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Loppon Malcolm clarified the role of intellectual learning in Sutra, Tantra, Dzogchen & Mahamudra on the DW forum: http://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?f=100&p=208783#p208783 All Buddhists teachings have three prajñās: the prajñā of hearing, when one listens to the teachings and understands them intellectually; the prajñā of reflection, when one integrates what one has understood; and the prajñā of meditation, where the meaning one has gathered through hearing and reflection is brought to realization. To claim that we are not meant to intellectually understand the path does not correspond with my education and training. The Tantra of the Union of the Sun and Moon states: Prajñā is three-fold: the prajñā of hearing severs external reification; the prajñā of reflection severs internal reification; and the prajñā of meditation severs secret reification. Vimalamitra states: The characteristics of prajñā: The characteristic of the prajñā of hearing is a great quantity listening and understanding words without interpolation. The characteristic of reflection is investigating the words and meanings of the mind, and giving explanations. The characteristic of meditation is distancing oneself from afflictions through meditation. We should pay respect to intellectual learning, not dismiss it.... There are two kinds of prajñā, contaminated, and pure. The former exists in common practitioners, the latter in realized practitioners.