Sankalpa

By Chirashree Ghosh

Sankalpa, a Sanskrit word which means vow; a promise you make to yourself. It is an affirmation for you to make changes in your life for a better way of living. You can be completely honest about what you want to change, or the qualities you wish to cultivate within yourself. It is an intention, a will or determination.

In practical terms, Sankalpa means-one pointed resolve to focus both psychologically and philosophically on a specific goal. The concept of Sankalpa originates in the Vedas. In every worship, the first thing taken is the Sankalpa. Sankalpa or willpower is your mind's energy, and desire is based on external objects. Desires could be hundreds or thousands. In other words, we can say will or Sankalpa is a crystallized or focused, integrated energy. Will and desire appear the same, but that is not the truth. Desire is based on the objective world and will is based on our own life force or energy, which wants to assert itself in its totality or its wholeness. To blossom, Sankalpa is like a seed which has the unlimited potential to become a tall and sturdy tree.

While creating your own Sankalpa, the most important thing is that it should mean something to you. For example, you might want to be more patient; more confident; more creative; or more peaceful. Try to choose positive qualities that you want more of in your life, rather than negative attributes that you want to get rid off. So, if you're going to get rid of jealousy or envy, you could reframe it as wanting to feel more secure in yourself. If you're going to become less anxious, you might say that you want to develop greater trust. It helps to write these thoughts down. By doing so, you can select the crucial points and clarify your deepest personal intentions.

Our journey through life is an ongoing process. So is our Sankalpa. We should keep refining it until it feels empowering and energizing. There are different techniques to be followed to achieve. When you are deeply relaxed, bring your Sankalpa to mind. Allow it to settle comfortably in your thoughts; create your Sankalpa with care and integrity, allow that depth of intention to decide firmly in your mind.

Sankalpa is the conception or idea or notion formed in the heart or mind, solemn vow or determination to perform, desire, definite intention, volition or will. Allow your Sankalpa, your heart’s desire, to arise. Bask in energy, willpower, and your practice. In practical terms, it is the one-pointed resolve to do or achieve. Use your own Sankalpa to support your wellbeing and personal growth.