What is spiritual Intelligence and its dimensions? How can we develop our spiritual intelligence?

Abstract-  find and use the deepest inner resources from
When most people have so much reliance on theirwhich come the capacity to care and thepower
IQ, they might ignore other complex applicationsto tolerate and adapt;
of their mind. Due to this thought sometimes-  develop a clear and stable sense of identity as
when people feel that their IQ is low, they mayan individual in the context of shiftingworkplace
be disappointed about their abilities and think thatrelationships;
their activities may not pull a result.-  be able to discern the real meaning of events
Whereas Hedlund and Sternberg (2000) foundand circumstances, and be able to makework
that IQ only accounts for about 20% to 30% ofmeaningful;
professional success.-  identify and align personal values with a clear
Spiritual intelligence (SI) is one of the humansense of purpose;
abilities that distinct human from the other beings.-  live those vales without compromise and
SI is a huge and an inherently difficult term tothereby demonstrate integrity by example; and
define. Even though it sounds familiar, most people-  understand where and how each of the above
have never heard the term, never read about itis sabotaged by the ego, which meansbeing able
and never discussed it with anyone else. Someto understand and influence ‘‘true cause''.
may think they know its meaning, but they may(George, M. 2006. p.3)
be confusing SQ with spirituality so in this articleMacHovec (2002) has illustrated a number of
we concentrate on the reviewing of theoristsdifferences between spiritual intelligence and
viewpoints about definitions, dimensions and waystraditional intelligence.
of development of spiritual intelligence.SI construct include: non-specific, symbolic, unifies,
Have you ever heard this expression?self-actualization, qualitative, spiritual.
There are a lot of challenges to define andTraditional construct include: specific, semantic,
describe spiritual intelligence: what is it, how itself-control, quantitative, temporal (Nasel, D, D.
functions, and whether it can be learned or2004. p.44).
improved; though none of the authors addressedAnd now Amram (2007) developed an ecumenical
all of these issues (Crichton. 2008 .p. 8).grounded theory of SI based on interviews with
The history of the development of our71 people of different spiritual traditions
knowledge about intelligence is fascinating.designated as spiritually intelligent by their
Although leading thinkers had been searching for aassociates. A minimum of four interviews was
long time for any clues as to ‘what makes usconducted within each of the following spiritual
tick?' and ‘what makes us smart?', amazingly,traditions: Buddhism, Christianity, Earth-Based
the concept of the Intelligent Quotient has been(Shamanic and Pagan), Hindu, Islam/Sufism,
around for less than 100 years – the firstJewish, Non-Dual, Taoism, and Yoga (Amram,
experiments in intelligence testing by ‘scientific2009. p.46).
means' started only at the beginning of the 20thEach interviewee was asked to describe their
century (Buzan. 2002. p.Xii).spirituality in terms of practices and qualities they
However, with developing knowledge aboutcultivate in daily life; how spirituality informs their
intelligence such as: IQ and EQ; scientists said that:work and relationships; and how they integrate,
Neither IQ nor EQ, separately or in combination, ismanifest, and draw on their spirituality to help daily
enough to explain to neither the full complexity offunctioning.
human intelligence nor the vast richness of theAt the end of the interview, the participants were
human soul and imagination.asked to critically comment on the emergent
Computer has high IQ: they know what the rulesthemes from prior interviews (Amram, 2009.
are and can follow them without making mistakes.p.46).
Animals often have EQ: they have a sense ofFrom a qualitative analysis of these interviews,
situation they are in and know how respondAmram (2007) identified seven major themes and
appropriately.several sub themes that emerged in the SI model
But neither computers nor animals ask why we(Amram, 2009. p.47).
have these rules or this situation.These themes include:
They work within boundaries, playing a finite1. Consciousness. Developed refined awareness
game. SQ allows human being to be creative, toand self-knowledge.a. Mindfulness. Knowing self and
change the rules and alter situations.living consciously with clear intention and mindful,
It allows us to play with the boundaries, to playembodied awareness and presence.b.
an infinite game. It is in its transformative powerTrans-rational knowing. Transcending rationality
that SQ differs mainly from EQ (Zohar &through synthesis of paradoxes and using various
Marshall. 2000. p.5).states/modes of consciousness (e.g., meditation,
Today spiritual Intelligence is considered by manyprayer, silence, intuition, and dreams) to access
to be the most important of our much intelligence,knowledge.c. Practice. using a variety of practices
and has the power to transform our life,to develop and refine consciousness or spiritual
civilization, the planet and the course of historyqualities.
