spiritual understanding—the amazing moments when the teachings come vividly to life.
I love this!
Kentucky, United States
I have found contemplating the question suggested by this commentary to be very fruitful. As I get in touch with my own energy and ask, “Who am I?” I experience effervescence, the energy of enthusiasm. This silences and stills me. The sounds of the outside world recede.
Sydney, Australia
Each day I look forward to my morning meditation—revelations of insight and instructions come, and I receive them as divine gifts of Guru’s grace.
I’m drawn to the notion that we can cultivate pratibha through self-inquiry. It’s immensely helpful to be given this specific practice that I can employ anytime throughout the day to purify and deepen my perception, and in this way, connect with Guru’s grace.
With each commentary, the recognition of the Guru’s presence in my life becomes more effulgent and palpable.
California, United States
Years ago, I had a profound experience of intuition. After receiving Gurumayi’s darshan, I looked up at a large photo of Baba and the awareness arose, “I am that love!” Then I looked back at Gurumayi and experienced the same awareness that “I am that love!” It felt like this awareness came from my innermost Self—that that was who I really am—the love that pervades everything.
Though it was a brief moment of intuition, it has always stayed with me, and I am very grateful for this experience of my true nature.
