The Neuroscience of Spiritual Intelligence

Three Dimensions of Intelligence

Three Dimensions of Intelligence

Three Modes of Brain Processing

Neurological studies have established that the brain has three distinct processing modes, called serial, parallel and synchronous. Serial processing is associated with IQ functions in the left brain. Parallel processing is associated with EQ functions in the right brain. And synchronous processing is associated with SQ functions in the whole brain [1].

Neural Basis for Spiritual Intelligence

Oscillations at 40Hz propagate across the whole brain synchronously, and are associated with conscious attention and the state of presence. By linking part-brain functions from both hemispheres into the integrated field of the whole brain, 40Hz synchronous oscillations connect mind, self and world into a meaningful whole. Consequently 40Hz oscillations constitute the neural basis for SQ.

SQ Brain Circuitry

Recent findings in neuroscience confirm that spiritual intelligence is hard-wired in the human brain. But SQ brain circuitry remains largely dormant and undeveloped unless the SQ neural network is actually used. Random moments of spiritual intelligence occur spontaneously, but not very often. Therefore it’s important to know how to activate SQ intentionally, thus converting spiritual intelligence from a random fleeting experience into your most valuable personal resource. This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to activate SQ intentionally.

Neuroscience confirms that spiritual intelligence is hard-wired in the human brain.

Qualities of Spiritual Intelligence

The qualities of spiritual intelligence are the native qualities of consciousness itself, which are experienced at the subject-pole of attention in moments of presence in the form of wisdom, compassion, integrity, joy, love, creativity, and peace. By identifying with consciousness itself, instead of identifying with states of body and mind, we activate spiritual intelligence and thus experience its qualities. This shift in identification corresponds to the shift from ego to soul. Spiritual intelligence is therefore the intelligence of the soul.

The 3Q Brain Upgrade

The 3Q brain upgrade optimises the brain for activating three principal dimensions of intelligence simultaneously (IQ+EQ+SQ). The neuroscience of spiritual intelligence reveals that the 3Q brain upgrade changes brain processing, resets brain frequencies, re-balances brain neurotransmitters, stimulates the process of neurogenesis that creates new brain cells, and builds new brain structure that supports the higher dimension of intelligence.

Brain Processing

3Q intelligence

Brain processing in the 3Q brain shifts from exclusive use of serial and parallel processing to include synchronous processing. This change in processing is associated with the combination of spiritual intelligence with intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence.

Brain Frequencies

The 3Q brain resets brain frequencies to include gamma frequencies and high alpha frequencies, which otherwise occur only rarely and at random. Gamma frequencies and high alpha frequencies are associated with activation of the spiritual dimension of intelligence.

Brain Neurotransmitters

The 3Q brain reduces neurotransmitters that generate fight and flight reactions, which are generally overused by the ego, and increases neurotransmitters that are associated with wellbeing and balance.

Brain Neurogenesis

The 3Q Method stimulates particular parts of the brain that are responsible for the process of neurogenesis, resulting in the generation of new brain cells that are used to strengthen existing brain networks and build new ones.

Brain Structure

The 3Q Method builds new brain structure that sustains the experience of spiritual intelligence. Consequently the more you use your 3Q, the more 3Q brain structure you create, and therefore the easier it is to activate your 3Q intelligence in any circumstances.

Brain Plasticity

Studies on brain plasticity have established that neural pathways are highly malleable [2]. New neural pathways grow quickly in the human brain, and are strengthened by sustained and repeated use. For example, taxi drivers have an enlarged part of the brain that deals with direction-finding. And violin players have an enlarged brain area that deals with the left hand, but not with the right hand, which reflects the extra dexterity required to control the left hand on the strings, in comparison to to the right hand holding the bow [3]. Likewise, frequent use of the SQ neural network evolves a brain optimised for spiritual intelligence. This translates into an ability to sustain spiritual intelligence in association with any circumstances at the object-pole. Ultimately continued practice results in a 3Q brain (IQ+EQ+SQ=3Q), by means of neuroplasticity. A 3Q brain is structurally and permanently polarised to the subject-pole. With a 3Q brain you simply abide effortlessly as consciousness itself, and your spiritual intelligence is therefore active, without needing to use a practice.