(Buzan. 2002. p.Xii).2. Grace. Living in alignment with the sacred,
Many people confuse being spiritual intelligence withmanifesting love for, and trust in life.a. Sacred
spirituality, but they are very different things..living in alignment with the divine, a universal life
 force, nature, or one's true essential nature.b.
Definition of SILove of life. reverence and cherishing of life based
There are a lot of definitions about spiritualon gratitude, beauty, vitality, and joy.c. Trust.
intelligence.hopeful/optimistic outlook based on faith or trust.
Emmons (2000a, 2000b), for example, draws on3. Meaning. Experiencing significance in daily
Gardner's definition of intelligence and argues thatactivities through a sense of purpose and a call
spirituality can be viewed as a form of intelligencefor service, including in the face of pain and
because it predicts functioning and adaptation andsuffering (Amram, 2009. p.47).
offers capabilities that enable people to solve4. Transcendence .Going beyond the separate
problems and attain goals (Amram.2009. p.43).egoic self into an interconnected wholeness.a.
In looking at spirituality through the lens ofRelational I-Thou .nurturing relationships and
intelligence, Emmons (1999) writes, spiritualcommunity with acceptance, respect, empathy,
intelligence is a framework for identifying andcompassion, loving-kindness, generosity, and
organizing skills and abilities needed for theI-Thou orientation.b. Holism .utilize a systems
adaptive use of spirituality. (Amram,2009. p.44)perspective seeing the wholeness, unity, and the
Zohar and marshal said that: "With spiritualinterconnections among diversity and
intelligence we can place our actions and our livesdifferentiation.
in a wider, richer, meaning-giving context, the5. Truth .Living in open acceptance, curiosity, and
intelligence with witch we can assess that onelove for all creation (all that is).a. Acceptance.
course of action or one life-path is moreForgiveness, embrace, and love what is, including
meaningful than another" (Zohar & Marshall.the negative and shadow.b. Openness. Open heart
 2000. p.4).and mind, open curiosity, including open respect
Levin (2000), in her book, "Spiritual Intelligence:for the wisdom of multiple traditions.
Awakening the power of your spirituality and6. Serenity. Peaceful surrender to Self (Truth,
intuition", conceptualizes spiritual intelligence asGod, Absolute, True nature).a. Peacefulness.
‘a marriage of spirituality and intelligence'centered, equanimity, self-acceptance,
(Nasel, 2004. p.67).self-compassion, and inner-wholeness.b.
McGeachy (2001) suggest that:Egoless-ness. Letting go of persona to maintain
"SQ is that part of the individual that enable himhumble receptivity, surrendering, and allowing what
her to see the consequences of his/her action,wants and needs to happen.
create a purpose for their lives, change7. Inner-Directedness. Inner-freedom aligned in
 boundaries, ask  " why" the particular rule andresponsible wise action.a. Freedom. Liberation from
create the possibility of having meaning in their life.conditioning, attachments and fears, manifesting
So, low SQ means that the individual will make socourage, creativity, and playfulness.b. Discernment.
many errors of judgment that those they dealwisdom to know truth using an inner-compass
with (McGeachy. C. 2001. p.63).(conscience).c. Integrity. being/acting authentically,
Spiritual intelligence is an authentic intelligence thatresponsibly, and with alignment to one's values
encompasses thinking, conceptualization, and(Amram,2009. p.48).
