Spiritual intelligence is a complex, sublime, and multifaceted faculty of our real selves. Of the spirit. And developing this faculty requires a combination of self-exploration, self-reflection, and education. Athato brahma jignasa is the first step and principle of spiritual intelligence.
Spiritual intelligence involves developing a guided and deep understanding of your values, where you stand vis a vis the expectations of the Universe, and how they impact your behavior and decision-making. You may get it quickly, if you are fortunate or you may take some time, sometimes running into several lives, to reflect on what you want and what you are willing to do to get what you want.
Human beings, with their advanced and well-networked faculties, have devised several ways to develop, if they so wish, this spiritual intelligence. There are many ways – individually or collectively – to develop this intelligence. So, these are our ways. And then, there is God’s way. Let us explore our ways first:
- Practice mindfulness: Now a buzzword, mindfulness is an age-old, but repackaged and branded technique that involves focusing on the present moment without judgment, with the help of your observational faculties. Practising mindfulness can help you develop a greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and can help you become more attuned to your spiritual self. It takes time, patience, and tolerance to work this way.
- Read scriptural texts: Many spiritual texts that have been collated over eons, provide us a step-by-step guidance on how to live a “spiritually” fulfilling life. Reading these books from authentic sources, can provide insights into different spiritual practices and principles, and can help you deepen your understanding of yourself and your relationship with God.
- Seek out Supportive Spiritual Communities: Joining an authentic and standard community can provide opportunities for learning and growth, together. Involve in festivities, attend services, participate in group activities, and connect with other members of the community to learn more about their spiritual experiences and the right perspectives to develop.
- Seek out an authorized mentor or teacher: Finding a mentor or teacher who has authentic experience in spiritual practices can be a life-saver and time-saver as well. They can provide guidance, support, and feedback as you explore your spiritual journey.
If you want to learn and develop spiritual intelligence on your own, through an ascending process, be prepared for a lifelong journey that requires a combination of personal exploration, education, and practice. And it is not necessary that you may complete the journey it in this life.
There is another way to do this. It is easier, faster, more effective, and guess what – even perfect. This way is preferred by very highly intelligent people. This is the God’s way.
First let us understand what is God’s SQ (Spiritual Quotient) Certification Criteria:
A spiritually intelligent person is the one who
1. is able to see inaction in action, and action in inaction, yet is engaged in his regular activities (Bhagavad Gita 4.18)
2. has been able to have control over his mind and senses and is self-satisfied. (Bhagavad Gita 2.55)
3. is able to see the self in all beings and is able to see everything in God (Bhagavad Gita 6.29
4. is equipoised in honor and dishonor, equal to friends and enemies, to the dualities of life like happiness-distress, fame-infamy and who exhibits steady intelligence without wavering (Bhagavad Gita 6.7)
There are several more nuances of what God thinks, but these are great starting points and quite a task on hand to work on. God just doesn’t define the SQ parameters. He has made the syllabus easy to grasp with quick tips and easy-to-follow simple solutions as well.
So here’s is God’s proposition for us to learn and develop our SQ – His Way
- Developing a control over the mind and senses: Bhagavan Sri Krishna teaches us that the mind and senses are often the source of distraction and illusion. By controlling them, we can develop spiritual intelligence. He recommends practices such as meditation and mindfulness to achieve this. The best way to amalgamate both these techniques, especially in this age, is to through Harinam Sankirtan – chanting the Holy Names of Lord Hari.
- Practice detachment: That seemingly ‘elusive’ ability to be detached from material things and the outcomes of our actions is essential for developing spiritual intelligence. This ability to do our duty without being attached to the results, and recognizing that our true nature is separate from our material possessions and desires is a natural outcome of the chanting process.
- Develop self-knowledge: Understanding our true selves and our relationship with the God and His purpose is a critical part of developing spiritual intelligence. One important way to develop this understanding is by getting connected to an authorized spiritual master who is enlightened and fully realized in the Ways of God.
- Cultivate compassion: One critical aspect of spiritual intelligence is to develop compassion and empathy towards all beings. Suhrdam sarva bhutanam It is not as simple as it sounds. By seeing the same self in all beings, we can develop a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness, the nature of existence and God Himself.
- Surrender to the Divine: The culmination of Spiritual Intelligence is in the surrender to God, with no bars. Bhagavan Krishna Himself suggests that surrendering to Him is the ultimate path and goal of spiritual intelligence. By recognizing that we are not the doer, but rather the instruments of the Divine Will, we can develop a sense of humility and devotion that leads to relief from false identifications and helps our own spiritual growth.
So, which way to you think is easier? Which one would you choose?
Real Freedom 