The 3Q Brain

The 3Q brain (IQ+EQ+SQ=3Q) is optimised neurologically for spiritual intelligence. The default setting of attention in the 3Q brain is at the subject-pole of attention, not at the object-pole of attention [4]. The 3Q brain therefore replaces the ego with the soul, both as the seat of self-identity, and as the governor of IQ and EQ. The 3Q brain uses IQ and EQ not to pursue the goals of the ego, but to express the qualities of the soul, which are experienced at the subject-pole of attention in moments of presence, in the form of wisdom, compassion, integrity, joy, love, creativity, and peace.

Consciousness is Not a Product of the Brain

Recent studies in post-materialist science confirm that consciousness is not a product of the brain, contrary to the materialist point of view that still prevails in mainstream neuroscience. These studies provide evidence that consciousness continues in the absence of brain activity. Some of these studies are based on the experience of patients in surgery. In some cases, after recovering from an operation, patient’s were able to give accurate reports of events that occurred in the operating theatre during the time that their brains were not functioning. Evidently consciousness does not depend on the brain. The brain is the receiver of consciousness, not the source of consciousness. These studies represent scientific evidence for the existence of consciousness independent of the brain.

Neuro-psychology of the Soul

Neuroscience has identified the particular type of brain processing associated with spiritual intelligence, as detailed above. The SQ paradigm combines this neuroscientific evidence with findings from psycho-analysis, and with the evidence from cognitive and transpersonal psychology [5]. The resulting inter-disciplinary synthesis reveals that spiritual intelligence is associated with a particular sense of self, distinct from the ego, with a specific neurological signature, that shares the qualities and capabilities ascribed to the soul by religious traditions. The SQ paradigm therefore represents the neuro-psychology of the soul.

Realisation of the Soul

According to traditional religious beliefs, soul realisation is a supernatural experience. But the SQ paradigm identifies the realisation of the soul not as a supernatural experience but as a psycho-physical process by means of which the brain is optimised neurologically for spiritual intelligence. SQ brain circuitry is developed by transit through the SQ Portal as a means of experiencing spiritual intelligence. Frequent and sustained activation of spiritual intelligence eventually shifts the default setting of attention from the object-pole to the subject-pole of attention on a permanent basis, as a result of the neuro-plasticity of the brain.

By identifying with consciousness itself at the subject-pole of attention, instead of identifying with states of body and mind at the object-pole of attention, this shift in polarity replaces the ego with the soul, not only as the governor of IQ and EQ, but also as the conscious seat of personal identity. By virtue of continuous uninterrupted access to spiritual intelligence, the 3Q brain therefore represents the realisation of the soul.

Human Evolution

Human evolution proceeds at multiple levels, from modifying the shape of the body, to evolving the brain to a more advanced level of functioning. SQ represents the next level of functioning beyond IQ and EQ. Thus human evolution is proceeding in the direction of developing the high performance 3Q brain. The emergence of spiritual intelligence into mainstream consciousness therefore signals the beginning of a new stage in human evolution governed by a higher dimension of intelligence.

The Emergence of Spiritual Intelligence

By sharing spiritual intelligence you are contributing to the evolution of mainstream consciousness. The resulting transformation, both individual and collective, is necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities of the third millennium. Spiritual intelligence therefore represents a higher dimension of intelligence whose time has come.

3Q Training

As a powerful combination of three principal dimensions of intelligence, 3Q represents IQ and EQ in association with SQ. Studies in neuroscience reveal that the experience of spiritual intelligence is correlated with hemispheric synchronisation and whole brain activation. The resulting whole-brain coherence optimises brain function and replaces the ego (the false self) with the soul (consciousness itself, the true self) by shifting from the object-pole of attention to the subject-pole of attention, which results in greater fulfilment, increased creativity, sharpened intuition, more empathy and compassion, and improved performance on a wide range of work skills and life skills. If you want to learn more, there is a Course on 3Q Training here.

Sources

The SQ paradigm is based on a synthesis combining the wisdom of ancient spiritual traditions with the findings of modern science, as summarised in this article here.

How to Experience Spiritual Intelligence [Video]

Spiritual intelligence is easy to experience. We all experience SQ spontaneously at times. But spontaneous moments of SQ are rare and unpredictable. Therefore it’s important to know how to experience SQ intentionally. When you can engage your spiritual intelligence voluntarily, at any time of your own choosing, SQ becomes your most powerful personal resource. This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to activate SQ intentionally. Watch the video here.

References

3Q Practitioner Training Course

Do you want to accelerate your own personal and spiritual growth, and teach others to do the same? The 3Q Practitioner Training Course trains and certifies Spiritual Intelligence Practitioners.

