ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
SANKALPA – a proposal in a Vedic way:
Traditionally before performing any work we undertake sankalpa which is a kind of declaration to ourselves and to the God within us.
The Vedas says that whole Universe is evolved through a Sankalpa of Lord Narayana.
In practical terms a Sankalpa means a one-pointed resolve to focus both psychologically and philosophically on a specific goal.
A sankalpa is a tool meant to refine the will, and to focus and harmonize mind and body.
Sankalpa is a Sanskrit word meaning a resolution; a free will or a determination.
The word Sankalpa itself means good intention, an oath or a resolution to do something, a solemn pledge to do something good.
In Sanskrit ‘San’ means good and ‘Kalpa’ means a Saasthra or a Veda.
Sankalpa means proposal to do something good in a Vedic or a Saasthric way.
In any religious ceremony or ritual generally we observe a person taking a sankalpa (firm resolve) to achieve the purpose of the ceremony.
Sankalpa literally means taking firm decision to accomplish one particular thing in spite of facing troubles in its achievement.
Posture of sitting: Sankalpa is performed by sitting in Padmasana by clasping the right palm over the left; rested on the right thighs near the knee.
After chanting Sankalpa mantra usually some flowers and rice taken in the right hand palm are dropped in the Arghya pathra using water.
Sometimes only water is used.
A Vedic Sankalpa generally comprises of the elements of:
• Time
• Location
Almanac (Panchanga)
• Lineage
• Wish or desire
• Target (the Deity)
How is it being performed
Nature or mode of karma
Example of a typical Sankalpa:
Om Vishnuh Vishnuh Vishnuh,
Sri Govinda Govinda!
subhe sobana muhurtha…
Sri MahaaVishnor Aagnaaya,
Pravarthamaanasya,
Aadya Bramhane,
Dwiteeya Paraardhe,
Sri Swetha Varaaha Kalpe,
Vaivaswatha Manvanthare,
Ashtavimshatitamey Kaliyuge,
Kali Prathama Charane,
Bauddhaavathare,
Saalivaahanasakhe…
Jambudweepe,
Meror Dakshina bhage,
Bhaaratavarshe,
Bharatha Khande,
Godavari
Dakshina theere,
Sobhana Gruhe,
Devata Sannidhau…
Asmin Varthamaane,
Vyavahaarike,
Chaandramanena,
Sri Jayanaama Samvatsare,
Dakshinaayane,
Ghreeshma Ruthau,
Aashaada Maase,
Krishna Pakshe, Panchami Thithau,
Soumya Vaasare,
Satabhisha Nakshatre,
Soubhagya Yoge,
Baalava Karane…
Evam guna visheshana visistayaam…
subha thithau…
(your name), Kashyap Gothrothpanna,
Krishna Bhagavan Namadheyasya…
Mama Gyaana Bhakthi Vairaagya praapthyartham…
SriJagat Rupi Mukhya Praananthargatha
Sri Lakshmi Naarayaana Preethyartham,
Bhagavat preranaaya; praapta Vidyaa anusaarena;
Yatha Sakthi…
Sri Lakshmi Naaraayanasya
Dhyaana-Aavaahanaadi Shodasa
Upachaara Poojam Karishye…
The Explanation: starts with Om Vishnu Vishnuh Vishnuh, Sri Govinda Govinda!:
Invoking the blessings of Lord Narayan.
Time Element:
• Subhe sobana muhurthe,
Sri Maha Vishnor Aagnaaya; Pravarthamaanasya: Reckoning of time with reference to Lord Brahma.
Some of the terms used in Sankalpa sloka that we recite contain the time element viz.
Aaadhya Brahmana,
Dwiteeya Parardhe,
Swetha Varaha Kalpe,
Vaivaswatha Manwanthare,
Kaliyuge,
Prathama Pade,
Salivahana Sakhe.
In these words there is reckoning of the current date as per Vedamana since the birth of Lord Brahma.
