Buddhi
/ˈbʊd.i/noun
In Indian philosophy, the faculty of intelligence, discernment, or higher understanding.
Did you know?Buddhi comes from the same Sanskrit root as Buddha, both connected with awakening, awareness, and clear perception rather than supernatural magic.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bheudh-
“To be awake, aware, or take notice”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
budh-
“To awaken, perceive, understand, or become aware”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
buddhi
“Intelligence, understanding, discernment, or the faculty that makes judgments”
Ancient Indian philosophy
Sanskrit
buddhi
“The discriminating intellect, distinguished from sensory mind and ego”
19th–20th Century
English
buddhi
“A borrowed philosophical term for higher intelligence or discriminative awareness”
Modern English
English
buddhi
“Intuitive or higher understanding, especially in Hindu, Buddhist, and yoga contexts”