What is Sankalpa

This time I am going to explain the meaning of the word sankalpa. In our tradition before any ritual we first have to do the sankalpa which usually means a solemn vow or determination to perform any ritual, declaration of purpose. A conception or idea or notion formed in the mind or heart is also called sankalpa. Will, volition, desire, purpose, definite intention or determination or decision or wish for, are few other dictionary meanings of the word sankalpa.

The word sankalpa is derived from the root klrip with the prefix sam. The prefix sam in Sanskrit conveys the sense of perfection, completeness, togetherness, integrality etc. The root klrip originally means to be well ordered or regulated; to correspond with, be adapted to, in accordance with, suitable to; to be fit for; be favourable to, to subserve; to create.

Taking the original sense of the root klrip along with the sense of the prefix sam we can very well say that sankalpa is not just any resolution or vow or will to do something in particular. It has a deeper meaning. The word sankalpa in a true sense means a spontaneous coming together of all the movements or power of the nature to form an aspiration or to collaborate, be in accordance with the deepest aspiration that one has. It is in this sense that sankalpa is the power of the concentrated Will integrating the whole being into a coherent unity. In sankalpa there is the unity of all movements of the being, it is free from division, diversity, and so from the essential conflict. Doubt has no place in sankalpa.

The word opposite to sankalpa is vikalpa which means alternative, option, difference etc. In the Tantric tradition the differentiation-making activity of the mind is known as vikalpanam. In sankalpa there is the togetherness, unity, in vikalpa there is division, everything is dispersed, diversified, leading to doubt, confusion, preference, option, choice etc.; differentiation is the principal meaning of the word vikalpa. Therefore in savikalpa samadhi or absorption with vikalpa, the mind is open to all kinds of inner experiences admitting variety or distinction on the mental plane. In nirvikalpa samadhi or absorption without vikalpa, there is no formation or movement of the consciousness.