māna

 The Sanskrit word "māna" (मान) generally means 

“honor,” “esteem,” “reputation,” “pride,” or 

“self-respect,” depending on context.

Etymology and Basic Meanings

The noun māna derives from the root “man”, which relates to 

thinking, measuring, or evaluating. In classical Sanskrit literature, 

māna is often associated with:

• Pride or self-esteem: a sense of personal dignity or inner worth.
• Honor or respect from others: social recognition or esteem.
• Measure or judgment: in Vedic texts, māna can literally refer 
• to a standard of measurement or assessment of value.

Usage in Texts

• Philosophy and ethics: In Yogic and Dharmic texts, māna 
• may refer to the ego or attachment to one’s own honor, which 
• can be a source of mental turbulence or spiritual obstruction.
• Vedic rituals: Māna can refer to measured offerings or the proper 
• standard for ritual quantities, essentially “the measure.”
• Literary works: Poetic and dramatic texts often use māna to 
• indicate pride in a noble or heroic sense, reflecting social 
• standing and respect.

Related Concepts

• Ahankāra (ego): While related to self-perception, māna 
• emphasizes pride or honor rather than the full construct of ego.
• Shraddhā (reverence) and satkāra (respect): Māna often 
• interacts with these concepts, showing the social dimension 
• of esteem or honor.

In summary, māna encompasses both internal feelings of 

self-worth and external recognition by society, and context 

determines whether it emphasizes pride, honor, reputation, 

or measured evaluation.