Defining Spiritual Intelligence from the Perspective of Indian Thought: A Conceptual And Hermeneutic Study

Abstract

This research examines the conceptual roots of spiritual intelligence in Indian texts. This paper examines these dimensions and analyses how they can be linked with the life of the protagonist. Yet, these dimensions possess strong philosophical parallels in the Indian knowledge traditions. The study examines, through a qualitative textual and hermeneutic approach, how selected ideas from the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, and related ethical traditions articulate the inner capacities now associated with spiritual intelligence. The paper argues that Indian texts propagate not simply faith but also a disciplined model of human consciousness, self-regulation, ethical judgement, compassion and purposeful action. The paper identifies essential themes like Atman-realisation, viveka, karma yoga, equanimity, yoga as mental discipline, ahimsa and detachment as conceptual foundations for spiritual intelligence. The research helps to create a culturally rooted framework that links the classical Indian and the modern theories of spiritual intelligence. It also highlights implications for counselling, leadership engagement, holistic human development and education. The paper concludes that the study of spiritual intelligence can be deepened by engaging with Indian textual traditions in a critical, comparative and non-reductionist manner.