If we let our mind rule over us we will be defeated. The mind makes us lazy, dissatisfied and inattentive. Using our intelligence we must fight against this lethargy with enthusiasm.
Nothing spiritual can really be understood in truth without the mercy of the Lord. We cannot grasp Krishna by our intelligence, memory or any of our material talents or attributes. We use all these things in His service.
We can sit in classes and hear very nice theoretical philosophy and we can have great conviction of our intelligence. That is very good and important. But factually, unless that philosophical conviction generates a sense of enthusiasm within one’s heart for the service of the Lord, it is like an empty decoration.
Certain situations are extremely painful and our intelligence fails to reason how this could be a blessing of the Lord. At such times we could try humbly submitting a prayer, Oh God, please give me the strength to see this situation as your mercy although my intelligence fails to see it so. This way we can tap the so far concealed grace of the Lord, and develop gratitude for all inconceivable situations that God arranges for us in our lives.