Not Becoming More — But Becoming Boundless

Beyond the Pyramid: From Survival to Liberation
An Insight into Human Needs and the Possibility Beyond Them

In modern psychology, human life is often described as a pyramid of needs — beginning with food and shelter, rising through safety, love, esteem, and culminating in what is called self-actualization. It is a structured understanding of human aspiration. As a social and psychological framework, it serves a purpose.

But the question is — is this the ultimate possibility of a human being?

The Foundation: Survival

Physiological and safety needs form the base of the pyramid. Food, rest, physical security — these are not luxuries; they are fundamental. If the body is in distress, higher aspirations naturally fade into the background. Survival is the first concern.

Yet survival is not the goal of life. It is only the platform.

If all your intelligence is invested in securing survival, you may live long — but you may not live deeply.

The Psychological Layers: Belonging and Esteem

Once the body feels secure, the human longing shifts. You seek belonging — relationships, companionship, intimacy. This is not merely emotional; it is existential. The need to belong arises from a sense of incompleteness.

Then comes esteem — recognition, achievement, status. You want to be seen. You want to matter. In many ways, this is an attempt to establish a stronger identity in the world.

These layers shape societies, careers, families, and ambitions. Most human effort operates here — in pursuit of validation, appreciation, and a sense of significance.

But significance is fragile. It depends on the opinions of others. What is given by the world can always be withdrawn.

The Peak: Self-Actualization

At the top of the pyramid lies self-actualization — the realization of one’s potential, creative expression, fulfillment of inner capabilities. This is seen as the highest human achievement.

To actualize your potential is certainly a beautiful thing. But even this remains within the framework of “becoming.”

It still assumes that fulfillment lies in perfecting the individual self.

The Yogic Perspective: Beyond Becoming

In the yogic sciences, the ultimate possibility of a human being is not self-actualization, but self-realization.

Self-actualization is about becoming something.
Self-realization is about seeing the illusion of what you think you are.

The spiritual process is not about climbing higher within the structure of needs. It is about transcending the compulsiveness of needs altogether.

When your joy is dependent on food, you are limited.
When your joy is dependent on relationships, you are limited.
When your joy is dependent on recognition, you are limited.

Freedom begins when your experience of well-being is no longer externally sourced.

This does not mean denying the body or rejecting relationships. It means you use them, enjoy them, participate in life fully — but your inner state is not enslaved by them.

From Structure to Boundlessness

The pyramid is a model of human development within limitation. It is about organizing life efficiently.

The spiritual dimension is about dissolving limitation.

When your identity loosens, when your psychological boundaries thin, when your sense of self is no longer confined to body and mind — what remains is a profound inclusiveness.

In that inclusiveness, love is not a need.
Esteem is not a pursuit.
Safety is not a fear.
Fulfillment is not a goal.

There is simply a natural state of ease and involvement with life.

This is not the top of a pyramid.
This is stepping beyond all structures.

When you are no longer trying to become,
when you are no longer trying to prove,
when you are simply here — intensely alive, yet untouched —

that is the true flowering of a human being.

In A Nutshell 

This pyramid that you see — physiological needs, safety, love, esteem, self-actualization — it is not wrong. It is just incomplete.

It is a good map for survival. But it is not the map for liberation.

First, food, water, sleep — the body must be taken care of. This is basic intelligence. If the body is in distress, you cannot think of enlightenment. If you are hungry, God disappears and bread becomes divine. So yes, the body is the foundation.

Then comes safety. You want protection, stability, a sense of control. But look at this carefully — safety is mostly psychological. Even the richest man is insecure. Even the most powerful nation is anxious. Safety is not about walls; it is about inner steadiness.

Then love and belonging. You want someone to hold you, someone to say, “You matter.” This is beautiful. But the need for belonging arises because you experience yourself as incomplete. If you were truly complete within yourself, you would share love — not seek it.

Then esteem — recognition, prestige, accomplishment. This is where most human drama happens. You want the world to validate you because you have not validated your own existence. You want applause because you cannot sit alone in silence joyfully.

And finally, self-actualization — achieving your potential. Creative expression. Fulfillment. This is considered the peak.

But I am asking you — is this the peak?

Self-actualization still assumes there is a “self” to be improved, fulfilled, perfected. In yogic science, the ultimate is not self-actualization. It is self-dissolution.

Not becoming something.
But becoming nothing.

Because only when you are nothing, you become everything.

Maslow’s pyramid moves from survival to psychological fulfillment. Spiritual process moves from identity to boundlessness.

If your needs are fulfilled, you may feel satisfied. But satisfaction is not freedom. Freedom comes when your well-being is no longer dependent on fulfillment of needs.

If your joy depends on food, you are limited.
If your joy depends on relationships, you are limited.
If your joy depends on success, you are limited.

When your joy is your nature — then whether you have or do not have, you remain untouched.

This pyramid is about climbing upward.
Spirituality is about dissolving the structure itself.

When you are no longer climbing,
when you are no longer seeking,
when you are simply here — utterly involved, yet untouched —

that is true self-realization.

Not reaching the top of the pyramid,
but stepping beyond it.

Editor's Note: Dr. Parth (b. 1991 — ) is regarded as an enlightened being, mystic, and visionary, whose work bridges ancient wisdom with modern science. Since 2015, he has been engaged in humanitarian service, awakening human consciousness, and pioneering new dimensions in healing and well-being. Through his presence and guidance, he has transformed lives of countless seekers. He is not merely a man of science; he is a bridge between the known and the unknown. 🏆 Dr. Parth is the recipient of the Bhartiya Seva Ratna Award for his contributions to Medicine, Neurology, Quantum Futuristic Technologies - Ether Technologies & Shoonya-based Applied Human Sciences. He was also nominated for India’s highest civilian honours, including the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri, in recognition of his invaluable work in Medicine, Neurology, and Space Science. However, he chose not to pursue or engage with the process. He has consistently shown no interest in awards, titles, or formal recognitions, choosing instead to stay deeply committed to his work in human sciences and inner well-being for humanity. Dr. Parth Kalita is the originator of Ether Technologies and Shoonya-based Applied Human Sciences, with over a decade of research, white papers, and documented work, including institutional and governmental engagements in India and international dissemination. Professionally, he is a neurologist, with research spanning space science and neurology, making him a Research Neuro-Space Scientist. With his unparalleled clarity and insight, he serves as a transformational catalyst, empowering individuals to harness both inner and outer resources. Under his guidance, countless people have elevated their lives in profound and lasting ways. With depth and vision, Dr. Parth introduces a new dimension of health — one that transcends conventional treatment and enters the realm of true well-being. His work is for those who seek not merely answers, but transformation; for those who wish to move beyond medicine and into life itself; for those ready to awaken to a higher possibility. Step into the journey of consciousness with Dr. Parth.