How is ahamkara an antahkaranam?

[Shri Ganesh V asked: Padanamskaram Swamiji, how is Ahankara an Antahkaranam? In some discourses You have mentioned that it is an Antahkaranam because the basic awareness can know the I-thought. In that case, only the I-thought can realise that I am having another I-thought. So, I am confused. Here, what is basically awareness and what is the distinction between awareness and its instruments; especially the basic ego. At Your divine feet, Ganesh V]

Swami replied: Basic awareness is not I-thought. It means only the basic capacity of non-inertness, which is capable of noting something including itself. Notice of self is not an I-thought because the basic capacity is not projected as its mode or as thought. The notice of I-thought is a perfect I-thought. The awareness of the notice of I-thought can also exist. This basic I-thought is one of the internal instruments or antahkaranams, which shall not be misunderstood as ego or pride.

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