Sankalpa
The mind wills, yearns, prompts and insists on effort and action. This process is named sankalpa. These are like shasanas (commands). Everyone has to be aware of the variety and validity of the actions induced by these promptings. The mind is host to fifty million such! Of the thoughts that appear and vanish, the clouds that pass silently, many stay and stir the mind into activity. These are referred to as sankalpas. Until these are well understood against their vast background, man cannot live happily and in peace. Good sankalpas can elicit the best out of man and help him to use all strength for his uplift. Man has to recognize bad sankalpas or urges as soon as they arise and render them ineffective by the systematic cultivation of beneficial sankalpas. These alone can save a person from disaster and keep him close to prashanthi (supreme calm).
The face is molded by the mind. Every single sankalpa (or thought accepted and acted upon) is a streak or line which affects its shape. We can picture it as the notice board, which announces to all concerned, the activities inside the institute. The sankalpa cannot be hidden or kept under cover…
A sankalpa affects the consciousness more subtly than an electric charge. It manifests as a need, a motive with a name and form. It colors the thought stream in a distinct way. It is no scribble on a blank mind; it causes clusters of reaction in the blankless mind. Its potency depends on time and circumstance. Sankalpas breed further sankalpas; they play their role, unaided through their own latent force.
Therefore, as soon as a passing thought sprouts in the mind as an urge or desire, one has to examine it with care to discover whether it would tarnish or promote one’s reputation, hinder or help one’s progress, weaken or strengthen one’s character. If it is of the former category, cast it away, as a foul stinking object! And save yourself by saturating the mind with good intentions.
The mind travels quicker than sound, far quicker than even light. Just as one holds under greatest control a car that moves at a speed faster than the rest, one has to exercise great control and mastery over the mind. Obey the mind’s vagaries; you become a beast. Let discrimination control the vagaries; you become a candidate for Divinity. Every urge must undergo test, must be cleared by a judge, namely Buddhi. Does it prompt one to ridicule or defame another? Then, dismiss it as unworthy. Good intention sprouts as action; action fructifies into sadhana (spiritual discipline), from sadhana emerges sheela (virtuous character) that draws down the shower of Grace. Intentions can all be beneficial when the person persists in good company. Of course, one cannot gain them from without; they have to grow from within, from the heart, freed from the weeds of pride and greed. Good company helps to purify the heart.
Source: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XIX
