Maslow’s Humanism (Ideas of Humanistic psychology) Meets with the Neo-Classical Epistemology of Advaita Vedanta
Author : Kinjal Chakraborty
Abstract :
This paper explores the convergence between Abraham Maslow's humanistic psychology and Advaita Vedanta, offering a framework that integrates modern psychological practices with the spiritual and philosophical wisdom of Vedantic epistemology. By connecting Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, particularly self-actualization and self-transcendence, with the two forms of knowledge described in Advaita Vedanta—Apara Vidya (lower knowledge) and Para Vidya (higher knowledge)—the paper demonstrates how both systems contribute to a holistic understanding of human development. The relationship between deficiency needs and growth needs in Maslow's model mirrors the Vedantic distinction between existential knowledge for survival and cosmic consciousness for self-realization. This integrated framework offers a comprehensive approach to education, professional development, and personal growth, guiding individuals toward both practical wisdom and spiritual transcendence.
Keywords :
Maslow, Advaita Vedanta, humanistic psychology, self-actualization, self-transcendence, Apara Vidya, Para Vidya
