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Ahamkara (Samskrit: अहंकारम्) is one of the functions of the mind. It is a concept related to self and identity. Inquiry concerning human nature has centered on the fundamental question 'Who am I'. The answer is the I-feeling whose nature the questioner is interested in is 'aham'. It is considered a function of the mind or mental apparatus known as [[Antahkarana Chatushtaya (अन्तःकरणचतुष्टयम्)|antahkarana]]. In the Indian tradition, the experience of personal identity or the self-sense is termed 'aham,' translated to 'I' in English. It is debatable that the term 'ego' conveys the same meaning as 'aham,' a Sanskrit term.   

Ahamkara (Samskrit: अहंकारम्) is one of the functions of the mind. It is an indigenous Indian concept related to self and identity.<ref name=":0" /> Inquiry concerning human nature has centered on the fundamental question 'Who am I'. The answer is the I-feeling whose nature the questioner is interested in is 'aham'. It is considered a function of the mind or mental apparatus known as [[Antahkarana Chatushtaya (अन्तःकरणचतुष्टयम्)|antahkarana]]. In the Indian tradition, the experience of personal identity or the self-sense is termed 'aham,' translated to 'I' in English. It is debatable that the term 'ego' conveys the same meaning as 'aham,' a Sanskrit term.   

In layman's language, Ahamkara is commonly referred to as False ego, Pride, or Arrogance. But the spiritual understanding of Ahamkara lies beyond such terms. For example, ‘Ego’ refers to an individual’s sense of self-esteem. ‘Pride’ refers to an individual’s feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction from one’s achievements. ‘Arrogance’ on the other hand refers to an individual’s exaggerated sense of self-importance.<ref>Tayal, N & Sharma N. R. ''Comparative view of the eastern and western perspectives on the concept of Ahamkara/Ego.'' The International Journal of Indian Psychology, Vol 8, Issue 3, July- Sep, 2020. DOI: 10.25215/0803.065</ref>

In layman's language, Ahamkara is commonly referred to as False ego, Pride, or Arrogance. But the spiritual understanding of Ahamkara lies beyond such terms. For example, ‘Ego’ refers to an individual’s sense of self-esteem. ‘Pride’ refers to an individual’s feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction from one’s achievements. ‘Arrogance’ on the other hand refers to an individual’s exaggerated sense of self-importance.<ref name=":1">Tayal, N & Sharma N. R. ''Comparative view of the eastern and western perspectives on the concept of Ahamkara/Ego.'' The International Journal of Indian Psychology, Vol 8, Issue 3, July- Sep, 2020. DOI: 10.25215/0803.065</ref>

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

Attempts at answering the question, 'Who am I,' have progressed in two distinct directions, in Indian traditions,<ref name=":0">Salagame, Kiran Kumar. "''Concept Ahamkara: Theoretical and Empirical Analysis.''” In K. R. Rao & S. B. Marwaha (Eds.) ''Towards a spiritual psychology: Essays in Indian Psychology.'' (pp. 97-122). New Delhi: Samvad India Foundation. 2005.</ref>

Attempts at answering the question, 'Who am I,' have progressed in two distinct directions, in the Indian traditions,<ref name=":0">Salagame, Kiran Kumar. "''Concept Ahamkara: Theoretical and Empirical Analysis.''” In K. R. Rao & S. B. Marwaha (Eds.) ''Towards a spiritual psychology: Essays in Indian Psychology.'' (pp. 97-122). New Delhi: Samvad India Foundation. 2005.</ref>

* inwardly through introspection and intuition  

* inwardly through introspection and intuition  

* outwardly in terms of empiricism and intellectual understanding.  

* outwardly in terms of empiricism and intellectual understanding.  

Here the I-feeling is called 'aham' and it is the function of the mind or antahkarana. The function is known as Ahamkara; at the psychological level, it refers to all our day-to-day feelings and thoughts about ourselves.

Here the I-feeling is called 'aham' and it is the function of the mind or antahkarana. The function is known as Ahamkara; at the psychological level, it refers to all our day-to-day feelings and thoughts about ourselves.<ref name=":1" />

While modern psychology has relied exclusively on empiricism and intellectual analysis, in the Indian tradition both methods have been employed leading to findings at two levels of awareness.  

While modern psychology has relied exclusively on empiricism and intellectual analysis, in the Indian tradition both methods have been employed leading to findings at two levels of awareness.  

# '''Empirical level''' (based on observations in the physical realm and scientific testing) - A level at which subject-object distinction operates.  

# '''Empirical level''' (based on observations in the physical realm and scientific testing) - A level at which subject-object distinction operates.  

# '''Transcendental level''' (beyond ordinary experience, thought or belief, non-physical realm) - A level at which subject-object distinction is transcended.

# '''Transcendental level''' (beyond ordinary experience, thought or belief, non-physical realm) - A level at which subject-object distinction is transcended.

 

In the Indian tradition, there are many concepts related to identity and self, other than the generic term 'aham,' used in different contexts with specific meaning and significance.<ref name=":0" />

In the Indian tradition, there are many concepts related to identity and self, other than the generic term 'aham,' used in different contexts with specific meaning and significance.<ref name=":0" />  

* Ontologically (based on existence) 'aham,' represents 'being.'

* Ontologically (based on existence) 'aham,' represents 'being.'

* identification (abhimana)  

* identification (abhimana)  

While ‘individuality’ represents uniqueness, ‘separation-differentiation’ marks the feeling of being different from others, ‘agency’ signifies the sense of doer-ship and ‘identification’ indicates relationship with worldly objects, involving associations and companionship (sanga), attractions and attachments (moha) and mineness or ownership (mamkara) (Salagame et al. 2005, p. 75).

While ‘individuality’ represents uniqueness, ‘separation-differentiation’ marks the feeling of being different from others, ‘agency’ signifies the sense of doer-ship and ‘identification’ indicates relationship with worldly objects, involving associations and companionship (sanga), attractions and attachments (moha) and mineness or ownership (mamkara).<ref name=":0" />

== Ahamkara in different schools of thought ==

== Ahamkara in different schools of thought ==

== Ahamkara Vs Ego ==

== Ahamkara Vs Ego ==

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Vedanta]]

[[Category:Vedanta]]