What is the source of intuition higher modes or Krishna?

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Is the intuitive capacity that some people have to perceive and pursue reality properly related to their position in the modes of material nature? For example, can someone in a higher mode of goodness perceive reality more accurately? But then, some animals also have intuitive capacities—a lizard knows how to catch its prey instinctively. And great souls sometimes display intuition through their connection with Krishna. I think these three—instinct, intuition from karma, and intuition from Krishna’s grace—have distinct domains.

First, regarding animals, the biological term I prefer is instinct. Instinct is more like programmed intelligence that comes with the particular body itself. Ultimately, everything comes from the Supersoul, so all intelligence originates there. However, the Supersoul imparts specific kinds of innate intelligence to different bodies.

Depending on an individual’s karma, the degree of this intelligence varies. Some have a lot, others much less. Overall, instinctual intelligence in animals is generally unrelated to the modes of nature. It’s just what they need for survival and functioning, provided by the Supersoul.

Instinct is different from intuition. Instinct is programmed intelligence. Even in humans, there are various instincts. For example, some children have an innate instinct for music—they pick up an instrument early and play well, while others struggle despite practice.

Now, intuition is harder to define and translate across languages and traditions. Broadly, intuition is an inner sense that helps us understand external situations—sometimes called a “gut feeling” or “sixth sense.” Some people have that.

How does intuition arise? At one level, it’s related to karma, even in human life. Krishna says that as we rise in the mode of goodness, our knowledge increases. So, naturally, as one advances in the modes, perception can become clearer.

That said, a person in goodness may not have good intuition about everything. For example, Brahmanas may be great at reading scriptures but not necessarily shrewd in handling money. Prabhupada speaks of two great devotees, Randa Maharaj and Sudhayo Maharaj. Sudhayo had political intuition and foresaw danger for Krishna’s mission; Randa Maharaj was simple and lacked that political shrewdness. Both were great devotees, but their intuitive capacities differed.

Some devotees may, by past karma or the sheer power of their devotion, receive intuition directly from Krishna, which is wonderful. But not everyone will have the same degree of this gift. Even senior pure devotees may vary in their expertise and intuition.

Is it a deficiency in an exalted devotee if they lack strong intuition? I don’t think so. Devotion does not necessarily translate into competence in every field or situation. Krishna gives each of us certain resources to serve Him, and we need to recognize both our strengths and limitations and choose our service accordingly.

If someone has a greater intuitive capacity, they can use it for more varied and complex services. Broadly, three factors influence a person’s intuition and ability to pursue reality accurately:

1. Past karma
2. Elevation in the modes of material nature (from lower to higher modes)
3. Connection with Krishna

All three contribute, but there isn’t a one-to-one correlation—someone might be in a high mode but have limited intuition in one area due to karma, or vice versa. Also, people gain intuition through observation, experience, and learning.

Is it Krishna’s grace and inner connection that give true intuition? Yes, that’s certainly possible. But not everyone with a deep connection with Krishna always displays strong intuition. For example, in the associates of Lord Chaitanya, many exalted devotees failed to perceive objectionable poetry with Mayavadi allusions written by a Vaishnav from Bengal, but Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya alone perceived it. This was not a devotional deficiency in the others but a special intuitive capacity in Sarvabhauma, which enabled him to serve as a gatekeeper for Mahaprabhu.

So, all three factors must be considered. We can reflect on the services we perform and identify which resources we possess or can develop to increase our intuition and better pursue reality.