VEDANTA

Science of Consciousness

aham

aham

I’. The type of self-knowledge determines whether the absolute self (only I, one I) is meant, or (in ignorance) the identification with the ‘I’ experience (abhimāna), linked to body and mind.

Extended definition:
  • aham

    The "I-feeling" is a composite of three things: pure consciousness, its reflection (cidābhāsaḥ) in the mind, manas, and thirdly, the mind, the reflective medium itself. In suṣupti (deep sleep) the "I-feeling" (self-consciousness) is gone, because the mind and cidābhāsa are inactive. Pure consciousness, however, remains unaffected at all times, alert, always unmanifested, without qualities and actions in waking, dreaming and deep sleep.

The explanation of this Sanskrit term was written by Simon de Jong.
On the index page you will find the complete Sanskrit glossary.

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Previously published newsletters
– October 2024 (English
– October 2024 (English)