Asmita

Sense of self, egoism, identification with body-mind. It is the second of the five kleshas (afflictions) and arises directly from avidya (ignorance).

Asmita is the confusion between the observer (purusha) and the instrument of observation (buddhi). It is the error of believing “I am my thoughts,” “I am my body,” “I am my personal history.”

This mistaken identification is subtle and persistent. Even advanced practitioners may maintain spiritual asmita — identification with achievements or meditative states. Only mature discernment (viveka) dissolves it.