The Psychology of Spiritual Intelligence

Science of the Soul

A synthesis of findings from related fields of scientific research presents the following evidence for the existence of an advanced dimension of intelligence beyond IQ and EQ, called SQ or spiritual intelligence.

At the outset, some definitions are required. The ego is the sense of self associated with identification with the body and mind. The soul is the sense of self associated with identification with consciousness itself. Spiritual intelligence is a higher dimension of intelligence beyond the ego that emerges spontaneously when ego identity is replaced by soul identity by shifting from the object-pole to the subject-pole of attention (see below for a diagram of the human operating system).

Studies in neuropsychology have identified a state of conscious identity, distinct from the ego, associated with hemispheric synchronisation and whole-brain activation [1]. This distinct sense of self coincides with the experience of being identified with consciousness itself, in contrast to being identified with the body and mind [2].

The native qualities of consciousness itself are experienced at the subject-pole of attention in moments of presence, in the form of wisdom, compassion, integrity, joy, love, creativity, and peace [3].

Consequently, the qualities traditionally ascribed to the soul by religious beliefs are associated with a distinct sense of self, at an accessible psychological location, with a detectable neurological signature [4]. This combined evidence for spiritual intelligence [5] is drawn from the following four independent fields of scientific research.

1. Cognitive Psychology

Studies in cognitive psychology have established the benefits of Mindfulness training, with particular reference to anxiety and depression [6]. These studies confirm that the state of presence can be identified neurologically, experienced repeatedly, and verified inter-subjectively. Consequently the distinct sense of self experienced in presence, associated with being consciousness itself (or the soul), qualifies as a valid subject of scientific investigation [7]. 

2. Psychoanalysis

Early studies in psychoanalysis demonstrated that object-relations are the means by which personal identity is established [8, 9]. This observation was originally documented a long time ago by ancient traditions of spiritual wisdom, notably by Vedanta and Buddhism [10, 11]. Nevertheless, in the western intellectual tradition, this finding was first confirmed by Freud in his founding work on psychoanalysis at the turn of the twentieth century. More recent psychoanalytic studies of object-relations confirm that the ego (or the body-mind-self) grows by means of identifying with states of body and mind at the object-pole of attention [12].

3. Transpersonal Psychology

Findings in transpersonal psychology, as confirmed by countless meditators over thousands of years, verify that unmodified consciousness itself, which is free from identification with objects of attention, experiences the qualities traditionally ascribed to the soul [13]. The energy of unmodified consciousness itself, which is known as spirit [14], is experienced at the subject-pole of attention in moments of presence, in the form of wisdom, compassion, integrity, joy, love, creativity, and peace. Spirit is the source of spiritual intelligence [15].

4. Neuroscience

Neurological studies have established that the experience of presence is associated with hemispheric synchronisation and whole-brain activation at a frequency of 40Hz [16]. At this frequency part-brain functions (PQ/EQ/IQ) from both hemispheres are integrated into the field of the whole brain [17], thus combining mind, self, and world into a meaningful whole. 40Hz whole-brain activation therefore correlates neurologically with spiritual intelligence. Neuroscience thus confirms that SQ is hard-wired in the human brain. However, SQ rarely occurs spontaneously. Therefore it’s necessary to activate SQ intentionally, in order to experience the benefits of spiritual intelligence in daily life [18]. This video explains a simple three-step process to activate spiritual intelligence intentionally.

Spiritual Intelligence

The existence of spiritual intelligence is corroborated by a broad range of scientific findings, as outlined above. The SQ paradigm thus authenticates spirituality in empirical terms [19]. SQ is an advanced dimension of intelligence that everyone can experience directly as an innate capability, without relying on religious belief. SQ therefore represents secular spirituality, based on the science of the soul.

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 [20]. 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 [21], 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.

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

© 2011 – 2024, Richard Griffiths.