Haumai
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Haumai (Gurmukhi: ਹਉਮੈ, lit. 'I-me') is the concept of self-centeredness (egoism) in Sikhism which hinders humanity's spiritual development and cultivation.[1]
It is a combination of the words Hau (ਹਉ) meaning "I" and Mai (ਮੈ) meaning "me".
Description
This concept was taught by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, as the source of five evils: lust, covetousness, wrath, pride and attachment.[2] According to the Sikh gurus' teachings, it is Haumai that leads to endless cycles of transmigration (rebirth; samsara), and makes a person "manmukh".[1][3] They state that one must turn away from Haumai, become a "gurmukh" and follow the path of the Guru to receive God's grace.[1][4]
In Sikhism, the Haumai can only be overcome through meditation on God’s name (Naam), Simran and Sewa.
The opposite of Haumai is humility (or Nimrata), which is considered a virtue in Sikhism. Selfless service called Seva, and complete submission to Waheguru (God), is the Sikh path to liberation.[1]
