Asmita (Egoism)

Asmita is a Sanskrit term meaning "egoism" or "false identification."

In yoga philosophy, asmita is one of the five kleshas (obstacles) outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, referring to the mistaken belief that the self is defined by the mind, body, or personal identity.

It is the attachment to the "I" that leads to a sense of separation from others and from the true self. Overcoming asmita is essential for deepening self-awareness and progressing on the path of yoga.

Etymology and Meaning

Sanskrit Spelling: अस्मिता

Root Word: "Asmi" (I am) + "Ta" (state or condition)

Translation Variations: Egoism, personal identity, false sense of self

Pronunciation: Asmitā [Ah-SMIH-tah]

Asmita represents the attachment to a limited sense of self, leading individuals to identify with labels, achievements, and external perceptions rather than their deeper essence.

Asmita in the Yoga Sutras

Patanjali describes asmita as:

"Dṛg-darśana-śaktyor ekātmata iva asmitā" (Yoga Sutra 2.6)

Translation: "Asmita is the false identification of the seer with the seen."

This means that asmita arises when we confuse the true self (purusha) with the ever-changing mind and body (prakriti), creating a false sense of identity.

Symbolism in Yoga Philosophy

Asmita is often compared to a mask or illusion that distorts perception, making individuals believe they are separate from their true nature.

It manifests as pride, attachment to opinions, or defining oneself based on status, abilities, or external recognition.

Yoga teaches that the deeper self is beyond these surface-level identities and that awareness dissolves the illusion of separation.

Practical Application

In Yoga Practice

• Observe when ego influences your practice, such as striving for perfection or comparing yourself to others.
• Embrace humility and presence in each posture, recognizing that yoga is about inner growth, not external achievement.
• Use meditation to cultivate awareness of the inner observer beyond thoughts and self-concepts.

In Daily Life

• Notice when personal identity is tied to roles, opinions, or status, and practice non-attachment.
• Listen openly to others, recognizing that letting go of ego allows for deeper connection and understanding.
• Reflect on moments where asmita creates conflict or suffering, and shift toward self-awareness and compassion.

Quotes and Wisdom

"You are not your thoughts, not your body, not your story. You are the awareness behind it all."

"The ego is nothing more than an illusion that disappears when you stop feeding it."

Modern Relevance

Asmita plays a major role in modern life, where identity is often shaped by social status, achievements, and comparison.

The rise of social media intensifies asmita, reinforcing the illusion that self-worth depends on external validation.

Yoga and mindfulness provide tools to step back from these false identities and reconnect with the deeper self, fostering genuine confidence and peace.

Related Concepts

Avidya: Ignorance, the root cause of asmita and other kleshas.

Purusha: The true self, beyond ego and identification with external forms.

Read: Understanding the Kleshas

How to Dissolve Asmita

Mindset: Shift from "I am this" to "I am awareness," recognizing that identity is not fixed or limited.

Actions: Engage in self-inquiry, meditation, and humility practices to loosen attachment to the ego.

Reflection: Regularly ask, "Who am I beyond these labels?" to deepen awareness of the true self.

Suggested Reading

• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
• I Am That by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Conclusion

Asmita is the illusion of ego-based identity that separates individuals from their true nature.

By cultivating self-awareness, non-attachment, and humility, practitioners can dissolve asmita and connect with the deeper self that exists beyond temporary roles and perceptions.