Sankalpam

Sankalpam means an intention formed by the heart and mind — a solemn vow, determination, or will. In practical terms a Sankalpam means a one-pointed resolve to focus both psychologically and philosophically on a specific goal. A sankalpam is a tool meant to refine the will, and to focus and harmonize mind and body.

In Vedas

The concept of Sankalpa was known to the Vedic Rishis. Sandhyavandanam includes Sankalpam and Japa sankalpa as parts of the said ritual. In the Rig Veda, Maya meant both the wisdom of the mysterious power of the will (sankalpa-sakti) that make the gods create the splendour of the phenomenal worlds, and the deceptive or illusory as bringing about realities that lack a certain degree of reality.