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.

Dodson

Good writing skills take more than just education. It’s passion that sets the good and great writers apart. I see you have passion and skills.

MC

I enjoy a fresh take on this subject. You have unique ideas and your content is original and very well-written. I think a lot like you.

Dwain

Thank you for making sense of this subject matter. I was getting confused with other information I was finding. You write in an intelligent way.

Benton

This content is wonderfully written and smart. I know no other way to describe it. I agree with most of the points you make in this content. Thank you for writing such a great article.

Gold

Thank you for your commitment to good writing. Your use of persuasive content impresses me. I like your views and agree on many points. Please continue to put out great work.

Wilton Hoffman

You have a real ability for writing unique content. I like how you think and the way you represent your views in this article. I agree with your way of thinking. Thank you for sharing.

Herb

Your material has made this information seem self-explanatory because you have done such a good job of making it understood. I am impressed with your unique thoughts and I agree.

Winford

It’s amazing to me how you have written so much information on this topic. You are knowledgeable in this area and are obviously an accomplished writer. I agree with your views and respect your talent.

Mac Barlow

If I had to pick the best content on this subject, it would be your article. Your insight is amazing and you write very well.

Kenwood

I am happy to inform you that your article is awesome. I agree with much of your information. Thank you for writing this great content.

Jere

I’m impressed with your ideas and the way you express them in this article. I share many of your views and enjoyed reading this article. It’s a pleasure to see well-written original content these days.

Chas McCray

Words cannot describe how good this article is. It is by far some of the best content on the Internet today. You are extremely talented.

Domenic

This original content is out of the ordinary. I appreciate that you’ve gone off the beaten track with your points and I agree with most.

Dillon

I have been thoroughly engrossed by your great article. I have read and reread it, and am hoping to read more as soon as possible.

Palmer

You have sparked much thought for your readers with impressive informational material. I am so happy I came across your article and I share in your views written here. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Travis

I like how you made this article so interesting. I think you are perceptive and talented. I can really appreciate your hard work and your views. Thank you for all this useful and fresh information.

Bell

You really know how to express your thoughts in the written word. This article is dead accurate in my opinion. I agree with your viewpoints. I hope many readers get to see this material.

Oren

I give your article five stars for informative content. I agree with you and I am intrigued by all the effort you’ve put into this.

Philips

This is an awesome article! I love your views on this subject and I think a lot like you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Reese

I have found your article very informative and interesting. I appreciate your points of view and I agree with so many. You’ve done a great job with making this clear enough for anyone to understand.

Owens

This is one of those articles I truly enjoy reading. This content kept me engaged from the first line to the last. I agree with many of the interesting points you made in this article.

WS

I plan to reread your article later to think on your unique ideas. Your article is very persuasive. It’s already in my favorite’s folder so I can quickly access it.

Carol McFadden

I couldn’t stop reading this article. It’s not just interesting, it’s also written in an easy to understand manner. Thanks for your great work!

Odis

Wow, this is an interesting topic and article. I’m glad I found your article and had the chance to read it. I am very impressed.

Jerrell

You have shown off your incredible writing skills in this informative article. The particulars of your content are well-written, unique and very engaging. Your content is poignant and really impacts the reader’s thoughts. Thank you.

Daron

Most online content cannot measure up to the work you have written here. Your insight has convinced me of many of the points you expressed.

Heath

Your article is full of quality information. I think your viewpoints are clear-cut. You were also able to make this interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and writing talent.

Romane Dison

I seldom expect much from online informational content these days, but you really got my interest. I think this is one of the best, most unique informative articles I have ever read. I’m truly impressed.

Kent

Thank you for writing this article in your own unique way. I’ve been hoping to find clear information like this. You really helped clear up a lot of my confusion.

Shannon Foster

Reading this material made me think. I enjoyed this article. You have some real quality information that appears to be researched well. I agree with a lot of your viewpoints.

Keenan Chandler

I read a lot of online articles that are all over the place, confusing, off topic and boring, but not yours. Yours is interesting and right on topic, and it stays there.

Lacy Cortez

I think more writers should take care to write with passion like you. Even informational articles like this can have personality. That’s what you have interjected in this informative article. Your views are very unique.

Lino Villarreal

It’s not typical for me to read this kind of informational article but yours caught my attention as soon as I started reading it. This is useful and interesting information.

Guzman

You have a real talent for putting your thoughts into clear, original content. Your article is easy to read and understand. You have brought forth some really good points that I agree with and appreciate.

Norton

Your article displays a prowess that is rarely seen in today’s writers. You have succeeded in raising the bar for all these writers.

Julian Foxx

All I can say is great work. The effort you put into this is very impressive and I enjoyed every minute of the read. I hope to come back and see more articles you’ve written.

Hassan Barnett

Thank you for writing this tremendous top quality article. The information in this material confirms my point of view and you really laid it out well. I could never have written an article this good.

Renato

It’s refreshing to stumble upon such a top-notch article. Lately, it’s been more difficult to find good articles like this one. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read your content. I agree with you.

ND

I’ve added this article to my favorites because I want to read it again. I agree on a lot of the viewpoints you have written, but I feel the need to consider some aspects.

Kirk

Your article is a refreshing change from the content I’ve been reading on this topic. I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here.

Stanford

You’ve gone to a lot of effort doing your homework with this article and it shows. More writers should take the time to get their point across in a clear and concise way. Thank you.

Zosia

I really enjoyed reading this post. Great step by step description!

Robinson

Your article grabbed my interest right off the bat. Your content is just that engaging. I like your views on this topic and your writing.

Winford

It takes a special person to write a great quality article and you are such a person. The points you make in this writing are well thought out and written.

Jamey Hays

Magnificent writing! You have hit the nail on the head with your viewpoints in this article. I think you did a good job with this.

Gayle

I admire your efforts in putting together this impressive informative article. This is excellent writing and great content. Thank you for sharing this quality article.

Delmer

I usually have a hard time grasping informational articles, but yours is clear. I appreciate how you’ve given readers info that’s easy to read.

Charleston

I’m prompted to let you know you’re a great writer. You and I share a lot of the same thoughts on this topic and I appreciate your presentation. Good article.

Cooley

You’ve done an excellent job getting your point across in this article. I am very impressed with the points you made here and how well they are presented. Thank you for writing interesting, helpful content.