Defining Spiritual Intelligence

You have undoubtedly heard about measuring intelligence by way of an intelligence quotient or IQ; you may be familiar with the concept of emotional intelligence, or EQ, as well. However, you may not have heard of spiritual intelligence, or SQ. There are scientists, philosophers, psychologists and academics, among others, who are presently taking a more rigorous approach to understanding and studying spiritual intelligence. Based on their research, we can summarize some of the key characteristics of a person displaying a high level of spiritual intelligence as follows:

1. self-awareness

2. strong vision and values

3. holistic approach to life

4. compassion and tolerance

5. humility and willingness to change

6. positive outlook

7. interconnectedness and service orientation

8. trust and faith in divine guidance and order

9. lack of ego-driven motivation, open heart

10. balance between rational and intuitive mind

11. appreciation for all of life

The list is of course not exhaustive, but it is an insightful reflection of the qualities inherent in a person with a high degree of spiritual intelligence. The value in defining spiritual intelligence is that it provides us with a framework and aspirational goals for our lives.

In one sense, spiritual intelligence is innate within each one of us, but in another sense, something that must be cultivated through regular spiritual practice and a sincere desire to be of service for the greater benefit of the entire human family. This is the core principal of spiritual development: overcoming our tendencies toward ego-based fear and competition, and replacing them with the higher spiritual principles of love and cooperation.

The more that each one of us cultivates and develops an inner sense of the sacred within, the more beautiful our life becomes. And the more beauty that we have within, the more beauty we can share outwardly. Others are impacted by that beauty and thereby encouraged to cultivate that same sense of sacredness within themselves. This process creates a positive feedback loop, bringing all of us closer towards the center of love, peace and interconnectedness that is the hallmark of spiritual consciousness.