Yoga, Buddhism and Our Intelligence and Abilities

In the study, practice and teaching of Yoga and

Buddhism, we are taught that it is our thoughts,

feelings, words and actions (routines, habits,

behaviors) that may and can create problems for us. It

is also understood that many of our current thoughts,

feelings, words and actions have been conditioned into

us by our experiences and situations that may have

been unwholesome, or involved people that may have

been abusive to us, while some of it has been caused

by our own ignorance.

This is true for people of any ethnic group or social background.

One of the frequently heard phrases in both Yoga and

Buddhism is “cognitive field”, referring to our

consciousness which perceives and reacts to things and

creates the conditions that move us to think, feel,

speak and act in certain ways.

The state of this cognitive field can be something

that enhances our intelligence and abilities or limits

our intelligence and abilities.

The state of this consciousness can be something that

enhances or limits our ability to be mindful and

concentrated.

The state of this consciousness can be something that

enhances or limits our energy and the ability to apply

that energy in a steady and determined manner.

In talking about the cognitive field and its state, we

have also been introduced to the phrase “clearing up

the cognitive field”.

This means that we are engaged in a path, practice and

process that makes the cognitive field one that is

stronger and more focused, purer and less distracted,

wiser and more skillful.

When such a state is accessed and continually

cultivated, our intelligence and abilities in all

things are strengthened.

This could include simple and everyday routines and

habits such as washing the clothes, cooking food and

how we approach and do our work and interact with

others in our family.

But it also could include things that we have lost

mindfulness about, perhaps the ability to write, to

love and understand others better, or to embark on the understanding and development of a new skill with interest and

 confidence.

It could be learning a martial art or to fly a plane,

or going back to school for further study, or learning

to dance, or any number of things.

Both Yoga and Buddhism provide us with a means to

clear up this cognitive field.

The results of their understanding and practice are

not only a spiritual evolution but also an evolution

of how we live in the world.

The results of their understanding and practice are

not only better physical health as far as how the

heart, lungs and muscular - skeletal system function

and operate, but also in a calmer state of mind and consciousness.

The results of their understanding and practice are

not only in feeling better, but in living more wisely,

with a greater tendency to understanding and

compassion to other people.

We sometimes do not see or understand that if we are

overly attached to some idea or state, how it limits

our intelligence and abilities.

We sometimes do not see or understand that if we are

overly attached to a certain habit or behavior, how it

limits our intelligence and abilities.

We sometimes do not see or understand that if we

suffer from stress and anxiety, or get angry easily,

how it limits our intelligence and abilities.

This is why both Yoga and Buddhism ask that we learn, understand and practice their teachings in their entirety.

It is good and beneficial to do postures and practice meditation, but the clearing up of the consciousness is more quickly and

 thoroughly brought about when we also practice non – violence in thought, word and actions and right intentions.

Right speech and austerity, through what they ask of

us to think, say and do, also work to clear up the consciousness.

Other teachings and practices, such as right effort,

right mindfulness, celibacy and honesty also work in

the same manner.

The bottom line to all of this is a promise, a promise

that if one practices Yoga and Buddhism, their

intelligence and abilities will improve.

If we take a little time to listen to the testimonies

of those who were stressed out, anxious, obsessed and

addicted, and were able to bring about a change

through their practice of Yoga or Buddhism, we may be

further encouraged to learn and practice these things ourselves.

©2004 John C. Kimbrough

(John lives and teaches in Bangkok, Thailand. He can

be reached at johnckimbrough@yahoo.com)