problem solving.Sisk (2008) identified many dimension of SQ as
Wolman defined spiritual intelligence as:following:
"Spiritual intelligence is a human capacity about theCore capacities of SQ include: Concern with
meaning of life, and to simultaneously experiencecosmic/existential issues and the skill of
the seamless between each of us and the worldmeditating, intuition, and visualization
in witch we live."  (Wolman, R. 2001. p.83)Core values of SQ include: Connectedness, unity
Sisk described spiritual intelligenceof all, compassion, a sense of balance,
as:            " a deep self-awareness inresponsibility, and service.
which one becomes more and more aware ofCore experience of SQ include: Awareness of
the dimensions of self, not simply as a body, butultimate values and their meaning, feeling of
as a mind-body and spirit". When we employ ourtranscendence, and heightened awareness
spiritual intelligence, we reach the extraordinaryKey virtues of SQ include: Truth, justice,
place in which our mind no longer produces datacompassion, and caring
of the type wanted or needed and the need forSymbolic systems of SQ include: Poetry, music,
intuition becomes accelerated (Sisk. 2002. p.209).justice, dance, metaphor, and stories. (Sisk, D.
Vaughan (2002) who describe SI as2008. p.25)
"a capacity for a deep understanding of existential 
questions and insight into multiple levels ofDevelopment of SI:a number of techniques,
consciousness, it implies awareness of ourstrategies, and practices have been identified as
relationship to the transcendent, to each other, tobeneficial for development and enhancement SI.
the earth, and all beings" (Amram,2009. p.45).Given this premise, there are essentially seven
McMullen wrote that:" If cognitive intelligence isways to raise or develop spiritual intelligence. 
about thinking and emotional intelligence is aboutThey include:
feeling, then spiritual intelligence is about being"(- Think about your goals, desires and wants to
McMullen. 2003. p.60).bring your life into perspective and balance, and
Nasel believe that Spiritual intelligence representsidentify your values.
the ability to draw on one's spiritual abilities and- Access your inner processes and use
resources to better identify, find meaning in, andvisualization to see your goals, desires and wants
resolve existential, spiritual, and practical issuesfulfilled; and experience the emotion connected
(Nasel,2004. p.42).with this fulfillment.
Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) is defined by- Integrate your personal and universal vision and
Wigglesworth, C. (2006) as: the ability to behaverecognize your connectedness to others, to
with Wisdom and Compassion, while maintainingnature, to the world and to the universe.
inner and outer peace (equanimity), regardless ofTake responsibility for your goals, desires and
the circumstances. There are three importantwants.-
pieces to this definition.- Develop a sense of community by letting more
First: The word "behave" is critical. SQ is notpeople into your life.
about just "feeling good about people." That is- Focus on love and compassion.
relatively easy to accomplish when we are alone- When chance knocks at your door, let it in and
in prayer or meditation! SQ is about how wetake advantage of coincidences (Sisk, 2002. p.212).
behave—how we actually make decisions andLevin (2000) argues that SI is exhibited when we
act—in the everyday, stressful world oflive in a way that integrates spirituality into our
interacting with difficult people and situationsdaily life.
Second: The word "love" in English is a veryLevin suggests that the development of SI
sloppy word. In English we say that we "love" ourrequires the recognition of our interconnection to
children and we "love" ice cream. It is one wordall of life, and the capacity to utilize perceptual
with many uses making it hard to use forpowers beyond the five senses including our
leadership purposes or for training in SQ. Thereintuition, which is seen as another level of
are many definitions for love that might help, butconsciousness and intelligence beyond analytical,
an accurate and elegant one comes from thelinear, and rational thought (Amram.2009. p.45).
