Aham (Kashmir Shaivism)

Aham, a concept of Kashmir Shaivism, is defined as the supreme heart "IAST|(hṛdayam)" [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 78] , transcendent Self, supreme I awareness [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 131] or infinite consciousness. [The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 145] The space of "Aham" is where "kechari mudra" (free movement in the space of the heart) is realised. "Kechari mudra" is considered the supreme state of spiritual evolution.

ubstrate of creation

When Śiva wants to create, the first step is said to be the creation of an interior space (the space of his heart) - a matrix of energies that will be the substrate of the new world. This place is called "Aham" which means "I" in Sanskrit. Thus the absolute first creates the divine person, "Aham", and from this divine person will appear the manifestation itself.

"Aham" is identical to "IAST|mātṛkā" (the wheel of phonematic energies), essential nature of all categories from "IAST|Pṛithvī tattva" (earth) to "IAST|Sadāśiva tattva", [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa Jaideva Singh, page 194] . "Aham" is the final resting place, dwelling place, abode of all beings, receptacle of the world. [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 78] [The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 179]

Ultimate mantra

Another definition of "Aham" is that of primordial mantra, [IAST|Kuṇḍalinī, the energy of the depths, page 214] transcendental matra, [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 180] the so called heart-bīja (mantra of the heart) - force and power of consciousness. [The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 163] As the supreme mantra, "Aham" is closely related to "matravīrya" (the potency of mantra). [The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 160] Thus the realization of "Aham" confers power over any mantra. [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 195]

United form of Shiva and Shakti

In "Aham", the supreme (para) aspect of Śakti is realized. "Aham" is the "Śakti" of "Śiva" or in other words, the expansion of Śiva. [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 127] Another way of describing "Aham" is as the union of "Śiva" and "Śakti", [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 194] the emittive ("visarga") aspect of the Supreme ("anuttara"). [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 195]

Etymology

Aham is formed of A+HA+M, a triad of "Śhiva" (A), "Śakti" (HA) and bindu (M). [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 55] M is the final point, union of "Śiva" and "Śakti", where they dissolve into "Paramaśiva". The triangle of A+HA+M is the essence of the "Trika" system. [IAST|Kuṇḍalinī, the energy of the depths, page 32] A+HA+M form the "IAST|sṛṣṭi bīja" (seed of emission), a mantra that is identical to the energy of expansion and creation. [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 13]

"Aham" can also be defined as: A = "abedha" (non-differentiation), HA = "bheda" (differentiation) and M = "bhedābheda" (differentiation cum non-differentiation). [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 30]

Maha, the mirror image of Aham

On the other hand, "MAHA", mirror image of "AHAM", [The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 159] is formed of MA+HA+A, and represents the "IAST|saṃhara bīja" (seed of resorption) - the mantra that is identical to the process of spiritual evolution, [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 13] or in other words resorption of the manifestation back into the absolute. In "MAHA", Śakti (HA) enters bindu (M) (the limited being) and reunites it with the Supreme (A). [IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa, Jaideva Singh, page 182]

Notes