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Ahankara in Hinduism

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Ahankara is a key concept in Hindu philosophy, particularly in Samkhya and Vedanta schools of thought. It is the sense of 'I' and 'mine,' which means it creates the feeling of individual identity and ownership.

Origin and Role in Samkhya Philosophy

In Samkhya metaphysics, ahankara emerges after mahat or buddhi during the evolution process from prakriti (nature). Here's a simplified breakdown of this process:

  1. Prakriti (Nature): The fundamental, unmanifested source of all material existence.
  2. Mahat/Buddhi (Intellect): The first product of prakriti, representing universal intelligence.
  3. Ahankara (Ego): The next stage, where the sense of individual self or ego arises.

Ahankara is considered a substance because it serves as the material cause for other entities like the mind and sense organs. Through ahankara, individual selves (purushas) develop separate mental backgrounds and identities.

Function of Ahankara

At the individual level, ahankara makes a person feel that they are experiencing sensations through their senses and mind and making decisions using their intellect. It creates a sense of personal identity and ownership, making each person feel like a distinct individual.

At the cosmic level, ahankara is responsible for the creation of:

  • Five Senses of Cognition (Jnanendriyas): These are the senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
  • Five Organs of Action (Karmendriyas): These include the hands, feet, mouth, organs of excretion, and organs of reproduction.
  • Mind (Manas): The faculty that processes sensory input and thoughts.
  • Five Subtle Elements (Tanmatras): These are the subtle forms of earth, water, fire, air, and ether that serve as the basis for the gross physical elements.

Ahankara in Vedanta

In Vedanta, ahankara is often viewed as a function of antahkarana, the internal instrument or mind. The antahkarana includes:

  • Manas (Mind): The aspect that processes thoughts and feelings.
  • Buddhi (Intellect): The decision-making part of the mind.
  • Chitta (Memory): The storehouse of memories and impressions.
  • Ahankara (Ego): The sense of individual identity and possessiveness.

Ahankara is crucial for the ego-sense and possessiveness, making it an integral part of how individuals perceive themselves and their relationship with the world.

Ahankara is a fundamental concept in Hinduism that explains the sense of individual identity and ownership. It plays a critical role in the evolution of consciousness and the creation of the individual self, influencing both personal and cosmic levels of existence.