As such, Hindu time element is embedded in Sankalpa (San+Kalpa)
• Aadya Bramhane Dwiteeya Parardhe:
that means first half of the life time of the current Brahma is over and we are in the 2nd half called Dwiteeya Parardhe; in the 51st year of Lord Brahma (50 years of Lord Brahma is equal to 155.52 trillion human years)
• Swetha Varaaha Kalpe: that means we are currently in the first day (only day) called Swetha Varaaha Kalpa in the 51st year of Lord Brahma; the day (Kalpa) in which Lord Vishnu took the form (incarnation) of Varaaha (great Boar)
Vaivaswatha Manvanthare:
that means in Swetha Varaha Kalpa (1st day of Lord Brahma) after passing through six Manvantharas out of 14; we are currently in 7th Manvanthara called Vaivaswatha Manvanthara.
In terms of number of years after taking into account the sandhi Kalas, we have passed through 185.2416 crores human years (4320000 x 71 x 6) + (1728,000 x 7) during the previous six Manvantharas.
• Ashtavimshatitamey Kaliyuge – Kali Prathama Charane:
that means in the current Manvanthara (Vaivasvatha) we have passed through 27 Maha Yugas out of 71; currently passing through the 28th Maha Yuga.
Again in this 28th Maha Yuga after passing through Krutha, Thretha and Dwaapara Yugas; we are currently in Kali Yuga in its first quarter after passing through 5115 years (as on 31.03.2014).
As per scripts it is said that Kali Yuga had commenced in the year 3102 BC.
Counting from the beginning of Kalpa it is (185.24+ 11.67 +0.39 +0.005) =197.30 crores human years since commencement of creation by Lord Brahma.
• Bauddhavathare:
that means in the time when Lord SriManNaaraayana has taken birth as Buddha.
• Saalivahana Sakhe:
further reckoning down based on the concept of Sakha, after passing through the Yudhishtira and Vikrama Sakhas we are currently in Saalivaahana Sakha; 1936 years since its beginning in 78 AD.
Geographical or Location Element:
• Jambudweepe:
Out of seven Dweepas in this Universe, we are in Jambudweepa (island) on the Earth (Bhumandala) surrounded by the Sea (Lavana Samudra)
• Meror Dakshina Bhaage (paarsve):
To the south of Meru Parvatha a mountain which is in the center of Jambu Dweepa.
• Bhaaratavarshe:
There are nine Varshas in this Universe, out of which we are inBhaarathavarsha which is in the southern region of Meru Parvatha.
• Bharathakhande:
In the land ruled by King Bharatha Aasethu Himaachala Paryantham (present India);
• Godaavari Dakshina Theere:
To the south of the holy river Godavari (depending on location this may change)
❋Mama Swagruhe (own house) or Sobhana Gruhe (rented house): This may change depending on the place where one is performing the karma.
• Devata Sannidhau.
In the presence of the God dwelling in my house; depending on the place where one is performing the karma this may differ.
Almanac – Panchanga (description of the current day):
• Asmin Vartamaanena:
At the present time.
• Vyavahaarike – Chaandramaanena:
As per present calendar that is in vogue.
• Samvatsare:
There are sixty years as per Lunar Calendar which gets repeated cyclically starting from Prabhava and ending with Akshaya.
• Aayane:
The year is divided into two based on the transit of Sun into Makara raasi called Uttarayana and Karkataka raasi called Dakshinayana.
• Ruthau.
The year is again divided into six seasons starting from Vasantha followed by Greeshma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemantha and Sisira.
• Maase:
Each season or ruthu comprises of two months each named after the star present on the full Moon day of the month as per Lunar Calendar starting from Chaitra and ending with Phalguna. According to solar calendar it is referred as per the transit of Sun into each Zodiac (Raasi) starting from Mesha (Aries) and ending with Meena (Pisces).
• Pakshe:
Each month (Maasa) is again divided into two fortnights; based on the Moon’s position (waxing Moon or waning Moon) called Sukla Paksha (starting from Prathama to Pournami) and Krishna or Bahula Paksha (starting from Prathama to Amavasya)
• Thithau.
