Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, divided human needs into five levels. The first are basic physiological needs like breathing, eating, and sleeping. Once these are met, people focus on safety—for themselves and their families. The next level involves the need for love and belonging, where relationships and social connections become important. Beyond that, individuals seek achievement, self-esteem, and recognition from others. Finally, at the top level is self-actualization, where people strive for personal development, creativity, and reaching their full potential. While some believe Maslow’s model doesn’t cover everything, it still provides a useful overview of human needs.
However, it is a fact that most people on this planet remain focused primarily on the basics. Even when their interests expand beyond basic survival into areas like social connections or intellectual pursuits, they are still, from a spiritual perspective, limited in their understanding. According to ancient wisdom, those whose lives revolve solely around fulfilling physical, social, or mental needs are considered “asleep.” The word “awakening” refers to spiritual awakening.
There is a proverb that urges us not to stay in darkness but to move toward the light. It teaches that the material world is full of ignorance and illusion, while beyond it lies a realm of light and spiritual truth. When we lose sight of our spiritual nature and focus only on material things, we move from light into darkness, losing touch with who we truly are.
Spiritual ignorance makes it difficult to understand life’s deeper truths. Without spiritual insight, it is hard to answer questions like: Why was I born? Why do I grow old and face death? What will happen after I die? Are war, suffering, and injustice really necessary? Why do I face so many challenges in life? And, less often asked, why do I sometimes succeed effortlessly?