'Sankalp'- The Power of Determination in Modern Urban Life | #mind #spirituality #bhagavadgita #power
- YaDu
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
In today's fast-paced urban lifestyle, distractions are abundant, and it's easy to lose sight of our early dreams and aspirations. The relentless hustle, looming deadlines, and the pervasive culture of constant busyness often leads to mental exhaustion. In response, we may seek comfort zones and quick dopamine hits, gradually becoming part of the very monotony we once aimed to escape. This cycle can dim our inner fire, leaving us feeling lost amidst endless distractions and societal pressures.
Is there a way out of this cycle?
Yes, through Sankalp—a firm determination.
Understanding Sankalp: Sankalp (संकल्प) is a Sanskrit term that signifies a firm determination, resolution, or intent to achieve something. In Hinduism, it often denotes a vow or strong will to accomplish a goal. Making a Sankalp involves committing wholeheartedly to a task, ensuring that external circumstances do not deter one from achieving the desired outcome. This concept extends beyond spiritual practices into personal and professional realms, emphasizing unwavering dedication once a commitment is made.
The Essence of Sankalp:
Firm Determination: Resistance often stems from fear, laziness, doubt, or external pressures. A strong Sankalp transforms "I wish" into "I will." For instance, a young professional switching careers might resolve, "No matter how hard it gets, I will learn and grow." Similarly, someone healing from heartbreak might determine, "I will focus on myself and rebuild with strength."
Catalyst for Transformation: Achievement necessitates transformation. Reaching significant goals requires evolving beyond current capabilities. You cannot achieve a larger goal with the current capabilities. Sankalp serves as the inner fire that fuels this transformation. Whether it's building your career, losing weight, or starting meditation practice, it all begins with the declaration: "I will." A strong Sankalp keeps us rooted, focused, and aligned with our objectives, recognizing that consistent, small steps lead to success.
Initiation of Action: While planning is essential, Sankalp itself marks the commencement of action. Many set goals, but few persist. The difference lies in Sankalp, which imparts personal meaning to life, cutting through the noise and driving purposeful action.
Resilience Amidst Challenges: A firm determination provides strength and stability during uncertain times. Sankalp helps us move with purpose rather than pressure, reinstating control and reminding us of our initial motivations. Without Sankalp, goals remain dreams; with it, even the seemingly impossible becomes achievable.
Sankalp in the Bhagavad Gita:
The Bhagavad Gita underscores the significance of Sankalp through various verses:Bhagavad Gita
Chapter 2, Verse 41:
Sanskrit:
व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिरेकेह कुरुनन्दन | बहुशाखा ह्यनन्ताश्च बुद्धयोऽव्यवसायिनाम् || 2.41||
Transliteration:
vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana bahu-śhākhā hyanantāśh cha buddhayo ’vyavasāyinām
Translation:
"O descendant of the Kurus, those who are resolute have a single-pointed intellect, whereas the intelligence of the irresolute is many-branched and endless."
Explanation:
This verse highlights the importance of unwavering determination. A focused individual with resolute intellect can effectively achieve goals, while those lacking determination are easily distracted by numerous desires and paths.
Chapter 9, Verse 30:
Sanskrit:
अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक् | साधुरेव स मन्तव्यः सम्यग्व्यवसितो हि सः || 9.30||
Transliteration:
api chet su-durāchāro bhajate mām ananya-bhāk | sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ samyag vyavasito hi saḥ ||
Translation:
"Even if a person of very bad conduct worships Me with exclusive devotion, he should be considered righteous, for he has made the proper resolve (Sankalp)."
Explanation:
Here, Lord Krishna emphasizes that even those who have led sinful lives can be deemed virtuous if they wholeheartedly turn to Him with unwavering devotion. The act of sincere surrender and exclusive worship signifies a profound inner transformation, indicating the individual's commitment to righteousness. This verse underscores the compassionate nature of the Divine, highlighting that past misdeeds do not serve as barriers to spiritual progress when one genuinely seeks connection with the Supreme.
