Samskaras are very deep-seated beliefs that make us act in a certain way time after time, day after day, and life after life
In the modern day, a person following the path of yoga and self-discovery is bound to encounter not only positive experiences but also difficulties, questions, and inexplicable situations.
Some of these difficulties may stem fr om the influence of samskaras, or subtle karmic imprints that have formed in the substance of the mind (chitta) over the course of many lifetimes.
What lies behind this definition? How can samskaras influence — and even determine — a person's path in life? Is it possible to uncover the influence of samskaras on your destiny and to break free fr om them? We will try to answer all of these questions in today's article.
The word "samskara" comes from Sanskrit (Skt. saṃskāra) and translates as 'a mental or psychic imprint ingrained in the mind through past actions, thoughts, or deeds'.
If we compare our mind to a pure and fertile field, then the samskaras within it are sprouted seeds, sown by our own hands throughout this life and previous ones. Some of these, those that are less beneficial, have taken deep root and now hinder the growth of truly valuable "crops." Others, new and fresh, will bear fruit in due time.
Contrary to popular belief, samskaras are not only habits. Most often, they are very deep-seated beliefs that compel us to act in a certain way time and time again, day after day and life after life.
An emotional action that is constantly repeated can quickly become an impression (vritti) in our mind; the deeper this impression, the sooner it transforms into a samskara and, as its influence extends even further onto future reactions and actions, into karma.
Broadly speaking, samskaras can be divided into positive (those that aid one on their journey of life and self-development) and negative ones (those that are harmful and adverse).
The good news, however, is that samskaras can be transformed. This is one of the primary goals of yoga.
How do samskaras influence our lives?
Samskaras can shape not only a person's character and motives but also their destiny and the lives of those around them. Most often, modern people simply lack the time to reflect on the consequences of their actions, making it increasingly difficult for these individuals to change. They get "stuck" in the same negative situations again and again: strained relationships with colleagues, arduous and meaningless work, the inability to form strong and reliable bonds with loved ones... the list goes on.
Other manifestations of samskaras, both negative and positive, include:
- Endless emotional suffering: "no one appreciates me," "I will never be happy," "why am I so unlucky?"
- Envy and criticism: "other people have a better life than me," "they're just lucky, they don't actually deserve it," "what makes me worse than them?"
- A crisis of faith: "I don't believe in God," "the world is nothing but material."
- Dignity and honesty: "I trust the world and the people in it," "I find it easy to speak the truth," "I'm always sincere with those around me."
- Empathy and love: "there is good in every person," "man is a friend to man," "I find it easy and enjoyable to be in society," "I understand my fellow human beings."
Such beliefs can either lim it your upward mobility or help you move forward. Their influence extends to the career path, life partner, friends, place of residence, etc. that you choose.
Take note of the situations in which you feel "stuck." In those moments, what thoughts are holding you back? Is there a chance that they stem from your personal samskaras?
Samskaras can determine not only a person's character and behavioral motives, but also influence the fate of the person and those around them
The process of working with samskaras is never easy, seeing as it often requires facing unpleasant truths about yourself. The first step to take is to assume responsibility for your life and your character. When you find yourself in a bad situation — say, your boss isn't giving you a promotion — pause and ask yourself, "why is this happening?" Is it because they are a bad person or because you yourself lack the necessary qualities for the job? And, if you're confident in your experience and expertise, why do you remain in a place wh ere you aren't valued?
The process of working with negative samskaras is as follows:
- acknowledge the problem (start by noticing the samskara and its influence on your life);
- accept the situation without criticism or judgment;
- explore the root causes (understand how deeply this "weed" has taken root in the field of your mind and how it came to be there);
- formulate a sankalpa, a firm, conscious intention to act in a beneficial way — by observing ahimsa (nonviolence) or asceticism (abstinence from something), for one — thereby first transforming a negative samskara into a positive one before ridding yourself from such tendencies entirely;
- awaken tapas, the ardor of effort, which encompasses daily self-improvement, the awakening of positive inner impressions (such as the habit of rising early), and the daily practices of yoga and meditation.
Yoga techniques drawn from ancient sources will help you progress quickly through each of these stages. It has long been known that yoga strengthens not only the physical but also the subtle mental body.
Below are sample techniques for becoming aware of and transforming samskaras:
- Asanas, the third step or "limb" on the path of yoga. This practice helps establish a connection between the mental and physical bodies, giving the practitioner the ability to track their thoughts in challenging or unfamiliar situations that require patience and endurance. The Sun Salutation sequence (Surya Namaskar) is good to use as a basis before progressing to more complex and varied techniques.
- Meditation. The practice of meditation possesses many valuable qualities, calming and harmonizing the mind while helping cultivate mindfulness and concentration — qualities that are essential on the path toward transforming samskaras. Nowadays, nearly everyone is capable of mastering the technique of meditation. We invite you to explore the helpful resources available in the "meditation" section of this pranayama-focused website.
- Pranayama. Breathing fills a person with prana (vital energy) and makes the mind clear and calm. Moreover, the transformation of samskaras requires emotional stability and a state of inner harmony. There exist various techniques, each with an array of particular benefits, but one of the most fundamental and accessible is full yogic breathing. You can learn more about the benefits of various techniques by reading the materials on this pranayama website.
Achieving the maximum benefit from yoga practice is possible only through regular engagement. The truth is, samskaras take root in the human consciousness in precisely this manner — through constantly repeated actions — and only conscious, purposeful, and consistent counter-actions can effectively address them. Therefore, there's no need to worry if something goes wrong the first time. Try not to fixate on achieving a specific goal; instead, simply perform yoga techniques with enjoyment and mindful persistence, understanding that they'll improve your state and wellbeing either way.
Yoga strengthens not only the physical, but also the mental, subtle invisible body
Samskaras are beliefs deeply rooted in the matter of the mind. Even if we don't realize it, they often affect our lives and are closely intertwined with the principles of karma.
In order to transform samskaras, one must cultivate positive qualities (like mindfulness and awareness), maintain a strong resolve to change their life, and learn to be free from negative karmic imprints.
On this journey, yoga can become a person's primary companion. It is the practice of yoga that allows one to see and understand the influence of samskaras while guiding them toward liberation from negative habits and beliefs.
The process of transforming negative samskaras into positive ones — and subsequently achieving complete liberation from all mental conditioning — is neither pleasant nor easy. It requires consistency, thorough knowledge of the subject, unfaltering motivation, and self-confidence.
We wish you good health and success on your journey!
Author Anastasia Senyutina
Expert Andrey Verba
Bibliography:
- Patanjali. Yoga Sutras.
- Rami Bleckt. Eastern Psychology (available only in Russian).
- Materials from the website https://meditation.study/yoga.
- Materials from the website https://pranayama.study/.