Each paksha comprises of 15 thithis out of which; 14 gets repeated in both pakshas and the 15th one will be either Pournami or Amaavaasya.
Vaasare:
There are seven days in a week starting from Sunday which gets repeated cyclically.
❋ Nakshatre (Constellation):
There are twenty seven (27) stars in the almanac which are placed in 12 sings (raasis) of the zodiac.
These stars cyclically get repeated starting from Aswini and ending with Revathi.
❋ Yoge: There are 27 yogas in the almanac starting from Vishkumbha and ending with Vaidruthi.
These Yogas also get repeated cyclically.
❋ Karane:
There are eleven (11) Karanas out of which seven gets repeated and four occurs on specific days viz.
Sukla Prathama, (Kimsthugna),
Bahula Chaturdasi (Sakuni),
and Amaavaasya (Chatushpaath, Naagava).
In practice the names of Yoga and Karana are not spelled out.
Instead it is just mentioned as Subha Yoge, Subha Karane.
On some occasions it is mentioned as Vishnu Yoge and Vishnu
Karane.
❋Evam guna visheshana vishitayaam – Subha thitau
Element of Lineage (Gothra):
❋ Kashyap Gothrothpanna:
Description of Rishi lineage in which one is born which is generally known from forefathers.
Here one’s Gothra Pravara to be spelled out.
For those who don’t know their Gotra, Kashyap is used.
❋ Namadheyasya: name by which one is called by (your name)
Wish or desire element:
❋ Mama Gyaana Bhakthi Vairaagya praapthyartha: Purpose may differ according to the desire; need; cause.
It could be for one’s self materialistic benefits or for family reasons or for self Gyana Bhakti Vairaagya prapthyartham or for performing sacred rites or for the sake of society etc.
Target element (the Deity):
❋ Sri Lakshmi Naaraayanasya Preethyartham:
Addressing whom, which deity, the specific ritual is being performed.
How it is being performed:
Self or with the help of a learned Purohit; if it is self, Bhagavat preranaya prapta vidya anusaarena yatha Shakthi, if it is through a Purohit, Aachaarya Mukhya.
Nature or mode of ritual (Karma):
The ritual could be Nitya (daily) or Naimittika Karma or any specific ritual; pooja; vratha; Homa; Remedy; Seva; Pitru Kaarya; Yagya, Dana etc.
In the above example it is:
Sri Lakshmi Naaraayanasya Dhyaana-Aavaahanaadi Shodasa Upachaara Poojam Karishye.
The Power of Sankalpa
The Sanskrit word sankalpa is loosely translated as determination, conviction, resolve. Sankalpa is a powerful technique which converts the dynamic mental force of willpower, iccha shakti, into a living entity. The form that is given to that mental force depends on the command or direction given to it by the one making the sankalpa.
Swami Satyananda has said that sankalpa is a science. It is not just a simple idea that I’d like something and if I do a little sadhana it will come about. No. In a sankalpa, the mental energy becomes stronger than matter; and with such a force you can achieve something that is virtually impossible to attain. So, know that we are not talking of a mere wish or an idle fancy related to our self-centred personality.
Allow your sankalpa to become the inspiration of your quest for spiritual upliftment. Make it something that will illumine your entire personality. Do not waste the powerful force of sankalpa to rid yourself of trifling habits or passions because those things will naturally fall away as your sankalpa becomes a reality in your life.
Choosing your sankalpa
Sankalpa is a plea, a message, from your soul to help liberate it from its bondage in your human form. And, therefore, allow it to be born from a yearning that comes from beyond any physical, mental or emotional need.
Only one sankalpa is to be in force at any one time, and to decide upon it, whether it is to be a short-term or a long-term sankalpa, you must go beyond your intellect. Of course, it is not something which anyone else can select for you. It is to be decided upon by you only.
Sankalpa should be allowed to originate from a moment of inspiration when you have been able to listen to the deepest desire emanating from within yourself. Allow yourself to become still and silent in body and mind. Ask your innermost source to reveal it to you so that it comes into your awareness in a clear, unwavering, precise manner. Tell yourself, “I will find my sankalpa.”
