Venerable Master Hsuan Hua
There is an old saying that is very useful: "Intelligence is supported by hidden virtues, hidden virtues guide one to intelligence. Without performing hidden virtues, intelligence backfires instead."
Why are we intelligent in this life? It is because, in past lives, we have created many virtuous deeds. What is hidden virtue? It is doing noble deeds of virtue without letting others know. For example, if someone died without a coffin, you secretly buy one and gave them a proper burial, that is hidden virtue—you do the good deed but do not publicize it or seek recognition.
In short, hidden virtue is benefiting and helping others without making it public knowledge.
Due to hidden virtue accumulated in past lives, one is intelligent in this life. If one had studied or chanted the Buddhist sutras frequently, like reciting the Diamond Sutra tens of thousands of times—one also becomes intelligent in this life.
Similarly, studying a lot (in past lives) makes one intelligent in this life. Hence, the saying goes “intelligence is supported by hidden virtue.” Intelligence in the present life is the result of cultivating virtue in past lives.
“Hidden virtue guides one to intelligence.” This means that due to a moral character and upright conduct, one becomes intelligent; it is this hidden virtue that brings one to the path of intelligence.
Without hidden virtue, intelligence can mislead. If in this life one doesn’t believe in hidden virtue and does not act in an upright and wholesome manner, relying only on cleverness for selfish or harmful purposes, this is what is meant by “intelligence backfires” when misused.
Your intelligence destroys yourself. Why? If you were not smart, you won’t think about harming others. But due to being clever, you know what others don’t and you use this advantage to harm others. People do not even realize that you are a bad person. Therefore, “intelligence backfires”.
A historical example is Cao Cao, who was extremely clever—almost cleverer than the demons and gods. Yet some of his actions were improper while others were okay. Although his intelligence misled him, at least he had some achievements.
Those who value intelligence should cultivate virtue after hearing this saying. Try to do good for others and avoid causing harm.
