Geethartha Chinthane 55: Difference between Dheeshakti and Buddhishakti

Team Udayavani, Oct 5, 2024, 10:05 AM IST

Duryodhana praises Drishtadyumna’s Dheeshakti in front of Dronacharya, mentioning how he systematically arranged the military formation with remarkable skill. There is a key difference between Dheeshakti, Dhiman (a person possessing Dheeshakti), and intelligence. Dhee = Genius = Instinct. Dhee refers to brilliance or spontaneous insight. This is reflected in the Gayatri mantra’s line, “Dheyo Yonah Prachodayat,” which emphasizes the need for an instant flash of understanding.

In contrast, Buddhiman or Buddhivanta refers to one who contemplates and then makes decisions. Dheeshakti is not something that can be acquired or controlled by anyone—it is innate. Hanuman is a prime example of someone possessing Dheeshakti. When confronted by the demoness Surasa, he cleverly transformed into a tiny creature, entered her body, and escaped. Similarly, he set his tail on fire and burned down Lanka, and outsmarted the demoness Simhika. All these instances showcase his instinctive brilliance.

His mission to find Sita was extraordinary. Hanuman had never seen Sita before, yet, as a celibate monk, he successfully located her. In Sundarakanda, each step he takes highlights his Dheeshakti.

In the same vein, Drishtadyumna, who was born with the destiny to kill Dronacharya, came to Drona himself and became his disciple. This act is not merely a display of cleverness, but a reflection of Dheeshakti. Even Dronacharya was aware of Drishtadyumna’s purpose, yet he taught him the secrets of warfare. Duryodhana, in his irritation, points out that this ability to acquire knowledge from one’s destined adversary is a symbol of Dheeshakti.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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