When such a sankalpa has been revealed to you from the depths of your being, and you have accepted it with humility and reverence, it can become your means to overcome any obstacle upon your spiritual path. With it you can achieve the impossible.
Give yourself plenty of time to decide upon your sankalpa, as once you have done that, it should not be changed until it becomes a reality in your life.
Shape your sankalpa into a powerful mental form; into the shortest, clearest, simplest, and most positive statement (in five or six words or less), beginning with “I will . . .” And remember, it is not to be revealed to anyone. This will help retain its potency.
Repeating your sankalpa
When your sankalpa has become a positive and concise statement, it is ready to be utilized as a constructive goal, to give a positive direction to your existence.
When you repeat your sankalpa, it should be as if all your mental and emotional energy, all your faith, all your sincerity and devotion have been concentrated into the form of a simple, positive statement.
When you repeat it mentally to yourself, do so with full conviction that it will come true in your daily life.
The power of the sankalpa you have created can become such a mighty force that it may change the course of your destiny.
Any moment during the day or night can be an opportunity to reinforce, to intensify your sankalpa.
Think of it, or mentally repeat it at any time.
However, especially seek out the times when your mind feels most receptive to it, and then, consciously allow the message to go deep into the subtle realms of your being.
For example: repeat it as your first thought upon waking; as your last thought, immediately before sleep overtakes you; in your dreams; at the beginning and end of your sadhana; at the beginning and end of yoga nidra; and before and after meals.
Once you have decided upon your sankalpa, never question it.
Always keep a positive attitude towards it, without ever a hint of doubt or negativity.
This will preserve the purity and force of it.
Sometimes you may feel that a huge gap exists between yourself and the realization of your sankalpa.
At those times, repeat it mentally and visualize it, as if it has come true right there in front of you, in living reality.
The force of your mental energy is capable of tremendous intensity, and know that if you are able to harness that force, anything that you set your mind to will come true.
SANKALPA – a proposal in a Vedic way…
Traditionally in Hindu religion before performing any work we undertake sankalpa which is a kind of declaration to ourselves and to the God within us.
The Vedas says that whole Universe is evolved through a Sankalpa of Lord SriManNaaraayana.
Sankalpa is a Sanskrit word meaning a resolution; a free will or a determination.
The word Sankalpa itself means good intention, an oath or a resolution to do something, a solemn pledge to do something good.
In Sanskrit ‘San’ means good and ‘Kalpa’ means a Saasthra or a Veda.
Sankalpa means proposal to do something good in a Vedic or a Saasthric way.
In any religious ceremony or ritual generally we observe a person taking a sankalpa (firm resolve) to achieve the purpose of the ceremony.
Sankalpa literally means taking firm decision to accomplish one particular thing in spite of facing troubles in its achievement.
Sankalpa cannot come all of a sudden.
It is conception of a deep routed strong desire formed in the inner heart of hearts (subconscious mind); a seed that one consciously plant in his psyche.
All Yagnas and worships are accomplished after taking a vow for its performance.
Sankalpa is nothing but an expression of feeling which the Saadhaka (doer) has for accomplishment of a Saadhana (task).
By making a pledge a person becomes committed towards the accomplishment of his goal.
Taking an oath means becoming committed to something.
One would have observed that all elected political leaders; Government officers all over the world take pledge or oath of secrecy in the name of God before taking charge of their offices.
Before elections political parties release their manifesto which is nothing but their sankalpa.
In courts before commencement of a trial the witnesses are asked to take pledge in the name of God.
In Hindu culture it is believed that when a person speaks something after taking an oath it becomes true.
At the time of induction an employee is asked to sign an oath of secrecy.
In a Corporate world it is the Sankalpa of the promoter that gets manifested and results in the birth of a Company.
All these are nothing but Sankalpa in different forms for different causes.
Mere Sankalpa alone is not sufficient to accomplish the deed.
Besides sankalpa one should have strong dedication; determination (will power); discipline; accompanied by sincere hard work; persuasion to accomplish.
