Danah Zohar explains that Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) is not bound to any specific religion, but rather aligns with broader spiritual values such as “Righteousness” (Dharma) in Indian philosophy. According to her, “We can use SQ to become more spiritually intelligent about religion. A person high in SQ might practice any religion, but without narrowness, exclusiveness, bigotry, or prejudice. Equally, a person high in SQ could have very spiritual qualities without being religious at all.”
According to Zohar, there are 12 different principles underlying spiritual intelligence:
- Self-Awareness: Knowing what I believe in and value, and what deeply motivates me.
- Spontaneity: Living in and being responsive to the moment.
- Being vision and value-led: Acting from principles and deep beliefs, and living accordingly.
- Holism: Seeing larger patterns, relationships, and connections, having a sense of belonging.
- Compassion: Having the quality of “feeling-with” and deep empathy.
- Celebration of diversity: Valuing other people for their differences, not despite them.
- Field independence: Standing against the crowd and having one’s own convictions.
- Humility: Having the sense of being a player in a larger drama, of one’s true place in the world.
The capacity of an individual to have a socially relevant purpose in life by understanding self and having a high degree of conscience, compassion and commitment to human values (Danah Zohar ). It represents the drive for meaning and connection with the infinite. It is the adaptive use of everyday information to solve problems.
- SQ = P(IQ+EQ), where P is presence, IQ is intelligence quotient, and EQ is emotional intelligence.
Spirituality is a broader concept, extending beyond cognitive and emotional capacities.
- It is the expression of innate spiritual qualities through thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours.
- It emphasises transcendence, connecting individuals to deeper meanings and values.
- Unlike traditional intelligence, it explores existential questions and inner wisdom.
- Spiritual intelligence fosters vision and value-led self, along with empathy, compassion, and altruism.
- It contributes to holistic well-being, integrating mind, body, and spirit.
