The one constant from my School, to my Corporate, to my family has been- hearing ‘You are not thinking’ | ‘You are not applying yourself’ | ‘You are not invested enough in what you are doing’ – phrases we have all grown up listening to and perhaps continue to. Manasa Budhi Chitta Ahankara.
IQ (Intelligence Quotient): A relative measure of the Intelligence of the person expressed in number. Can be seen as the ability to understand complex concepts and apply it effectively. Aligns with the concept of ‘Buddhi" the higher intellect or discrimination (Viveka). It includes intellectual discernment, wisdom (Prajña) through practise
EQ (Emotional Quotient): Relative measure of Emotional intelligence - having a heightened sense of emotional and social awareness, including skills like ability to understand, use, manage your own emotions in positive ways, communicate empathetically, self-regulation. Indian ancient texts see it as qualities like emotional balance, compassion (karuna), non-attachment (vairagya), and equanimity (samata)
SQ (Spiritual Quotient): Relative measure of Spiritual intelligence. Encompasses placing our actions and our lives in a wider, richer, meaningful context. mindfulness, self-awareness, and connection to a higher purpose or reality. Indian scriptures describe it as the work towards and capacity for transcending the ego and realizing one's true nature (atman) or universal consciousness (Parabrahman), the aptitude to enter into heightened spiritual states of consciousness, the ability to invest in everyday activities, events, and relationships with a sense of the devotion (bhakti) and non-attachment (aparigraha), to engage in virtuous behavior (forgiveness, gratitude, humility, modesty, compassion).
They are distinct concepts – but inseparable by nature for any holistic development or application. Only a judicious combination of Intellectual clarity + emotional maturity + spiritual insight (SQ) can result in fulfilment. Our scriptures emphasize the need to cultivate and practise these through self-discipline and self-inquiry (Jijñāsā) Ultimately, the goal is defined by us – a comprehensive embracing awakening to the Universe.
Krishna teaches us in The Bhagavad Gita that both EQ and SQ are integral aspects of a balanced and meaningful life.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि || 47 ||
karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi (2.47)
You have the right to perform your prescribed duties. You are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.
योगस्थ: कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय |
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्यो: समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते ||
yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga uchyate (2.48)
Be steadfast in the performance of your duty. Abandon attachment to success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga.
These 2 shlokas are an example of EQ. Applying our emotional balance to our actions and duties with a sense of equanimity
प्रजहाति यदा कामान्सर्वान्पार्थ मनोगतान् |
आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्ट: स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदोच्यते ||
prajahāti yadā kāmān sarvān pārtha mano-gatān
ātmany-evātmanā tuṣhṭaḥ sthita-prajñas tadochyate (2.55)
When one discards all selfish desires and cravings of the senses that torment the mind, and becomes satisfied in the realization of the self, such a person is said to be transcendentally situated.
दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय |
बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणा: फलहेतव: ||
dūreṇa hy-avaraṁ karma buddhi-yogād dhanañjaya
buddhau śharaṇam anvichchha kṛipaṇāḥ phala-hetavaḥ (2,49)
The recourse is divine knowledge and insight. Discard reward-seeking actions that are certainly inferior to works performed with the spiritual intellect established in divine knowledge. Miserly are those who seek to enjoy the fruits of their works.
These 2 Shlokas are examples of SQ. When we tune in and nurture our SQ, we move towards happiness, peace and a tranquil state of mind because we do everything in s ate of gratitude and devotion.
None of the 3 – IQ EQ or SQ can be underestimated and under rated. They compliment each other. We need to farm their working together in coherence and balance. IQ helps rational and logical thinking. Emotional stability and maturity help individuals maintain equanimity amidst life’s apparent contradictions or dualities, facilitating focused spiritual practice. The Spiritual quotient is the provides the overarching context and purpose for life. Understanding one’s true nature as a spiritual being (atman) and cultivating faith and devotion (shradhha), sensitivity and detachment helps us transcend to lasting inner tranquillity, gratitude and contentment. Emotional stability supports spiritual practice by reducing distractions and mental turbulence, while spiritual understanding provides a higher perspective that enriches emotional experiences with depth and meaning.
As someone said ‘The world is a contradiction and the Universe is Paradox.’ To understand, navigate and rise above – Deep Breathe, Soak in, Experience Life!!Top of Form