Sankalpa acts as a foundation in accomplishing the task or reaching the goal.
When Divinity is added to the Sankalpa; it gains strength and gets proper direction.
We have several pouranic and historical examples of the power of Sankalpa.
Achievements of Lord Hanuman are best example. Other examples are that of Bhakta Prahlada, Bhakta-Dhruva, Bhakta-Markandeya, Bhagiratha, Sathi-Savithri etc.
Nearest historical example is that of Mahatma Gandhi who could achieve freedom for India with his strong Sankalpa.
Sankalpa sloka and its Significance…
Sankalpa is performed by sitting in Padmasana by clasping the right palm over the left; rested on the right thighs near the knee.
After chanting Sankalpa manthra usually some flowers and rice taken in the right hand palm are dropped in the Arghya pathra using water.
Sometimes only water is used.
A Vedic Sankalpa generally comprises of the elements of Time; Location; Almanac (Panchanga); Lineage; Purpose; Wish or desire; Target (the Deity); and nature or mode of karma. It starts with.
Sri Govinda Govinda! subhe sobana muhurthe; Sri MahaVishnor Aagnaaya; Pravarthamaanasya.
Time Element: (Reckoning of time with reference to Lord Brahma)
Some of the terms used in Sankalpa sloka that we recite contain the time element viz.
Aaadhya Brahmana, Dwiteeya Parardhe, Swetha Varaha Kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manwanthare, Kaliyuge, Prathama Pade, Salivahana Sakhe. In these words there is reckoning of the current date as per Vedamana since the birth of Lord Brahma.
As such, Hindu time element is embedded in Sankalpa (San+Kalpa)
Aadya Bramhane Dwiteeya Parardhe: that means first half of the life time of the current Brahma is over and we are in the 2nd half called Dwiteeya Parardhe; in the 51st year of Lord Brahma (50 years of Lord Brahma is equal to 155.52 trillion human years)
Swetha Varaaha Kalpe: that means we are currently in the first day (only day) called Swetha Varaaha Kalpa in the 51st year of Lord Brahma; the day (Kalpa) in which Lord Vishnu took the form (incarnation) of Varaaha (great Boar)
Vaivaswatha Manvanthare: that means in Swetha Varaha Kalpa (1st day of Lord Brahma) after passing through six Manvantharas out of 14; we are currently in 7th Manvanthara called Vaivaswatha Manvanthara.
In terms of number of years after taking into account the sandhi Kalas, we have passed through 185.2416 crores human years (4320000 x 71 x 6) + (1728,000 x 7) during the previous six Manvantharas.
Ashtavimshatitamey Kaliyuge – Kali Prathama Charane: that means in the current Manvanthara (Vaivasvatha) we have passed through 27 Maha Yugas out of 71; currently passing through the 28th Maha Yuga.
Again in this 28th Maha Yuga after passing through Krutha, Thretha and Dwaapara Yugas; we are currently in Kali Yuga in its first quarter after passing through 5115 years (as on 31.03.2014).
As per scripts it is said that Kali Yuga had commenced in the year 3102 BC.
Counting from the beginning of Kalpa it is (185.24 + 11.67 + 0.39 + 0.005) =197.30 crores human years since commencement of creation by Lord Brahma.
Bauddhavathare: that means in the time when Lord SriManNaaraayana has taken birth as Buddha…
Saalivahana Sakhe: further reckoning down based on the concept of Sakha, after passing through the Yudhishtira and Vikrama Sakhas we are currently in Saalivaahana Sakha; 1936 years since its beginning in 78 AD.
Geographical Element…
Jambudweepe:
Out of seven Dweepas in this Universe, we are in Jambudweepa (island) on the Earth (Bhumandala) surrounded by the Sea (Lavana Samudra)
Meror Dakshina Bhaage (paarsve): that means.
To the south of Meru Parvatha a mountain which is in the center of Jambu Dweepa.
Bhaaratavarshe:
There are nine Varshas in this Universe, out of which we are in Bhaarathavarsha which is in the southern region of Meru Parvatha.
