http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/hierarchy-of-needs-should-not-lead-to-anarchy-of-greeds
“JIYO AUR JEENE DO” (Live and Let Live) is the famous slogan that was introduced to mankind by our ancient philosopher Tirthankara Bhagwan Mahavira way back in the 6th century. In that statement there is the touch of both self-actualization as well as universalism. That was the reason why Jainism accepted that statement as the route to self-realization.
Modern day philosophers have baffled the seeker in regards to self-actualization and self-realization; two words have been used interchangeably though they belong to different ethos. Self-actualization refers to the desire for self-fulfillment, essentially a materialistic thought to accomplish values represented by a material oriented culture. Self-actualization has only the Artha (wealth and prosperity) part in the Purusharthas (Goals of Human Life), while self-realization includes Dharma (righteousness, duty and moral order) dimension to it as well. An individual aiming for self-actualization will represent only him and the potential to upraise only himself, while self-realization takes a seeker to look at Divinity in others and nature as well.
Self-actualization can manifest in both negative and positive ways. Negative self-actualization has its roots in selfish-interest driven motives. It might lead the individual to be self-centered and self interested hence uncaring for the world outside him. In negative self-actualization the individual has no knowledge of when to stop his desire fulfillment he becomes a sort of addict to his desire and fails to come out of the whirlpool. Though positive self-actualization is better than its negative aspect it is not superior. Positive self-actualization has its roots in self-interest driven motives in the practical outlook. On the whole it is “physical body” oriented and encourages ego-obsessed sense satisfaction and takes an exploitation view of “survival of fittest.” Here though the individual is not addicted to fulfillment of just one need he will be shifting his desires. After fulfillment there are chances that he falls into the mode of avariciousness. He never has the chance to think “Who am I?”This is the level of particularism not universalism.
Self-realization is the representation of a compassionate view in which the concern for others also becomes important. The only difference between an individual who is into positive self-actualization and a seeker who needs self-realization is the answer to the most important question “WHO AM I?” In this state the seeker feels comfortable only if others with him are comfortable. “Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavanthu” (May all the people in the world be peaceful) will always be his mantra. He has the realization that in the word “Sarve Janah” he is automatically included. Hence it makes sense for him to think that the welfare of the society will be ultimately his welfare.
Negative self-actualization, positive self-actualization and self realization have its existence due to nature of the individual given by the Guna-Traya. This Guna-Traya is the three Gunas that we are born with according to our past Samskaras (impressions) and Vasanas (tendencies). It is the amalgamation of these three gunas namely Sattva, Rajo and Tamo which encourage an individual to act. It is interesting to note that if the Tamo Guna is dominating its equivalence is in selfish interest driven motives, if Rajo Guna has its domination more then its grip is in self-interest driven motives, while if Sattva Guna has greater domination the individual has a vision in enlightened self interest driven motives.
Self-Actualization is good initially but as one progress he has to put effort to realize self is the point of interest in the blog…..!
Hierarchy of Need should not lead to Anarchy of Greed!!!!!!
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