Human nature strives for structure and understanding. In studying the seven chakras, which are thousands of years old, I’m struck by how Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need aligns with this ancient tradition.

First, consider the seven Chakras:

1. Muladhara – Tailbone / earth / smell/ fundamental needs to stay alive                                                                        2. Swadisthana – Sacrum / water / taste / emotions, dreams, sexuality                                                                         3. Manipura – Belly / fire / sight / ego identity                     4. Anahata – Heart / air / touch / selflessness                       5. Vishudda – Throat / ether / hearing / communication and truth                                                                                        6. Ajna – Third eye / transcendence / intuition / higher self  7. Sahasrara – Crown of head / soul / unconditional love / direct link to divine

Now, consider Maslow’s original Hierarchy of Needs (1943):

1. Physiological – air / drink / food / sleep / shelter     2. Safety – security  / order / stability / freedom from fear                                                                                         3. Social – belonging / affection / love                          4. Esteem – mastery / independence / status / dominance / self-respect                                                    5. Self-actualization – realizing potential / self-fulfillment / personal growth / peak experiences

There are direct correlations between Muladhara and our physiological needs, Manipura and safety, Anahata and social, Vishudda and esteem, and Ajna with self-actualization. One could argue that Swadisthana and Sahasrara also fit into the ladder but I think they possess less clear correlations, which makes sense given the culture Maslow represents – an early twentieth century discomfort with sensuality at the base end and the Sahasrara notion of an individual unified with the whole as the apex chakra.  After all, Maslow was dealing with personal psychology, not spirituality.