Manifestation Starts With Intention

Namaste friends and welcome to 2026!

I wanted to pop in today to share some reflections on manifestation and intention setting, something I’ve thought deeply about over the years, revisiting it with different nuances and perspectives.

Rethinking Manifestation Through Privilege and Service

In particular, I’ve been reflecting on manifestation through the lens of privilege. Sometimes, the idea of manifestation becomes grounded in material desire and we forget the natural privilege some of us hold simply because of where we were born and the lives we were born into. I feel it’s important to remember not only our privilege, but also the fact that manifestation is not equal. We don’t all have the same opportunities.

Mindful manifestation is anchored in awareness, compassion, and responsibility rather than entitlement.

Personal Reflection: Life Cycles, Change, and New Beginnings

As I was thinking about this, I found myself revisiting my book 'Mindful Living', which I wrote in 2019. If you’re a writer (whether books, journals, or notebooks) you’ll know it can sometimes feel uncomfortable to return to old writing. But these words, written seven years ago, have truly stood the test of time for me.

As we enter 2026, I feel on a very personal level that I’m stepping into a new phase, a new cycle. In my Jyotish, or Vedic astrology, this marks the end of a seven-year cycle and the beginning of a new one.

I got divorced seven years ago. I moved into my own home seven years ago. And at the end of 2025, I moved again—into a new home that marks a new chapter and a new beginning.

There has been a significant personal transformation from the time I wrote this book to now. Yet when I read these words again, they feel just as alive today as when I first wrote them.

What Is Sankalpa? The Power of Sacred Intention

This is from the chapter Intention and Manifestation in 'Mindful Living'.

'There is a beautiful word in the Sanskrit language that translates as something like a cross between a promise, a resolve, a prayer, and an intention. The word is sankalpa, and making a sankalpa is a very powerful act.

A sankalpa always has at its core an uplifting ideal or spiritual value. It can be practical—such as resolving to give up smoking—or grounded in deeper spiritual aspirations.The most effective way to set a sankalpa is in the present tense, as if it has already happened. For example: I am a non-smoker.

The most effective time to recite your sankalpa is when you are rested and relaxed, because it can then enter the subconscious as something already real. This is why, during the practice of Yoga Nidra (a guided deep relaxation) a sankalpa is often offered.

If there is something in your life you wish to change, particularly a habit or behaviour, setting an intention for that change is the first step.'

Manifestation, Dharma, and Living with Purpose

Manifestation practices and intention-setting are ways of living your true dharma, answering the calling of your heart to be of service to the world.

As we set goals and think about what we want to manifest in the year ahead, may we not only consider our personal growth, but also the ways each of us can be of service. May we set intention (and even a sankalpa) to live the next year of our lives in service to others.

The practice of manifestation allows us to become active participants in our lives, rather than feeling as though life is simply happening to us. Our intentions offer clues about what the soul is longing for.

Why Manifestation Is Not About Material Greed

I am not a big fan of using intention-setting techniques solely to manifest material gain or to feed unnecessary greed. I believe this work should support our spiritual and dharmic goals so that we can be of greater service to ourselves and the world.

A simple example of a dharmic sankalpa could be choosing to observe a vegetarian diet.

Stories of Service: Srila Prabhupada and Ingrid Newkirk

One of my favourite manifestation stories is that of Srila Prabhupada, who came to America as a penniless elderly man and went on to found the Hare Krishna movement.

I also think of Ingrid Newkirk, whose personal vision as an animal rights activist led to the founding of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—now the largest animal rights organisation in the world, and one I am proud to volunteer for.

Both individuals embodied unwavering resolve anchored in service.

Tapas, Vows, and Deep Spiritual Commitment

One reason we make a resolve, or sankalpa, is to stay committed. This may require tapas or discipline, effort, and inner fire.

A step beyond a resolve is a vow, which may be taken in front of a guru. A spiritual vow is a powerful karmic act and can deeply transform one’s life.

Ahimsa as a Sacred Resolve: Teachings from Swamini Mayatitananda

With this in mind, I’d like to share a reflection from one of my teachers, Swamini Mayatitananda (Mother Maya) of the Wise Earth School.

The vow of ahimsa, or nonviolence, is much more than a vow. It is a resolution, a promise. It is a sankalpa. Like most Sanskrit terms, it has no equivalent translation. It is a sacred intention held in higher awareness, witnessed by the inner self.

Even when we forget to remember our vow, our awareness continues to grow. Sooner or later, we remember.

Vow of Ahimsa (Ahimsa means non-violence or compassion)
AFFIRMATION

I take the Vow of Ahimsa. I make inner harmony my first priority.
I take the Vow of Ahimsa in my thoughts, words and action.

Through Repetition, the Magic Arises: Closing Reflections

This brings to mind the teaching of Sharon Gannon:

“Through repetition, the magic is forced to arise.”

This is the essence of practice. There will be moments when we forget our intention, our sankalpa, our resolve. But through continued practice, progress is inevitable.

Buy my book (and accompanying Inspiration Cards) 'Mindful Living' here:

https://www.bhaktirose.com.au/books

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

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