Bharathakhande:
In the land ruled by King Bharatha Aasethu Himaachala Paryantham (present India);
Godaavari Dakshina Theere:
To the south of the holy river Godavari (depending on location this may change)
Mama Swagruhe (own house) or Sobhana Gruhe (rented house) – This may change depending on the place where one is performing the karma.
Devata Sannidhau:
In the presence of the God dwelling in my house; depending on the place where one is performing the karma this may differ.
Current Day Element (Description of the day)
Asmin Vartamaanena: At the present time…
Vyavahaarike – Chaandramaanena: As per present calendar that is in vogue.
Samvatsare:
There are sixty years as per Lunar Calendar which gets repeated cyclically starting from Prabhava and ending with Akshaya.
Aayane:
The year is divided into two based on the transit of Sun into Makara raasi called Uttarayana and Karkataka raasi called Dakshinayana.
Ruthau:
The year is again divided into six seasons starting from Vasantha followed by Greeshma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemantha and Sisira…
Maase:
Each season or ruthu comprises of two months each named after the star present on the full Moon day of the month as per Lunar Calendar starting from Chaitra and ending with Phalguna.
According to solar calendar it is referred as per the transit of Sun into each Zodiac (Raasi) starting from Mesha (Aries) and ending with Meena (Pisces)
Pakshe:
Each month (Maasa) is again divided into two fortnights; based on the Moon’s position (waxing Moon or waning Moon) called Sukla Paksha (starting from Prathama to Pournami) and Krishna or Bahula Paksha (starting from Prathama to Amavasya)
Thithau:
Each paksha comprises of 15 thithis out of which; 14 gets repeated in both pakshas and the 15th one will be either Pournami or Amaavaasya.
Vaasare:
There are seven days in a week starting from Sunday which gets repeated cyclically.
Nakshatre (Constellation):
There are twenty seven (27) stars in the almanac which are placed in 12 sings (raasis) of the zodiac.
These stars cyclically get repeated starting from Aswini and ending with Revathi.
Yoge:
There are 27 yogas in the almanac starting from Vishkumbha and ending with Vaidruthi.
These Yogas also get repeated cyclically.
Karane:
There are eleven (11) Karanas out of which seven gets repeated and four occurs on specific days viz.
Sukla Prathama, (Kimsthugna), Bahula Chaturdasi (Sakuni), and Amaavaasya (Chatushpaath, Naagava).
In practice the names of Yoga and Karana are not spelled out.
Instead it is just mentioned as Subha Yoge, Subha Karane.
On some occasions it is mentioned as Vishnu Yoge and Vishnu Karane…
Evam guna visheshana vishitayaam – Subha thitau…
Element of Lineage (Gothra)…
Description of Rishi lineage in which one is born which is generally known from forefathers.
Here one’s Gothra Pravara to be spelled out.
Namadheyasya: name by which one is called by (Vyavaharanaama xyz…)
Purpose element:
Purpose may differ according to the desire; need; cause.
It could be for one’s self materialistic benefits or for family reasons or for self Gyana Bhakti Vairaagya prapthyartham or for performing sacred rites or for the sake of society etc…
How it is being performed?
Self or with the help of a learned Purohit; if it is self, Bhagavat preranaya prapta vidya anusaarena yatha Shakthi; if it is through a Purohit, Aachaarya Mukhena…
Reference to the specific Deity: Addressing whom (Deity) the specific ritual is being performed.
Reference to the name, nature and mode of ritual (Karma):
The ritual could be Nitya or Naimittika Karma or any specific ritual; pooja; vratha; Homa; Remedy; Seva; Pitru Kaarya; Dana etc.
