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Manas
(mind, desires)
Chitta
(memories)
Buddhi
(conscience)
Ahamkara
(ego)
Representation of the antahkarana (corresponding to the Western concept of mind)
Antahkarana consists of four aspects: manas \[mind, bundle of desires\], buddhi \[intellect\], chia \[memory\], and ahamkara \[ego\]: the last three being the subtle aspects of the mind. When the mind is engaged in the wavering thought process, it is called manas. When it is busy in the process of inquiry and discrimination between right and wrong, it is named buddhi. When it functions as a repository of memories, it is known as chia. \[We see chia in psychiatry in the repressed memories of pain hidden deep within the psyche waiting to be released.\] When it identifies itself with the physical body assuming the doership for various activities, it goes by the name of ahamkara \[ego\]. (SSB)
Commenting about the facets that comprise the buddhi, Swami says the following.
In the Taithiriya Upanishad, one of the 10 principal Upanishads, the buddhi is described as a bird. Sraddha \[faith\] is the head of the bird. Its right wing is ritam \[the cosmic
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