In an era where artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are increasingly turned to for emotional support, a critical question emerges: what is the uniquely human capacity that technology cannot replicate? This was the central theme explored at the 16th World Confluence of Humanity, Power & Spirituality in Kolkata, where thinkers and spiritual leaders gathered to examine the vital role of Spiritual Intelligence (SI).
What is Spiritual Intelligence and Why Does It Matter Now?
The term 'Spiritual Intelligence' was famously introduced into modern discourse by American-British physicist and management thinker Danah Zohar in her book 'Rewiring the Corporate Brain'. At its core, SI is described as the innate human capacity that provides stability when plans fail and uncertainty grows. As AI systems become more embedded in daily life, the event in Kolkata stressed that cultivating SI is no longer optional but imperative for emotional and psychological well-being.
Speakers elaborated on how SI helps individuals come to terms with rapid technological change and manage emotions in a volatile world. It was presented as the essential compass for making wiser choices, building deeper relationships, and rediscovering purpose, especially after personal or professional failures.
The Himalayan Truth vs. The Hollywood Narrative
A powerful contrast was presented by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati to explain the functioning of SI. She delineated the 'Hollywood way of thinking,' which asserts 'You are your body,' from the 'Himalayan way of thinking,' which teaches 'You are pure consciousness.'
"When we adopt the Hollywood way of thinking, suffering becomes inevitable. It brings competition, comparison, jealousy, and anger—a whole buffet of misery," Sadhviji explained. "The Himalayan way offers a radically different truth: You have a body, but you are not the body. You are the soul consciousness. The moment this shift happens, suffering loosens its grip. We realize we are not broken beings seeking divinity; we are divine beings remembering ourselves."
AI's Comfort vs. The Guru's Awakening
The discussion took a compelling turn when addressing the limitations of AI in the realm of inner growth. Sadhviji noted that while AI can instruct on building a business or planning a vacation, it falls short in guiding self-discovery. "It often engages with our neurotic narratives. If it makes a mistake, it says, 'Oh, I'm so sorry.' At best, AI comforts our ego and apologizes for our frustrations," she said.
She contrasted this with the role of a spiritual guide: "A guru does something radically different. The guru says: You are not your anger. You are not your frustration. You are the awareness in which they arise. Sit by the banks of the Ganga and connect with Truth." This distinction highlighted SI as the domain of transcendent self-awareness, beyond algorithmic responses.
Compassion: The Heart of Spiritual Knowledge
Swami Suprananda, secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, emphasized that SI enables the comprehension of the Divine through empathy. "Spiritual knowledge becomes real only when another’s suffering feels like your own," he stated. "When someone else’s joy expands your heart, and their pain unsettles you, the boundary of the self begins to dissolve. Spirituality ripens not in isolation but in compassion."
This idea of interconnectedness was further explored by H.P. Kanoria, chairman of the Universal Spirituality & Humanity Foundation. He referenced the Upanishadic insight, 'Ekam aham bahu syām' (I am One; I have become many), to express the unity behind creation. "Our souls, as parts of the Universal Soul, are infinite. Just as rivers merge into the ocean and rise again as rain, we are part of a great cycle of unity and love," Kanoria said. He linked this to modern science's view of the universe as a continuous system of energy, noting that the Bhagavad Gita echoes this truth of fundamental interdependence.
The Lightness of Being Spiritual
Adding a nuanced perspective, artist Pierre Ravan spoke about the essence of spirituality in daily life. He suggested that being spiritual fundamentally means taking ourselves lightly and not being overly serious all the time. This perspective frames SI not as a heavy philosophical burden, but as a liberating practice that brings ease and clarity to existence.
The confluence in Kolkata ultimately served as a profound reminder that in the race to adopt artificial intelligence, the cultivation of our inherent Spiritual Intelligence is what will equip humanity to navigate the future with resilience, wisdom, and compassion.
