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waveAsmitawave

Definition: The sense of individuality or 'I-am-ness'; subtle egoism underlying all afflictions.

Insights: Asmita is the mistaken identification of pure consciousness (Purusha) with the mind (Buddhi), producing the sense of individuality—'I am.' This subtle ego is a root klesha and must be dissolved to realize one’s true nature as pure awareness.

Related Sutras

1.2

yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ

Importance: 10/10

Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

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1.4

vṛtti sārūpyam itaratra

Importance: 8/10

At other times, the seer identifies with the modifications of the mind.

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2.3

avidyāsmitārāgadveṣābhiniveśāḥ kleśāḥ

Importance: 10/10

Ignorance (avidyā), egoism (asmitā), attachment (rāga), aversion (dveṣa), and clinging to life (abhiniveśa) are the five afflictions (kleśas).

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2.6

dṛgdarśanaśaktyorekātmatevāsmitā

Importance: 8/10

Egoism is the identification of the power of the seer with the power of seeing.

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