A Comparative Study of Taṇhā in Theravāda Buddhism and Need in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to study the concept of Tahā in Theravāda Buddhism, and to study the concept of need in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory including the analysis of comparison between the two concepts. This research is a documentary research. The researcher has studied from both primary and secondary documents comprising Tripitaka (Buddhist Scriptures), researches, theses and other related academic documentaries. The results of study show that both concepts have humanistic viewpoints believing in human value and human being who has efficiency to develop himself. Buddhism splits the human’s need into two parts which are 1) need in good part named “Chanda” and 2) need in bad part named “Tahā”. However, different from Buddhism, for Maslow, he doesn’t split human need to good or bad part. Both concepts say that need process relates to senses and perceptions. Both concepts have the different views in the roles of need. Buddhism implies that Tahā is unwholesome thing although Tahā can may be positive motive to motivate the good action. However, if the one uses Tahā without apprehension and consideration, it will make problems and also one should get rid of Tahā. Differently Maslow believes that human need (any need) should have to be improved.