SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE – THE ULTIMATE INTELLIGENCE

                                                              Anita Manghani

‘Spirit' connotes something that is invisible. Spirituality involves a] the highest levels of any of the developmental lines for instance cognitive, moral, emotional and interpersonal. b] peak experiences, not stages c] is an attitude at any stage such as openness to love. ‘Spiritual Intelligence' means peoples' thoughts and beliefs that are invisible. In order to bring into focus the invisible, one has to make effort, be dedicated and disciplined to discover invisible self and all hidden aspects of self.

We need to be aware of thoughts [invisible energy].Thoughts affect our feelings. With our thoughts and feelings we create words and actions/behaviour. Our behaviour is direct reflection of who we are. We need to be aware of ourselves. The more we are self-aware, the more aware we are of our thoughts. Hence we can control our thoughts. To control thoughts is to control self. To control self is to take charge of yourself.

There is little consensus about definitions of SI. The holistic and integral view of the numerous definitions could be taken in.

According to Yaacov. J. Kravitz ‘SI refers to the skills, abilities and behaviours required

           • To develop and maintain a relationship to the ultimate source of All Being
           •  To search for meaning and purpose in life
           • Act out our sense of meaning and values in our personal life and interpersonal relationships
           • Find a moral and ethical path to help guide us through life'.

SI comprises of the following skills and abilities

• Intuitive wisdom
• Reasoned understanding
• Knowing will/intention
• Compassion and love
• Focused poser and justice
• Healing and forgiveness
• Living with zeal
• Living with dignity, empathy & commitment
• Creative connection and service
• Happiness & fulfillment

Stephen Covey in his book entitled ‘The Eighth Habit', and Daniel Goleman in his book ‘Working with Emotional Intelligence' affirm that SI encompasses physical intelligence, mental intelligence and emotional

intelligence. Zohar and Dr. Mitchell assert that SI I
is necessary foundation for both IQ and EQ.

Physical Intelligence denotes body awareness and skillful use.
Mental Intelligence concerns with math and verbal ability.
Emotional Intelligence deals with managing ourselves and our relationships well.
Spiritual Intelligence denotes inner wisdom, guided by compassion, equanimity- inner and outer peace.

Relation between EQ and SQ - Self-awareness and empathy-EQ is required to begin a spiritual journey. SQ reinforces EQ growth. EQ growth nourishes SQ growth. Both positively reinforce each other.

Spiritual Intelligence thus, ‘is the ability to act with wisdom and compassion, while maintaining peace regardless of the circumstances'. SI is an innate ability, which can be developed-

• Calls for multiple ways of knowing, for the integration of inner life [mind] with the outer    life.[world of work]
•  Can be cultivated through questing, inquiry and practice.
• Through wisdom and compassionate action in the world.

Spiritual Mentoring- An educational program designed to help learn and master the skills and abilities of spiritual intelligence. It is a unique, individualized learning opportunity in which spiritual goals are identified. A plan of study is developed, appropriate individualized instruction and guidance is received.

It is not a therapy. If personal issues/emotional problems interfere with or complicate ones ability to achieve ones goals, mentor suggests psychotherapy/counseling with an appropriate mental health professional.

In a Nut Shell

While physical quotient has been focused all the while, mental/intelligence quotient is emphasized by educational system. EQ is more predictive of success in business world than IQ. SQ is supreme intelligence. Only humans possess SQ, the ability to be creative, change rules, alter situations and question why we are here. SI is necessary for making choices of thought that contribute to wellbeing and overall spiritual development.