Sankalpa

Sankalpa means to set a resolve, or statement of manifestation that you implore your whole being consciously, subconsciously and unconsciously into aligning with to make that resolve become a reality.  
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Yet, to set a resolve, we first need to inquire, dream and set intentions before they become resolutions.  For the vow of a resolution is not a small thing for a human, regardless of the state of waking up that they embody.  It is said that a Sankalpa is the one thing that cannot fail you. When the seed of resolution is planted into the depths of the unconscious, you have no choice but to unconsciously manifest its reality.   This might be a good time to point out that a Sankalpa and a New Years resolution are two very different things and need to be interacted with as such.  A New Years resolution is an intention stated to or for the outside world, for an external action to create an internal shift.  In contrast, at least in my experience, a Sankalpa is an internal seed that is born of the soul that blooms internally resulting in natural changes or evolutions in our external world.  They are born of qualities such as, “I am healthy,” rather than quantities such as, “I will go to the gym four times a week until I have lost x amount of pounds."

To set a Sankalpa that is befitted to a soul such as our own, first we need engage in some self enquiring and dreaming.  Take stock of your strengths and weaknesses, ambitions and needs, a technique known in our lineage as "SWAN".  Dig deep and get an honest, inquiry of who you are and where you are at.  What qualities do you like about yourself? Are you kind? Are you generous?  Be honest and find out which of the qualities you express could benefit from some refinement. Do you anger quickly, for example?  Is your generosity tethered with strings of expectations in return?  Only when we have the courage to be really honest with ourselves are we able to see our true opportunities for growth. Then, with this honest picture in mind,  dream about who it is you want to be.  Do you want to be kinder? Do you want to experience less anger?  Do you want to give more without worrying about your own coffers, thus coming into a deeper direct experience of faith?  DREAM BIG. Dream your fullest potential…   and then set a resolution, a Sanklapa, that is the (present tense) embodiment of that. For example, "I AM HEALTHY", "I AM UNCONDITIONALLY GENEROUS", or "I AM LIVING MY FULLEST POTENTIAL." ​

When these seeds are planted firmly in the heart,  the universe will quickly manifest opportunities for you to move into the embodiment of this.  And this is where awareness, courage, and action toward resolve comes in for, if we want to experience a change in our reality,  we have to be the ones willing to change!  Not always an easy pill to swallow in a society that is always looking to the outside to conform to our comfort.  

Next, create ceremony.  When you know your heart's desire for your inner potential, write out your Sankalpa on a piece of paper,  light a candle, put the paper on the altar and sing or chant mantra to create an orb of frequency in the room that is of the light and that can receive this prayer of your heart.   When you can feel this shift in the space, set alight the paper with your intention written on it.  Dissolve the intention so that it permeates the very air you breath… 
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My prayer to you for this year ahead is that you experience the courage and Grace needed to journey consciously and with gusto toward your fullest potential, your love of life, and your path to Re-membrance of your soul.
 
Om and Prem,
Sannyasi Shivani