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| == Ahamkara - Self and Identity == | | == Ahamkara - Self and Identity == |
− | The fundamental questions - who identifies with non-self, who has to discriminate between non-self and Self, and who has to consciously attempt to dis-identify with non-self, have always challenged the mankind. Ancient Indian seers posit ahamkara, regarded as one of the [[Antahkarana Chatushtaya (अन्तःकरणचतुष्टयम्)|antahkaranas]] ("the inner instrument," mind) as the one involved in this process.<ref name=":0" /> | + | The fundamental questions - who identifies with non-self, who has to discriminate between non-self and Self, and who has to consciously attempt to dis-identify with non-self, have always challenged the mankind. Ancient Indian seers posit ahamkara, regarded as one of the [[Antahkarana Chatushtaya (अन्तःकरणचतुष्टयम्)|antahkaranas]] ("the inner instrument," mind) as the one involved in this process.<ref name=":0" /> |
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| Schools differ in the number of functions included under [[Antahkarana Chatushtaya (अन्तःकरणचतुष्टयम्)|antahkarana]]. | | Schools differ in the number of functions included under [[Antahkarana Chatushtaya (अन्तःकरणचतुष्टयम्)|antahkarana]]. |
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| == Ahamkara in different schools of thought == | | == Ahamkara in different schools of thought == |
| + | Ahamkara is the root of all vrittis or mental modifications. Destruction of ahamkara leads to removal of [[Kleshas (क्लेशाः)|kleshas]] and all the mental modes of psychosis will die automatically. Different schools of thought suggested different ways for the removal of ahamkara.<ref>Safaya, Raghunath. (1976) ''Indian Psychology, A critical and historical analysis of the psychological speculations in Indian Philosophical Literature.'' New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd. (Pages 325-326)</ref> |
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| + | * Advaita advocates that ahamkara can be burnt by the fire of Jnana (knowledge). |
| + | * Visishtadvaita recommends devotion and self-surrender. |
| + | * Yoga sutras prescribe deep meditation. |
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| == Ahamkara and Personal Growth == | | == Ahamkara and Personal Growth == |
| + | In a child Ahamkara is faint but it develops day by day by the accumulation of desires, fears, Vasanas etc. |
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| == Ahamkara Vs Ego == | | == Ahamkara Vs Ego == |