Spiritual Intelligence is a higher dimension of intelligence beyond the ego that has access to the advanced capabilities of the true self. This Course is based on secular spirituality not on religious beliefs. Consequently, the methodology used to activate spiritual intelligence is not founded on articles of faith but on experience and knowledge, backed by evidence from related fields of scientific research. Certified Practitioners are provided with the training materials to coach their clients in spiritual intelligence, and conduct workshops in spiritual intelligence for leaders and organisations, and for the general public.

As the intelligence of the true self beyond the ego, spiritual intelligence (SQ) has many benefits that exceed the scope of intellectual intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ). Spiritual intelligence relieves anxiety and depression and the extreme pain of meaninglessness and despair that is often associated with ego states of awareness. Freedom from ego, as experienced with SQ, grants wisdom and clarity of vision, combined with more empathy and compassion, which increases creativity and intuition, and results in greater personal fulfilment and better performance on important life skills and work skills. Spiritual intelligence therefore represents the most powerful resource for personal and professional growth and fulfilment.

Widespread adoption of spiritual intelligence as a personal code of conduct raises the standard of accountability in collective governance, in response to public demand. When standards in governments and corporations are based on spiritual intelligence, the energy of love will turn into a social and political force, as never before in history. Public training in spiritual intelligence therefore heralds a new era of human rights and social justice, which form the foundation for global cooperative community, shared prosperity, and world peace.

As a 3Q Practitioner you will be equipped to introduce spiritual intelligence in the context of contemporary secular culture, and contribute to the next stage in the evolution of collective consciousness. When a tipping point is reached, the emerging next stage of collective consciousness will result in global transformation, founded not on beliefs of any sort, or on government control, or on mass media narratives enforced by censorship of contrary views, but founded instead on the inherent qualities of consciousness itself, such as love, wisdom, and peace, which everyone can experience by activating their spiritual intelligence.

For more information about the 3Q Practitioner Training Course, click here.

© 2011 – 2024, Richard Griffiths.

Meet the Author

Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths is a psychologist, researcher, author, and trainer, whose mission is to provide education and training in secular spirituality, for the benefit of individuals, organisations and the community, and in preparation and support for the emerging next stage of collective consciousness. He is the founder of the 3Q Institute for Education and Training in Secular Spirituality, and former National Chairman of the Transpersonal Psychology Section of the Australian Psychological Society. Drawing on his decades of research, he created a new framework that unites ancient wisdom with modern knowledge about psychology and spirituality. His work offers a new understanding of the human operating system, and a new method of experiencing spiritual intelligence that works instantly, among other significant innovations. His groundbreaking research on secular spiritual intelligence passed academic peer review, and helped to establish secular spirituality as a legitimate field of scientific investigation. He received a global Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education, and has given presentations on secular spiritual intelligence at international conferences, like the Conference on Advanced Research in Education and the Global Conference on Education and Teaching.

Comments on this entry are closed.

Danns

Found your article very exciting indeed. I really loved studying it, you make some excellent points. I am going to bookmark this site for the future! Really great article.

Jiggetts

I saved this site to my favorites. Thanks for the info.

Zincke

This is a good post. You have my vote for this post about neuroscience, and I’ll bookmark this website right now.

Sotre

Nice website and great info. I agree with you.

Jimmie Cottman

Its refreshing to find somebody who actually knows what they are talking about. I wish more people would read your well-written posts; often you find people who embellish too much. I know I will certainly be looking for more of your work.

Burton Haynes

i truly apreciate this post and hope you continue to supply us with interesting information. cheers

Samantha Alfred

Good job, I just wanted to say that we have truly loved surfing around your blogposts. I’ve opted in for your current feed, annd we hope you post more soon!

Erin Saines

This is good information, especially for those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise info. Thank you for sharing this one. A must read article!

Gregory Despain

Thanks for this very userful article. Keep it up. Your information is relevant to everyone.

Zavesky

Important info for me. Thanks for a competent and insightful post.

Andra Jiminian

Another amazing article! Your blog post is so educational … keep up the excellent job!!!!

Daminin

Nice post. I just found this weblog and I’m inspired! Very helpful info I have been looking for this sort of info for a long time. Thanks and best of luck.

Johnny Blancso

That’s what i call a great post. Thank you so much.

Emmitt

Articles that have quality information like this are as precious as gold. You have given me much to think about in this article. Thank you.

Getgad

I’m so glad to have found your website. My pal mentioned it to me before, but I never got around to checking it out until now. I must say, I’m floored. I really enjoyed reading through your posts and will absolutely be back to get more.

