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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" />
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]].
== 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>
* Advaita advocates that ahamkara can be burnt by the fire of Jnana (knowledge).
* Visishtadvaita recommends devotion and self-surrender.
* Yoga sutras prescribe deep meditation.
== 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.
== Ahamkara Vs Ego ==
== Ahamkara Vs Ego ==