(Sanskrit अहङ्कार, also ahankara) Literally, “pride, egotism, conception of one’s individuality, individualization, arrogance, etc.” From अहम् aham, “I.” Hindu philosophies use the word ahankara in varying ways, not always negative. At its base, ahankara is simply the perception of being “separate.” Yet this perception quickly develops into egotism. “From desire spring cupidity and delusion and vanity and pride and ahankara (selfishness).” —Mahabharata.
“You are born to conquer nature and thereby realise Atman. Try to know the ways and habits of this Ahankara. It thirsts for self-aggrandisement or self-advancement, power, possession of objects and enjoyment. Kill this Ahankara or egoism and selfishness. Be disinterested. Pin your faith to the opposite virtues, spirit of sacrifice and selflessness. Accept sacrifice and service as guiding principles of life. At once you will have a rich, expanded spiritual life.” —Swami Sivananda