Buddhi

Intellect, the faculty of discernment and decision. In the Samkhya system, it is the first manifestation of prakriti and the closest to purusha.

Buddhi determines, judges, and decides. When dominated by sattva, it clearly reflects purusha’s light and produces viveka (discernment). When obscured by rajas or tamas, it generates confusion and erroneous decisions.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna emphasizes buddhi-yoga: using the purified intellect to act without attachment to results. A stable and clear buddhi is the essential instrument for liberation.