East where the saying is: "Love is a bird with twoLevin (2000) have proposed the development of
wings: one wing is Compassion, the other wing isspiritual intelligence requires a change in perception
Wisdom…if either wing is missing the bird cannotand perspective (involving one's intuition), which
fly."provide a new basis for motives and intention
Thus high SQ people behave with love – nowthat consequently shape behaviour. Furthermore,
defined as Wisdom and Compassion. Wisdom isshe has suggested that spiritual maturity,
the most elevated stage development of thecharacterized by concern for the common good
intellect (head). Compassion is the most elevatedand involvement in the well-being of the greater
stage of Emotional Intelligence (heart). Thewhole, results from a well-developed spiritual
behavior which results from such highly developedintelligence. (Nasel.  2004. p.67)
head-plus-heart competency is skillfulVaughan (2002), has suggested that spiritual
Third, maintaining "inner and outer peace" relatesintelligence develops with increased openness and
to an interior calm (Wigglesworth.. 2006).the ability to empathies with diverse points of
And now David Brian King (2008) proposed thatview, with greater sensitivity to and experience
"Spiritual intelligence denotes a set of adaptiveof subtle realities such as transcendent states and
mental capacities which are based on nonmaterialspirit realms, and with deeper understanding of
and transcendent aspects of reality, specificallysymbolic, mythical and archetypal representations
those which are related to the nature of one'sof the unfolding of consciousness. Thus, from this
existence, personal meaning, transcendence, andperspective, an open and contemplative mindset
expanded states of consciousness."that tolerates uncertainty, paradox, and mystery,
This definition includes:is beneficial to the growth of spiritual intelligence,
1- Critical Existential thinkingwhereas a rigid, closed, and definitive acceptance
The capacity to critically contemplate the natureof a particular belief system may hinder its
of existence, reality, the universe, space, time,development (Nasel, 2004. p.63).
death, and other existential or metaphysical issues.In fact, as mentioned earlier, open-mindedness
2-Personal Meaning Productionhas been identified as both a contributing factor to
The ability to derive personal meaning andand result of the development of spiritual
purpose from all physical and mental experiences,intelligence (Nasel, 2004. p.63).
including the capacity to create and master a lifeFrom another perspective, commitment to any
purposechosen spiritual practice has also been said to
3- Transcendental Awarenessgreatly facilitate the growth of spiritual intelligence.
The capacity to identify transcendent dimensionsSuch practices may include prayer, journaling,
of the self (e.g., a transpersonal self), of others,contemplation, self-reflection, yoga, meditation,
and of the physical world during the normal,psychotherapy, charitable service to others, and
waking state of consciousness.entering periods of silence or solitude . (Nasel.
4- Consciousness State2004. p.63)
The ability to enter and exit higher/spiritual statesMystical or spiritual experiences are also able to
of consciousness at one's own discretion (as incontribute to the development of spiritual
deep contemplation, meditation, prayer, etc.) (King,intelligence, particularly if they occur in a
2008).supportive and grounding context that facilitates
Dimensions of SI:their integration into everyday life (Nasel. 2004.
 p.63).
Emmons (2000a) proposes five components forZohar & marshall (2000) have proposed
SI as follows:seven practical steps to better SQ include:
(a) ability to utilize spiritual resources to solve- Become aware of where I am now
problems,- Feel strongly that I want to change
(b) ability to enter heightened states of- Reflect on what my own centre is and what
consciousness,are my deepest motivations.
(c) ability to invest everyday activities and- Discover and dissolve obstacles
relationships with a sense of the sacred,- Explore many possibilities to go forward
(d) capacity for transcendence of the physical and- Commit myself to a path
material, and- Remain aware that there are many path (Zohar,
(e) capacity to be virtuous (Amram,2009. p.44).D., & Marshall, I. 2000. p.264).
However, in responding to criticisms from MayerBuzan (2002) have introduced 10 ways to
(2000) who argues that virtuous behavior belongsenhance SI include:
more to ethics and personality rather than1-Getting the ‘Big Picture'
intelligence, Emmons (2000b) drops (e) the2-Exploring Your Values
capacity to be virtuous from his revised definitionYour values and principles determine your
of SI and retains the first four (a through d)behaviour, and have a massive effect on the
components of his model (Amram.2009. p.45).probability of your success in life.
