Intuition

As opposed to deductive reasoning, intuition is defined as direct knowledge of what is intrinsically true, the axioms upon which deductive reasoning is based. In addition, despite a tendency to assume that new knowledge is acquired as a progress of linear thought, much new knowledge seems to be acquired through hunch, or "direct knowing", which is then confirmed rationally. The process has been described as almost a bodily sensation of important knowledge arising spontaneously, whether or not willed; and of being direct knowledge unaffected by the individual's belief system. Intuition has been explained (William Kautz) by positing the human mind as three concentric circles, the smallest enclosing consciousness, the second personal unconsciousness and the largest, or [super-conscious]

, being the reservoir of all actual and potential human knowledge and experience. Intuition is then the flow of knowledge from the outer to the inner circle, the flow being assisted by clearing the channel through the personal unconscious.

Intuition has also been defined as immediate knowledge of the Absolute obtained through [wisdom]

, and thus contrasted with knowledge of external objects derived through the senses and the intellect (Swami Omkarananda). The suddenness of the understanding arising is exemplified in Zen, where meditation on what might appear trivial can lead to inspired intuition of understanding or beauty.