self-actualization vs. self-realization/transcendence

[ethereal]

I found a neat article talking about the differences/similarities between the two paths:

Spiritual Sisters of the Internet Cafe- spiritualsisters.com

My first impression is that they're not compatible, and that taking one path won't necessarily worsen your progress in the other, but will definitely slow it down. I guess it's a problem of focusing on one or the other, though you'll improve both at the same time.

I also think that Maslow is on the right track with the placement of self-actualization and self-transcendance in his hierarchy of needs, in that prolonged progress in self-actualization leads to progressive interest in self-transcendance but not the other way around:

Maslow's hierarchy of needs - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wondering what other people's comments on this are? Are the two paths reconciliatory? I think it's is a important topic on a forum like this, to distinguish between the two. Most spirituality/self-help books lump both of them together and I think not clarifying the difference is a big problem.

[Glass Joe]

Craziness...

I got to get going, so I don't have time to read the article yet, but I've been wrestling with this distinction too.

Originally Posted by ethereal

I also think that Maslow is on the right track with the placement of self-actualization and self-transcendence in his hierarchy of needs, in that prolonged progress in self-actualization leads to progressive interest in self-transcendence but not the other way around:

I need to think about this more, but right now I think that self-actualization (personal development) gives you the strength necessary to follow through with the process of self-transcendence (personal destruction).