Chapter 9, Verse 31:
Sanskrit:
क्षिप्रं भवति धर्मात्मा शश्वच्छान्तिं निगच्छति | कौन्तेय प्रतिजानीहि न मे भक्तः प्रणश्यति || 9.31||
Transliteration:
kṣhipraṁ bhavati dharmātmā śhaśhvat-chhāntiṁ nigachchhati | kaunteya pratijānīhi na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśhyati ||
Translation:
"He quickly becomes virtuous and attains lasting peace. O son of Kunti, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes."
Explanation:
In this verse, Krishna assures that a devotee will rapidly become righteous and achieve enduring peace through steadfast devotion, irrespective of earlier actions. He encourages Arjuna to proclaim confidently that His devotees are never lost or forsaken.
Sankalp and Its Role in Inner Transformation:
These verses from the Gita reveal a consistent theme: a firm resolve or Sankalp has the power to redefine a person’s destiny. The emphasis is not on one's past, but on the strength of their current determination.
● In verse 30, Krishna calls someone “sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ”—meaning, he must be considered noble—simply because his Sankalp is strong and rightly directed. His past doesn't define him anymore; his resolution does.
● In verse 31, Krishna assures Arjuna that a person with strong devotion and determination will quickly become virtuous. "Kṣhipram bhavati dharmātmā" means that the transformation is not slow—once a person makes a firm Sankalp, they immediately start progressing toward righteousness.
● "Na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśhyati" means that those who have faith in their determination and in God can never fail or be lost. This verse emphasizes the power of consistency, once a strong resolve is made, peace and success are inevitable.
Chapter 18, Verse 43:
Sanskrit:
शौर्यं तेजो धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं युद्धे चाप्यपलायनम् | दानमीश्वरभावश्च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभावजम् || 18.43 ||
Transliteration:
śauryaṁ tejo dhṛtir dākṣhyaṁ yuddhe chāpy apalāyanam |dānam īśhvara-bhāvaśh cha kṣhātraṁ karma svabhāva-jam ||
Translation:
“Heroism, strength, determination (dhriti), skill, and courage in battle, charity, and leadership—these are the natural duties of a warrior.”
Connection to Sankalp:
This verse links strong Sankalp with qualities like courage, leadership, and determination. A warrior’s life demands fierce resolve. Likewise, in modern life, anyone navigating the battlefield of urban survival—be it a student, professional, or homemaker—needs the Sankalp of a warrior to lead, survive, and thrive.
Why is Sankalp Important Today?
Mental Clarity & Focus – A clear Sankalp helps in directing energy and focus towards a specific goal.
Health and Well-being - Without Sankalp, even simple habits like regular sleep, balanced eating, or exercising daily become inconsistent. From getting out of bed to dealing with mental health, determination fuels routine and discipline. It transforms temporary motivation into long-term well-being.
Manifestation of Desires – In Hindu philosophy, it is believed that a strong and righteous Sankalp can manifest one's desires and aspirations.
Strengthens Willpower – It enhances determination and willpower, helping individuals overcome challenges.
Spiritual Growth – Many spiritual seekers take Sankalps to practice meditation, fasting, or self-discipline, leading to inner transformation. Spirituality in a City?
Yes!
You don’t need a cave to connect with the Divine. You need determination. A few minutes of sincere prayer, stillness, or mantra chanting amidst traffic and chaos—that’s modern spirituality powered by Sankalp.
Conclusion:
Those who understand know that Sankalp (determination or firm resolve) is one of the most crucial aspects of human life. It is a life skill, the power of strong intention, unwavering focus, and the ability to transform one’s destiny through commitments. With this article I just tried to emphasize how even a person of poor conduct can rise to the highest level of success in this life both in the material and spiritual world if their resolve (Sankalp) is strong and unwavering.
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Thank you so much!
Rajeev Agarwal,
On behalf of Get Inspired Spiritually.