Aham (Kashmir Shaivism)
{{Short description|Concept of Kashmir Shaivism}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Saivism|expanded=Philosophy}}
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 khecarī mudrā (free movement in the space of the heart) is realised. Khecarī mudrā is considered the supreme state of spiritual evolution.
Substrate 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 The 36 tattvas#p.E1.B9.9Bithv.C4.AB - earth (earth) to The 36 tattvas#sad.C4.81.C5.9Biva.{{IAST|Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa}} Jaideva Singh, page 194 Aham is the final resting place, dwelling place, abode of all beings, receptacle of the world.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 mantra,{{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 emotive(visarga) aspect of the Supreme (anuttara).
Etymology
Aham is formed of A+HA+M, a triad of Śiva (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 = abheda (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 reabsorption) - the mantra that is identical to the process of spiritual evolution, or in other words reabsorption 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