Aham, a concept of Kashmir Shaivism, is defined as the supreme heart ,, Jaideva Singh, page 78 transcendent Self, supreme I awareness , Jaideva Singh, page 131 or infinite consciousness.The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 145
Substrate of creation When Śiva wants to create, the first step is said to be the creation of an interior space (the space of his heart) - a matrix of energies that will be the substrate of the new world. This place is called Aham which means "I" in Sanskrit. Thus the absolute first creates the divine person, Aham, and from this divine person will appear the manifestation itself.
Aham is identical to (the wheel of phonematic energies), essential nature of all categories from (earth) to . Jaideva Singh, page 194 Aham is the final resting place, dwelling place, abode of all beings, receptacle of the world.The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 179
Ultimate mantra Another definition of Aham is that of primordial mantra,, the energy of the depths, page 214 transcendental mantra,, Jaideva Singh, page 180 the so-called heart-bīja (mantra of the heart) - force and power of consciousness.The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 163 As the supreme mantra, Aham is closely related to matravīrya (the potency of mantra).The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 160 Thus the realization of Aham confers power over any mantra., Jaideva Singh, page 195
United form of Shiva and Shakti In Aham, the supreme (para) aspect of Śakti is realized. Aham is the Śakti of Śiva or in other words, the expansion of Śiva., Jaideva Singh, page 127 Another way of describing Aham is as the union of Śiva and Śakti,, Jaideva Singh, page 194 the emotive(visarga) aspect of the Supreme (anuttara).
Etymology Aham is formed of A+HA+M, a triad of Śiva (A), Śakti (HA) and bindu (M)., Jaideva Singh, page 55 M is the final point, union of Śiva and Śakti, where they dissolve into Paramaśiva. The triangle of A+HA+M is the essence of the Trika system., the energy of the depths, page 32 A+HA+M form the (seed of emission), a mantra that is identical to the energy of expansion and creation., Jaideva Singh, page 13
Aham can also be defined as: A = abheda (non-differentiation), HA = bheda (differentiation) and M = bhedābheda (differentiation cum non-differentiation)., Jaideva Singh, page 30
Maha, the mirror image of Aham On the other hand, Maha, mirror image of Aham,The Triadic Heart of Śiva, Paul Muller-Ortega, page 159 is formed of Ma+Ha+A, and represents the (seed of reabsorption) - the mantra that is identical to the process of spiritual evolution, or in other words reabsorption of the manifestation back into the absolute. In Maha, Śakti (Ha) enters bindu (M) (the limited being) and reunites it with the Supreme (A)., Jaideva Singh, page 182
See also Ramana Maharshi The 36 tattvas Purusha
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