Ahankara is a consciousness or egotism. It is the perception by an individual like the notions, `I think, I feel, I am`. It can be expressed by the proposition of Descartes reversed.

There are three types of Ahankara in the Sankhya Karika. The sense proceeds from the first type of Ahankara. The unconscious elements proceed from the third type of Ahankara. Both types of Ahankara being equally inert, are rendered productive by the co-operation of the second, the energetic modification of Ahankara, Therefore, the second type is said to be the origin of both of the senses and the elements. Colloquially `Ahankara` is still in common use throughout India in the sense of pride, or great conceit.