The morning is the most potent time to plant the seeds of your day’s goals and dreams. The morning is also when your cortisol levels (a stress hormone) are highest. So starting your practice first thing in the morning can help not only with your mood but also with your neurochemicals.

Meaning Of Sankalpa

In yogic philosophy, the meaning of Sankalpa (from the Sanskrit “sanskri”) refers to a strong desire, a vow, an intention, or a firm resolve. Moreover, Sankalpa meaning in English, refers to “resolution,” but more inwardly driven and affirmative in tone.

The Sanskrit words san, meaning “a connection with the highest truth,” and Kalpa, meaning “vow,” form the basis of this word. Therefore, it signifies a firm determination to reach a spiritual goal. In many cases, a person’s Sankalpa for spiritual enlightenment can be discovered and nurtured through regular yoga practice.

The word ‘sankalpa’ means a firm resolve or purpose. All of life’s activities occur within it. It’s the starting point for even the smallest actions, like moving your arm. A mind with little strength will have a feeble ‘intention,’ while a mind with plenty of it will have a powerful one. The power of Sankalpa increases when one is relaxed and calm.

Mindfulness practices like meditation and chanting can help you calm your thoughts and gain perspective. Intentions made in such a state of mind come to fruition. Your Sankalpa will be even more potent if you meditate and chant on Mahashivratri. As such, it is a token of good fortune and a source of good vibes during the puja.

After knowing the meaning of Sankalpa in English, here we move further. 

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Two Forms Of Sankalpa

There are two forms of Sankalpa as Desire and Goal. Here is what exactly both mean:

Desires:

A sincere wish is a statement of who you are at your core. It can be as simple as, “I am unconditional love,” or it can be much more complex. Desire from the heart doesn’t call for any specific actions on your part; it’s just a statement of the type of energy you want to attract into your life. Your genuine desire, like its namesake, originates in the heart rather than the mind or the ego. What your heart truly desires will come from within. You’ve found it if it feels right when you say it now. By constantly reminding ourselves of our deepest desire, we can train our subconscious to direct all our resources toward achieving our goals.

Goal:

The meaning of Sankalpa for this form is different from desire. Getting what you want is a lifetime’s worth of hard work, but there are major checkpoints along the way that will keep you motivated. Instances like this call for the setting of clear objectives. Achieving a long-held desire begins with a clear vision of how to get there, and that vision is informed by the conscious decisions we make when we set clear intentions or goals.

Sankalpa Benefits

The constant noise and activity of our lives can be a major distraction. We often meet with internal resistance, even when we want to break a habit. The selfish brain finds comfort in routine and habit. There is a lot of internal resistance to changing harmful behaviors.

Regular practice of Sankalpa can help you look at your flaws with kindness. It speaks to who you truly are and your faith in those qualities. Having your feet planted firmly in the values of compassion and kindness makes it much simpler to make positive changes in your life.

By committing to Sankalpa, you’ll be able to –

• Recognize the obstacles in your thinking.
• Acknowledge the miracle of your existence and express your appreciation.
• Move forward with purpose.
• Try connecting with your true self.
• Get what you want.
• Know your mind.

How To Stick To Your Sankalpa?

After knowing the meaning of Sankalpa, you must be wondering about how to stick to it. Every morning when you first open your eyes, recite your Sankalpa. Doing that before beginning a yoga or meditation session is also beneficial. It’s also possible to encounter internal resistance when performing an intentional action. In such times, reciting your Sankalpa can help you make the best possible decision. You can chant the Sankalp mantra in Sanskrit.

Once the Sankalpa has been planted through Yoga Nidra, the sankalpa shakti must be directed. Enhancing your sankalpa shakti makes it easier to follow through on your good intentions. Especially the ones you’ll need to keep your promise to yourself. No matter how big or small, your actions should reflect what you truly want. You move forward (or backward) with each decision you make. As a result, it’s crucial to pick your actions carefully. The power of your sankalpa shakti increases with the decisions that spring from your strong presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1. What is the difference between a mantra and Sankalpa?

The meaning of Sankalpa is different from the mantra. Sankalpa is an overarching goal in which you have full faith and to which you are fully committed. Whereas mantra is the chanting carried out by the yogi when meditating. 

Question 2. How do I find my Sankalpa?

While a Sankalpa can be used in daily life and meditation, it is most effective when first set during a nidra (deep yogic sleep), when the intellect is not present. The message can penetrate more deeply into the subconscious.