Antahkaran (अंतःकरण)
Antahakarana is the inner machinery whose functions include the mind, intellect, Chitta, and Ahankaar.
Antahkaran (अंतःकरण | aṁtaḥkaraṇa) is the inner machinery through which a person performs actions. Antaha means “internal,” and karana refers to the machinery that performs actions.
The Antahkarana is subservient to the Jeev and is an eternal aide given by God. According to God's law, all actions performed by the Antahkaran in the wakeful state are called karma.
The same inner machinery is also commonly called the mind, or man.
The Material Mind
In a material being, the Antahakaran is made of Maya. Its nature is to remain active and restless.
Even while the body is sleeping, the mind remains active and produces dreams. It becomes inactive only during deep sleep, called Sushupti (सुषुप्ति | suṣupti).
Functions of the Antahakarana
The Antahkaran performs different functions and is given different names according to the function it is performing.
Man (मन | mana) — When the inner machinery creates a desire and weighs the pros and cons, it is called Man, or the mind.
Buddhi (बुद्धि | buddhi) — When it makes a decision, it is called Buddhi, or the intellect.
Some descriptions distinguish two additional functions:
Chitta (चित्त | citta) — When the inner machinery thinks, it is called Chitta.
Ahankaar (अहंकार | ahaṁkāra) — When it gives rise to pride or ego, it is called Ahankaar.
These are not four separate inner machines. They are names given to the same Antahkaran according to the function it is performing.
Also written as: Antahakarana
Go Deeper
JKP Literature