Example of a typical Sankalpa…
(with reference to the current day)
Sri Govinda Govinda! subhe sobana muhurtha…
Sri MahaaVishnor Aagnaaya, Pravarthamaanasya, Aadya Bramhane, Dwiteeya Paraardhe, Sri Swetha Varaaha Kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Kaliyuge, Kali Prathama Charane, Bauddhaavathare, Saalivaahanasakhe…
Jambudweepe, Meror Dakshina bhage, Bhaaratavarshe, Bharatha Khande, Godavari Dakshina theere, Sobhana Gruhe, Devata Sannidhau…
Asmin Varthamaane, Vyavahaarike, Chaandramanena, Sri Jayanaama Samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Ghreeshma Ruthau, Aashaada Maase, Krishna Pakshe, Panchami Thithau, Soumya Vaasare, Satabhisha Nakshatre, Soubhagya Yoge, Baalava Karane…
Evam guna visheshana visistayaam… subha thithau…
Srimaan Aatreya Archanaanasa Syaavaasya Pravaranvita, Aatreya Gothrothpanna, Krishna Bhagavan Namadheyasya…
Mama Gyaana Bhakthi Vairaagya praapthyartham…
SriBharathee Ramana Mukhya Praananthargatha Sri Lakshmi Naarayaana Preethyartham, Bhagavat preranaaya; praapta Vidyaa anusaarena;
Yatha Sakthi… Sri Lakshmi Naaraayanasya Dhyaana-Aavaahanaadi Shodasa Upachaara Poojam Karishye…
Thus a Vedic sankalpa has so much of meaning and significance behind its words.
During sankalpa we meditate on the Supreme form that has come into existence trillions of years ago.
No work can be successfully accomplished without dedication.
For successful completion of any aaradhana; Divine blessings is a must which can be obtained with sincere devotion and complete surrender.
Without Sankalpa no objective can be accomplished.
No remedies, pooja or karma yields results without Sankalpa.
One must always start a work with a proper Sankalpa; with proper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The idea behind praying for the sankalpa is to eradicate the feeling of doer-ship or ahankaara.
Therefore, before making a Sankalpa one should always bear in mind that, Sankalpa will not result into harming of anyone’s feelings or intentionally done to hurt anybody.
As said earlier, Sankalpa is a deep routed desire that gets registered with the soul.
If sankalpa cannot be completed in one life time, the desire will not get vanished after the death.
The desire will remain as a poorva janma vaasana (samskara) that gets manifested at some point of time in future births.
The soul takes many births to accomplish the unfinished task and it continues to take births till it finally gets detached from the desire.
Sankalpa being uttered by everyone in Hindu religion has percolated down from ancestors and taught by forefathers in every family since time immemorial.
It is the specialty of Aaryan culture that a tradition started by our ancestors thousands of years ago is still alive.
The greatest significance of the ritual Sankalpa lies in its effort to preserve the Aaryan tradition.
Bharathee Ramana Mukhya Praanantargatha;
Sri Lakshmi Naaraayana priyathaam preetho varado Bhavathu…
What does Sankalpa mean?
Sankalpa is a Sanskrit term in yogic philosophy that refers to a heartfelt desire, a solemn vow, an intention, or a resolve to do something.
It is similar to the English concept of a resolution, except that it comes from even deeper within and tends to be an affirmation.
This term comes from the Sanskrit roots 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.
Oftentimes, yoga practice can help an individual uncover and cultivate their own sankalpa in order to achieve enlightenment.
Explains Sankalpa
Unlike a goal, which is a personal need to accomplish something, the concept of sankalpa turns inward to connect with the heart’s highest intention.
A goal can be thought of as an individual’s will, while the sankalpa is the universal will.
A sankalpa is a positive declaration or affirmation, such as “peace is my true nature,” rather than the ego-driven “I want peace in my life.”
The sankalpa is most resonant during yoga nidra, a state of very deep relaxation.
It is believed that when the mind is relaxed, the sankalpa can be written on the subconscious.
It may also be repeated in the morning, before meditation, or at the beginning of any yoga asana practice.
During seated meditation, sankalpa mudra (a hand gesture) connects the right and left sides of the brain so the mind, spirit and body can work cooperatively to bring change.
In this mudra, the left hand rests palm up on the right thigh, and the right hand covers the left with the palm facing down.
The practitioner’s personal sankalpa is then repeated.