These are who I genuinely believe are the most spiritual individuals in the Avatar universe, based on their natural connection, knowledge, and expertise. I see it as a contest mainly between Yangchen and Jinora, but here’s my evaluation:
Pathik sensed Aang’s energy through Appa, understood his emotions, and somehow showed Appa exactly where Aang was — something we never see before or since. That alone earns him a spot here.
Yangchen connected with past Avatars as a child and could cross into the Spirit World on her first try — the youngest ever to do so naturally.
Jinora could see and communicate with spirits at around 10 years old, meditate into the Spirit World freely, summon spirits, and even project herself across worlds. She literally appeared in the physical world as a spirit and released enough spiritual energy to stagger Unavaatu — arguably the most powerful entity in the lore. By Book 4, she could project anywhere and lock onto spiritual energy, even sensing people's spirits by proximity.
Zaheer frequently visited the Spirit World, teleported within it, and displayed deep knowledge of spirit lore — including the Fog of Lost Souls. I’ll take liberties and say he probably visited Wan Shi Tong’s Library too. His unique ability to speak while spirit-projecting is something we’ve never seen before or since, and that alone is highly impressive.
Unalaq studied the spirits from youth and mastered spiritbending, able to calm dark spirits and guide them back to the oasis. He gained favor with Wan Shi Tong and even learned a reversal technique that could theoretically erase a soul. Before merging with Vaatu, he could influence or control dark spirits at will.
Korra deserves respect here — she overcame her spiritual block by Book 1’s end and became one of the most spiritually adept figures in the series. Even before that, she accessed Aang’s memories directly and subconsciously summoned his spirit at her lowest point. She mastered energybending — requiring a strong spirit per the lion turtle — and spiritbending by mid-Book 2. She later created a giant spirit avatar of herself strong enough to fight Vaatu without Raava. By Book 4, she could meditate anywhere, read spiritual energy on command, and even energybend inside the Spirit World.
That’s my case.
