The Sanskrit word sankalpa (संकल्प) embodies a firm decision or determination to act, achieve, or cultivate a specific quality. Breaking down the word, “kalpa” signifies a “vow” or “rule to be followed,” while the prefix “san” suggests “a connection with the highest truth.” Thus, sankalpa can be understood as a solemn vow or commitment aligned with one’s deepest values and aspirations. Intention precedes all action. It is the fundamental starting point from which meaningful endeavors arise. While we navigate countless everyday intentions, sankalpa delves deeper, tapping into the driving force of our innermost being, the very ground of our existence. It addresses the profound question: What do we truly seek to accomplish in this human life?

For those who have chosen the pursuit of spiritual illumination and liberation, there is no higher calling.

Once this sankalpa resonates with the universe, it remains a constant presence. Even amidst life’s distractions, it will invariably return to our awareness, prompting us with the question: What about that firm resolve you once made?

We are all drawn to a compelling drama. Typically, the author crafts a setting that grounds the characters. Within this backdrop, one or more protagonists emerge, inevitably encountering obstacles and challenges. We naturally empathize with these central figures, hoping for their triumph and finding ourselves gripped by the escalating tension. Will they succeed against the odds?

If the protagonist prevails, the built-up tension releases, and we share in their victory. Conversely, if they falter, we pause to consider the deeper meaning the author intends to impart.

This narrative mirrors the very essence of our lives. We enter the world with inherent aspirations: to conquer our own ignorance and negative thought patterns, and to leave a positive mark on those around us. The path to these goals is invariably strewn with obstacles, for it is in overcoming adversity, in pushing through moments when we feel utterly defeated, that our eventual joy, self-satisfaction, and pride reach their zenith. Ultimately, it is through embracing these personal dramas, with their inherent struggles and potential triumphs, that we discover the profound richness and meaning woven into the fabric of our existence.

Life’s most significant struggle isn’t against external adversaries, but rather the internal forces within our minds. Many spiritual traditions suggest these originate from past experiences, even previous lives. These inner battles manifest as a range of challenging emotions and behaviors: anger, hostility, fear, depression, greed, guilt, shame, jealousy, envy, resentment, feelings of inadequacy, and various addictions—whether to sex, gambling, or substances.

Ancient spiritual epics like the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, and the Puranas masterfully use the metaphor of battle and demon-slaying to depict this profound inner conflict. In these narratives, the “demons” aren’t literal monsters, but powerful symbols representing the negative tendencies and destructive patterns of the human psyche.

Crucially, the slaying of a demon in these stories often leads to the liberation of a divine spirit that was previously trapped within it. This powerful imagery symbolizes the liberation of our personality from the oppressive grip of these negative qualities. It suggests that by confronting and overcoming our inner demons, we free a higher, more divine aspect of ourselves.

Being embodied as a human offers a profound and unique opportunity to transcend these limitations and achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth, ultimately attaining true and eternal freedom. This isn’t a passive process; it demands active engagement.

You are inherently endowed with the will and determination necessary to overcome any obstacle. Through consistent spiritual practices such as meditation, devotion, and self-inquiry, you can gradually achieve victory in this inner battle. Embrace fearlessness, and trust that your unwavering determination will guide you to triumph in this most vital battle of life.