In Levin's view(2000), it fundamentally involves a3- Your Life Vision and Purpose
wider perceptual understanding of life and lifeWith a clear and defined purpose, your life will gain
experiences, as well as acting on the followingmeaning and direction, and you will become
spiritual truths; not causing harm; honoring thehealthier, stronger and more confident.
interconnectedness of all life; taking responsibility4-Compassion: Understanding Yourself and Others
for oneself and one's actions (and their effects);5-Give and Receive! Charity and Gratitude
respecting difference; accepting change.6- The Power of Laughter
According to Levin (2000), experiencing spiritualityLaughter is a vital quality of Spiritual Intelligence,
as an intrinsic part of oneself is necessary forand benefits you in many ways, including reducing
being able to apply spiritual principles to one'sstress levels and generally leading to a more
behavior and lifestyle. Thus, spiritual intelligence ischeerful and happier life.
manifested when a person integrates their7- Onward to the Child's Playground
spirituality with the rest of their life, and acts orInvestigations have shown that the more
operates from their spiritual principles (Nasel.2004.Spiritually Intelligent you become, the more the
p.67).childlike qualities of innocence you will be (Buzan.
Wolman (2001) designed PSI model. The PSI is an2002. p.xii); and also cheerfulness, joyfulness,
eighty-item inventory designed to help peoplespontaneity, enthusiasm and adventure feeling
assess the focus and pattern of own spirituality.increases in your life.
Those factors may be described briefly as8-The Power of Ritual which provides stability and
follows:opportunity for regeneration, and strengthens a
1- Divinity: the sense of connection to a godsense of connection with oneself and others
figure or divine energy source9- Peace
2- Mindfulness: awareness of the interconnectionCultivate your inner peace through the practice of
of the mind and body, with an emphasis ontechniques such as contemplation and meditation
practices that enhance that relationship.10-All You Need Is Love! (Buzan, T. 2002. p.Xvii).
3- Intellectuality: a cognitive, inquiring approach toLikely traits of SQ and ways to strengthen them
spirituality, with a focus on reading and discussinggleaned from the work of Sisk and Torrance
sacred texts.(2001) are presented such as:
4- community: the quality of spirituality enactingLikely trait:
connection to community at large, whether inUses inner knowing; Seek to understand self;
charity or politics.Uses metaphor and probable to communicate;
5- Extrasensory perception: spiritual feelings andSensitive to social problem; Sensitivity to their
perceptions associated with nonrational ways ofpurpose in their life; Concerned about inequity and
knowing, including prophetic dreams near-deathinjustice; Wants to make a difference; Capacity
experiences.to care; Curious about how the world work;
6- Childhood spirituality: a Personal, historicalValues love, compassion, concern for other; Close
association to spirituality through family traditionto nature; Use virtualization and mental imaging
and activity.Reflective, self-observing and self-aware; Seek
7- Trauma: a stimulus to spiritual awarenessbalance; Concerned about right conduct
trough experiencing physical or emotional illness orSeek to understand self; Feel connected with
trauma to the self or loved ones (Wolman, 2001.others; earth and universe; Wants to make a
p.2).difference peacemaker, Concerned with human
Vaughan's (2002) model may be seen to implysuffering and so on.
three components of SI:Ways to strengthen
(a) the ability to create meaning based on deepProvide time for reflective thinking; Use journal
understanding of existential questions,writing and processing; Read lives of spiritual
(b) an awareness of and the ability to use multiplepathfinders; Use problem solving (predicting);
levels of consciousness in problem solving, andConduct service-learning projects; Use personal
(c) an awareness of the interconnection of allgrowth activities; Use problem -based learning;
beings to each other and to the transcendentProvide time for open-ended discussion, Employ
(Amram.2009. p.45).eco-environment approach; Study lives of spiritual
George (2006) proposed that: "Rational intelligencepathfinder; Read stories and myth; Use
manages facts and information, using logic androle-playing/sociodrama; Discussions and goal
analysis to make decisions. Emotional intelligence,setting activities; Process discussions; Trusts
meanwhile, is needed to understand and controlintuition and inner voice; Use what, so what, now
one's emotions and feelings, while being sensitivewhat model; Use negotiation/conflict/sessions;
to the feelings of others. Spiritual intelligence isStudy lives of eminent people and so on.
necessary to:(Sisk. 2008. p.