Sankalpa sounds like a really important thing. Can I start with an easy one?

Yes, Sankalpa is really important because it works.

In terms of choosing an easy one, it becomes a bit like using a sledgehammer to swat a fly. Try not to choose a Sankalpa that is totally unimportant to you, give it some thought, even though the end result may be relatively easy.

How long should I keep my Sankalpa? When can I change it?

You may keep the same Sankalpa for your whole life. Many people do because Sankalpa is an expression of how we want to live our life.

Your Sankalpa may be changed as and when you realise that it has fulfilled itself, when you see that the problem has been solved.

Can I use my Sankalpa to get fit or become rich?

Not directly - Sankalpa is about something more important, on a deeper level of our being.

However, it is possible that such issues might be dealt with through a more significant Sankalpa, or better still, you might realise that being rich and thin is NOT the answer to life, contrary to what certain articles in the media would have us believe. That way you remain a slave, whereas Sankalpa (and understanding who you really are) will bring you to fulfilment and independence.

I only do Yoga Nidra once a week, so I only repeat my Sankalpa once a week. Is that OK?

As well as making your Sankalpa during Yoga Nidra, you can also make it on the moment of waking before you get out of bed, and you can also repeat it again on the point of dropping off to sleep.

And finally, will my Sankalpa really work?

Yes, your Sankalpa will really work, honest! So think about it carefully and let it help you live your life the way you really want to.

Swami Pragyamurti, thank you!

During the practice of Yoga Nidra, you make your Sankalpa at the start and end of the practice, when the mind is relaxed and receptive.

You can hear Swami Pragyamurti (Director of the London Centre) talk about Sankalpa in this short MP3 soundclip. It's taken from Deep Relaxation & Yoga Nidra, the first volume of a set of six Yoga Nidra & Meditation CDs which you can buy from our online store.

Click here to listen

Yoga, the journey from gross to subtle :: deepening your practice
1 July 2006 For yoga teachers/trainees
2 July 2006 For all levels

A weekend programme at the London Centre with Swami Bhaktipoornananda (Bhakti).

Bhakti is a Yoga Teacher and transformational life coach who has also worked as a Naturopath and Herbalist. Her yogic knowledge has been gained from living in Ashrams in Australia and India and teaching for over 20 years in Australia and Europe. Her integrated approach includes practices for body and mind, using a gentle and meditative approach, suitable for the unwell and disabled as well as for the more fit and able.

Guru Purnima
Tuesday 11 July 2006

Come and celebrate on this joyful day from early till late.

A full timetable will be posted on our website nearer the day. All welcome!

Guru Purnima is a most auspicious day to renew, refine, or decide on your Sankalpa

Swami Niranjanananda Programme in France
21-26 July 2006

Swami Niranjanananda is visiting Brittany, France from 21st to 26th July.

The programme includes a dedication day on 26th July to celebrateParamahamsa Satyananda’s birthday.

Swami Niranjanananda has been guiding the activities of Bihar School of Yoga, Sivananda Math and the Yoga Research Foundation since 1983. He founded Sri Panchdashnam Paramahamsa Alakh Bara in 1991 to further the work of his Guru, Swami Satyananda Saraswati. In 1994 he founded the Bihar Yoga Bharati, an Institute for Advanced Studies in Yogic Sciences, and the Bal Yoga Mitra Mandal movement in 1995 to introduce children to yoga.

Author of many classic books on Yoga, Tantra and the Upanishads, Swami Niranjanananda at present divides his time between management of institutional activities, national and international tours and residence at the Indian Head Office, Munger.

Love and Sankalpa
Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati

Sankalpa and Yoga Therapy
Dr Swami Shankardevananda Saraswati

The Nature of Sankalpa
Swami Anandakumar Saraswati

A resolve or sankalpa is made during the practice of yoga nidra. It should be something of immense importance to you. Resolves are short sentences of moral significance to be embedded in the subconscious such as I resolve to stop smoking.

In the state of yoga nidra passivity, this autosuggestion is very powerful. Such resolves can change your whole life. They will certainly come true if you repeat your resolve with enough conviction. By this method you can change old habits and cure certain mental illnesses.

Sankalpas can have a spiritual objective like I shall become more aware. Your sankalpa or resolve should be repeated several times during the practice.

Swami Satyananda Saraswati

The next eNewsletter is due out in August.

If you have any comments on this eNewsletter or ideas for future articles then we'd love to hear from you. And if you suggest a theme that we use, you'll receive a FREE CD of your choice from Swami Pragyamurti's collection of Yoga Nidra & Meditation CDs.

OM TAT SAT