Abhimāna — The Grace of Being Claimed as One's Own
Abhimāna (Sanskrit: abhi = toward/intensely + māna = consideration/regarding; 'deep consideration toward someone') has two distinct uses in the tradition:
1. Positive Abhimāna — Divine and Āchārya Love: In its most valued sense, abhimāna is the special, protective, claiming love that Bhagavān, Śrī, or the Āchārya extends toward a devotee — 'taking them as their own' (sva-janīkaraṇam). When the Āchārya has abhimāna toward a disciple, the Āchārya considers the disciple as belonging to him, and takes full responsibility for the disciple's spiritual welfare. 'The Āchārya's abhimāna is the most precious thing a disciple can receive — it is the Āchārya saying: you are mine, and I am responsible for you.'
2. Negative Abhimāna — Ego-Pride: In its negative sense, abhimāna means false pride, ego-identification with qualities, accomplishments, or social status. This is the abhimāna of ahaṅkāra — 'I am learned,' 'I am devoted,' 'I am superior.' This form of abhimāna is an obstacle to prapatti.
Discrimination: The context determines which meaning applies. In the phrase āchārya abhimānam (the Āchārya's affectionate claim) — positive, cherished. In the phrase abhimāna-tyāgam (renouncing abhimāna) — the negative ego-pride is meant.
Abhimāna Putra: A special title — abhimāna putra ('son held with deepest affection') — is given to the disciple or devotee who is especially dear and claimed by the Āchārya or Bhagavān.