Ahamkara is a Sanskrit word meaning “I-maker.” Its root word aham translates as “self” and kara (from kri) means “doing” or “acting.” Thus, ahamkara is the self that is doing or the personality associated with this individual body. It refers to the sense of being an individual separate from everything else. In modern psychology, this is similar to the concept of ego. In Yoga psychology, the ahamkara is what creates our personality structure and individuated existence.

 

We build our identity on the pillar called “I am.” It is the belief that there is something inside us that makes us who we are. This “something” is our ahamkara, which has been programmed by our past experiences, beliefs, and emotions. Our ego mind believes that it is separate from everything else, including ourselves. It is sometimes referenced as “the instrument of the spirit” as it is the vehicle through which we experience ourselves and the world.

 

Yoga philosophy teaches that the mind has four parts or functions: ahamkara, which is the ego mind; buddhi, which is our intellect and wisdom; manas, which is our sensory and perceiving mind; and chitta, which is our memory. The default mode of consciousness for most humans is the ahamkara, which causes much of our negativity, suffering, and discontent in life. When we practice yoga, we focus on cultivating and strengthening buddhi—the seat of wisdom, intuition, compassion, and insight. Residing in this “higher mind” helps us transcend the illusions created by our egos and live a fuller, happier life. Yoga provides the keys to self-knowledge is to understand the nature of the mind and to be free from the bondage and suffering of the ego mind.