HANKAAR (Ahmkaar, Pride)
Ahmkaar is a Sanskrit word [(Ahm= me, I-ness) kaar (time and again), i.e. me and myself]. In Punjabi Ahmkaar is written and pronounced as ‘Hankaar’.
Pride means: to always assert one’s own self before everyone else. It is a feeling or overbearing opinion or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements (of beauty, youth, learning, wealth, power etc), the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated or one’s worth or importance. It is also consciousness of one’s own dignity, confidence and self-respect. It is egotism, excessive self-esteem and vanity.
According to Guru Granth Sahib, hankaar (ahmkaar) is one of the chief vices in a human being. It is an obstacle in the way of liberation (self realization):
What is the gain by bathing in sacred waters,
When mind is full of pride. (Guru Granth Sahib, p.61)
My body, my money, my whole family are only illusion.
The ego, passion and wealth are also illusion.
(Guru Granth Sahib, p.268)
If one has the ego of being a ruler,
He is like a dog in hell.
One who is proud of wealth and land,
He is blind and ignorant. (Guru Granth Sahib, p.278)
O man! The world is torn in ego; forgetting Name it is suffering.
If one is Gurmukh he would ponder over the essence of knowledge
And would burn ego with World. (Guru Granth Sahib, p.946)
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)