Set a Sankalpa

Set a Sankalpa

Setting an intention for your yoga practice or any other activity is simple yet incredibly powerful because it is the first step to embodying that which you want. It is a beautiful way to stay grounded and to reconnect with what matters most, transforming your experience into a moving mantra.

History of sankalpa

The Sanskrit origin of sankalpa comes from San, meaning “a connection with the highest truth,” and Kalpa, meaning “vow.” Thus, it translates to denote an affirming resolve to do something or achieve something spiritual. The Vedas define ‘sankalpa’ as “the will that precedes all actions.” The Vedas say that the whole universe is evolved through sankalpa – the ceaselessly acting impulsions of karma driven by cosmic Kama. Hence it is only through sankalpa that the universe retains its karmic structure, appearances, and continuance.

The concept of sankalpa was known to the Vedic Rishis (sage). In the Rig Veda, Maya meant both the wisdom of the mysterious power of the will (sankalpa-sakti) that made the gods create the worlds, and the deceptive or illusory aspects of reality.

What is a sankalpa

A sankalpa can be a single word or phrase that represents a value you’d like to cultivate into your practice on and off the mat. It can be broad and general, or it can be very specific, and it’s up to you to determine the intention that best serves you at that moment. On a much deeper level, your sankalpa is, “that which brings you into harmony.”

But keep in mind an intention shouldn’t be confused with a goal. It’s not something you attach an expectation or evaluation too. It’s just something you want to align with in your life, a purpose, or attitude you’d like.

You can revisit your intention at any time throughout your practice especially when things become challenging, but be sure to come back to it frequently and especially right at the end of your practice.

Sankalpa setting is not limited only to your yoga practice. You can use a sankalpa to help guide and support you on any spiritual pursuit or meaningful experience you embark on. It keeps you true to your higher SELf, and helps you embody a sense of the Divine in all that you do.

Working with a sankalpa

So if you don’t already, I invite you to take a moment before you practice or before you embark on a meaningful activity, and set an intention – sankalpa. Watch how it guides you, motivates you and inspires you. And after your class or activity has ended, contemplate and explore carrying your intention with you, and invite it to ripple out into all aspects of your life.

“Will is greater than the Mind. For when wills, one reflects, then he utters Speech, then he utters it in Name. In the Name mantras become one; and in the mantras, the sacrifices become one” -Adi sankara, Commentary on the Chandogya Upanishad.

Setting a sankalpa, spiritual intention