The True Meaning of Sankalpa

There is a distinct difference between an Intention and a Sankalpa. It is interesting to explore this as it could change how you decide on your own personal Intention or Sankalpa at the start of your Yoga practice. Or, if you are new to Yoga classes and these words seem confusing to you, this will help you to become more comfortable and familiar with them, so you are more likely to feel confident and connected to your practice.

Firstly, let’s look at the definitions and translations.

Sankalpa is a Sanskrit word. Sanskrit is the ancient, classical language of Hindu Philosophy. The word and meaning is derived from two separate words:

San: ‘connection to the highest truth or a good/auspicious state’.

Kalpa: ‘a vow, promise, or determination’.

Intention has been defined as, ‘a mental state in which a person commits themselves to a course of action’. – Wikipedia

Why is Sankalpa Different From Intention? 

Sankalpa is about arriving fully in the energy of your chosen statement, rather than aiming to resolve or achieve something in the future. Sankalpa isn’t a goal, but an affirmation rooted in the present tense.

The difference between affirming your Sankalpa vs your intention: 

“My mind is peaceful” is the Sankalpa, whereas “My mind will be peaceful” is the intention.

Sankalpa invites us to feel into the affirmation as if it were happening now. We step into its energy and live the experience of the Sankalpa. Rather than thinking something will be or could be resolved, the mind attaches to the fact that has already been resolved. This is a powerful way to consciously reprogram our mind and body. It works best when we enter into the subconscious field where true, lasting, positive change can happen.

A Daily Practice

Decide on your Sankalpa*. If you are new to this, you could keep it very short and simple. Perhaps an “I am…” statement using only one word to complete the affirmation. For example, “I am energised”. If you practice a lot, you could choose something longer, but it must be something you can easily repeat and remember. 

Find a comfortable seated position and sit tall with a long, neutral spine, and let the shoulders relax. Place one hand on your heart and one on your solar plexus and breathe deeply a few times into the abdomen and chest. 

Consciously arrive fully in your body, soften your gaze or close your eyes, and let all unnecessary thoughts dissipate. Focus on your heart centre. Feel a sense of safety and calm as you welcome in the present moment and turn inwards.

Start to repeat your Sankalpa internally or out loud. As you do this, consciously direct the energy from the words into your heart space. Let the words and feelings associated with your Sankalpa circulate within you and radiate around you. Allow them to be felt physically and energetically. Continue breathing long and slow, staying relaxed and focused on your Sankalpa.  End the practice whenever you feel ready. 

You can practice this for just 5-10 minutes a day and make a note of how you feel about it each day. Write down your Sankalpa and change it each week or month depending on how long it takes to work. 

During Yoga Nidra sessions and Sound Baths we can experience altered brainwave states that make our Sankalpa more effective. Like all aspects of Yoga, this takes time and regular practice. Entering into and familiarising yourself with your subconscious state could be the doorway to new possibilities and potential. Browse our upcoming classes and workshops that include Sound Healing and/or the practice of Yoga Nidra. Sankalpa is often included in a Yoga Nidra practice which is a form of NSDR (non-sleep deep rest). Students often report profound results with sustained benefits, such as improved sleep, clarity of mind and a sense of overall wellbeing and lightness. The powers of Sankalpa are personal to each individual.

*A Sankalpa is your hearts deepest desire. To discover yours, surrender into the present moment and connect with your heart centre. Ask what is needed most in your life right now to help you move forward with ease, joy and true peace of mind. If it doesn’t come straight away, it’s OK. Give it time and set the intention to discover it soon, then come back to it when you feel ready. You may be surprised by what comes up. You could also work with an experienced Yoga teacher to develop your practice.

Remember that Yoga is about inner-growth and self-realisation. Setting intentions and Sankalpas relating to controlling external environments and others is not part of this practice. We want to let go of the urge to control and instead turn inwards. We all have things we can work on to make us more accepting, kind, compassionate and healthy.

Written by a heart-led human