Zinner

Woh I enjoy your articles, saved to favorites!

Josiah Heidtbrink

Yo! Definitely loved your post. It was especially educational and useful. I hope you don’t mind me blogging about this article on my personal website. Will definitely link back to you. Cool theme you’ve got! Merci.

Dario Wash

These are actually fantastic ideas. You have included some great info on this topic. Anyway, keep on wrinting.

Fergen

This is undoubtedly a blog worth following. You’ve got a great deal to say about this subject. I think you know how to make people listen to what you have to say, especially with an issue that’s so important. Im glad to know this blog. Two huge thumbs up, man!

Fletcher Sherburne

Happy to go along with this. I just found your website today. I think that makes me very fortunate!

Shon

You have really done a lot of research on this subject. It shows in the viewpoints you make within this content. You also managed to keep this information interesting and unique. This is useful information.

Jirak

Thanks for such a great post and review, I am totally impressed! Keep stuff like this coming.

Sol Wilcox

This type of content is interesting to me but your’s is so different. The amount of detail and work that I see in this article is impressive. I really like your take on this topic.

Abram McBride

Your article is an informational piece written in clear-cut language that is virtually impossible to misunderstand. Thank you for your input on this subject matter.

Mansung

I have been reading a lot on this topic lately, but your info is great. You have written your article in a most unique manner.

Santo Bentley

Reading this article gave me a whole new outlook on this topic. I enjoyed reading your article very much. I agree with your views shared so well here.

Lynwood Dodson

Sensational material! I admire your hard work and the effort you put into your research and writing. I stand in agreement on nearly every point.

Brendon Bertog

Nice… well written blog. I will need to research some stuff though, unless you want to answer all my questions here?

Trey

I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent.

Jonathan Elcock

The myth of there being a separate right brain and left brain obviously needs challenging wherever it appears.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brain-myths/201206/why-the-left-brain-right-brain-myth-will-probably-never-die

Laly


Very relevant topic, outstanding post.


Genie Rhea

Awesome share! Thank you very much.

CH


Would you mind me inquiring where you got the graphics from in this post?



Marguerite Bleasdale

Wonderful site, and it seems like you have a ton more visitors too, since the last time I was here. Ciao!


Mignon


Can you write more? Your understanding of this subject is exactly what I need to clarify spirituality in general. I hope for more posts on these subjects soon!


Dirk Larew


This is a well written post, if only other writers provided the same value content as you, the web would be a much better place. Make sure you continue the good work!


Austin



I went over this site and I believe you have a lot of superb info, saved to my bookmarks. :)




Anda


I have observed that online education is getting common because studying online has turned into a popular method for many people. A lot of people have not had a chance to attend a regular college or university but nevertheless seek to increase their knowledge.
 So Im sure this site is educational for lots of people.

Christopher Huv

I’ve never seen a website like this, really impressed. Compared to other blogs on this subject this is definitely the best blog. Will add to favorites.


Shannon Cuthaw

Hello, cheers for the good guide. I’ve been using the internet for a long time, and there’s a lot crap out there. I recognize that you have published fantastic content that is distinct and well-written. All the best and kudos for the fantastic information.


Madre


Hello my pal, i really like your web site. Seems really excellent!! Wish the finest for this my mate. Have a great evening. Bye ok bye


Bunny Beherns

This post was somewhat of a revelation to me. Thanks for keeping us up to date with the latest scientific findings.

Tomi Harver

I needed to refresh the page several times to view this post, which I really enjoyed reading. However, the details here are worth the wait.


Melia


I just added this feed to my bookmarks. I must say I really enjoy reading your posts. Thanks!


Burg Bacher

Ya recognise, this is going to be interesting. Seeing how this blog grows from 50 uniques an afternoon to thousands, hopefully. :D


Providencia Wooden

I really enjoyed this post. You explain this topic very well. I really love your blog and I will definetly bookmark it.

Tamils Odonoghue

Wow, what a neat blog. I loved your commentary on this topic and will bookmark the article.

Bunny Beherns

This post was somewhat of a revelation to me. Thanks for keeping us up to date with the latest scientific findings.

Breitenberg

This great content is relevant for almost everyone. My guess would be that his site will become popular with a great many people. I also enjoy your educated and appropriate remarks in the comments sections after articles. Thank you very much!

Carin Frady

My partner and I respect your work and appreciate all your informative blogposts.