In the time of year where everyone seems to have their resolutions for the New Year on their mind, it is appropriate to discuss the meaning of Sankalpa.

Let us begin by reviewing the meaning of sankalpa and that it is not synonymous with simply a new year’s resolution.  Sankalpa is a word that comes from the Sanskrit words San and Kalpa. San represents the inner truth that rests at ones core.  Kalpa represents a summative central thought or idea. Together, sankalpa respresents the focal vow resting deep in your core.  This sankalpa does not get replaced as we move to the next year.  It does not change with time.  Much like the light of the sun results in the unfolding of the petals of a flower, so too your sankalpa is the solitary defining principle which unfolds the petals of the flower of your life. 

We have a tendency to ‘see’ the flowers in this world and often don’t even ‘see’ the earth that produced the blossoms. Our lives within and including physical manifestation depends upon three subtle forces.  These forces together represent the creative potential of the material universe and must be respected as must the soil from which flowers bud and bloom.
What are these three forces that seem to work together? How do they relate to this manifest universe? When are they in play? Why do they exist? And, do we have access to them?  These forces are always present and exist as Shakti within and without us.  Shakti is the power of being and becoming.  We simply would not exist without Shakti and the reason for her presence is to act as the medium for our expression; much as air is the medium for the expression of sound. 

Iccha Shakti is the subtle force of thought, desire and will.  Jnana Shakti is the force of grace that reveals self-knowledge and is best experienced selflessly and intuitively. Kriya Shakti is the subtle force that sets action into motion.  When all three of these are combined in the correct proportions, at the correct time, the correct place, and with selflessness, Shakti manifests and is felt as a force to reckon with.

In order to have Shakti however, one needs Shiva.  Shiva is the awareness on which the wave of consciousness flows.  Without consciousness,Iccha Shakti, Jnana Shakti and Kriya Shakti cannot exist let alone be perceived or be recognized. Without Shiva, Shakti could not exist, be perceived or be recognized and without Shakti, Shiva would become unconsciousness abiding only in selfless awareness.

So what does this all have to do with Sankalpa? It becomes crystal clear when you unlock the door to manifestation with the key of awareness, within the temple of Selflessness. 

Meditate, meditate, meditate…