Sanmarg is not a destination but a way of being — a path where every action is guided by the purity of intention. Right intention, or Niyat, is the soul of righteousness; without it, even the grandest acts are hollow.
Article | Delhi | January 12, 1998
Sadhguru: In the heart of spiritual traditions across cultures and centuries lies a common thread — the idea of living with integrity, guided by an intention grounded in righteousness. This righteous path, or Sanmarg, is not a mere adherence to rules or external doctrines but an inward journey, inspired by Niyat or "right intention." Sanmarg is not confined to religious teachings alone; it is the essence of a conscious way of living, a foundation upon which all ethical and moral principles rest.
Sanmarg, literally translated from Sanskrit, means "the good path" or "the righteous way." In the Indian spiritual tradition, Sanmarg embodies the principles that lead a person towards inner peace, wisdom, and harmony with the universe. Central to walking this path is Niyat, the clarity and purity of intention. Niyat, therefore, becomes the subtle yet powerful force driving our actions toward harmony and purpose. Together, Sanmarg and Niyat teach us that external actions attain true righteousness only when grounded in pure, unwavering intention.
To walk the righteous path of Sanmarg is to align oneself with the universe, where every step resonates with harmony and purpose.
Defining Sanmarg: The Essence of Righteousness
Sanmarg as a concept emphasizes the integrity of the soul rather than mere conformity to societal norms. It encourages living in alignment with our inner values and our higher self. Sanmarg is the path that one walks with consciousness, where every step reflects a sincere attempt to cultivate virtues such as compassion, patience, honesty, and courage.
To understand Sanmarg, it’s essential to separate it from mere lawfulness or societal notions of "right and wrong." While laws and social rules vary and often serve pragmatic purposes, Sanmarg is the higher principle that calls one to universal truths. Righteousness, in this sense, transcends social constructs. It is about resonating with a moral and spiritual framework that feels true to one's conscience.
True righteousness is not about following rules but living from the heart, where compassion and wisdom lead the way.
Niyat: The Role of Right Intention
Niyat is the cornerstone of every thought and action. In Sanskrit, Niyat signifies “purpose” or “determination,” but in the spiritual context, it goes deeper, signifying purity and clarity of intention. The foundation of all spiritual paths, Niyat reminds us that actions in themselves are neutral; it is the intention behind them that defines their impact on our souls and on the world.
Right intention as an aspect of Niyat requires continuous, deliberate cultivation of our inner landscape. When actions are performed with the right intention, they create positive karma and uplift both the individual and the collective. When Niyat aligns with Sanmarg, our actions emerge as expressions of universal harmony, benefiting all beings.
When the intention is pure, the simplest acts become profound expressions of love and harmony.
The Foundations of Sanmarg
In the Dharmic traditions, the pursuit of Sanmarg is central to living a life of Dharma, or cosmic order. Dharma teaches that we each have a unique role and duty in the cosmic tapestry, and fulfilling that duty with purity of heart constitutes righteousness. Dharma, in this sense, is not just a duty but a dynamic path, where righteousness is a continuously unfolding process.
Tantric philosophy also speaks to this concept of Sanmarg, encouraging practitioners to live with authenticity, truth, and compassion. In that it urges to act without attachment to results, illustrating the idea that when one's Niyat is pure, the act itself becomes a form of worship. Tantra emphasizes Svadharma, one’s personal duty or right path, which aligns with Sanmarg by honouring both the self and the universal order.
Sanmarg teaches us that the greatest strength lies in living with honesty, courage, and unwavering integrity.
Sanmarg in Action: Living a Righteous Life
Sanmarg is not a one-time achievement; it is an ongoing commitment. Here are practical aspects of living a life aligned with Sanmarg and Niyat:
Self-Reflection and Awareness: The first step towards righteousness is a deep understanding of oneself. Regular self-reflection and practices like meditation help cleanse the mind of negative patterns, making space for clearer intentions and a truer alignment with Sanmarg.
Compassion and Empathy: The righteous path urges us to consider the well-being of all beings. Compassion is essential, as it softens the ego and fosters a sense of unity with others. True empathy not only brings peace to others but also cultivates humility and gratitude within oneself.
Integrity and Honesty: To live righteously, one must act with honesty. Integrity means not only truthfulness in words but also in thoughts and actions. This creates a ripple effect, as honesty in one's inner world reflects in one’s outer reality, creating harmonious relationships.
Courage and Fortitude: Sanmarg is not always an easy path, as righteousness often requires us to confront challenges, make sacrifices, or even go against the popular tide. Courage and fortitude are necessary to stay true to this path, regardless of the obstacles.
Detachment and Non-Attachment: A life of righteousness is free from the compulsions of desires and aversions. Practising detachment allows one to act without selfish motives, purifying Niyat and leading to actions that arise from pure consciousness rather than ego-driven intentions.
A life of righteousness is a life where actions arise from consciousness, not compulsion.
Sanmarg and the Role of Action
The universal law of cause and effect directly interacts with Sanmarg and Niyat. While action binds us through our different events, Sanmarg liberates us through righteous action in the present. The key is conscious, intentional action aligned with Niyat. With pure intention, even the simplest acts become spiritual practices, leading to liberation.
Sanmarg teaches that we cannot control all aspects of our circumstances, but we can control our responses to them. The purity of intention dictates whether our actions create positive or negative karma. With awareness, even the most mundane acts — eating, working, conversing — become imbued with the spirit of righteousness.
Right intention transforms every moment into an offering, turning the mundane into the sacred.
The Path of Sanmarg in Contemporary Life
In today’s world, where distractions and temptations are plentiful, living in alignment with Sanmarg requires mindfulness and resilience. Modern society often promotes material success, individualism, and instant gratification, which can cloud Niyat. Sanmarg, however, is timeless and not contingent upon external conditions.
In a professional setting, for instance, righteous living means acting with fairness, maintaining respect for colleagues, and choosing ethical means over shortcuts. In personal relationships, Sanmarg is evident in acts of kindness, loyalty, and understanding. Even in seemingly small choices, such as how we spend our free time, the intention behind each action shapes our character and our journey on the path of righteousness.
Niyat in Relationships: How Right Intention Shapes Connections
Sanmarg, when applied to relationships, promotes genuine bonds free from selfish motives. With pure Niyat, relationships become sanctuaries of growth, joy, and mutual respect. The right intention in relationships requires putting others’ well-being alongside one’s own, creating a balanced and harmonious dynamic. When the intention is selfless, relationships thrive on love, trust, and shared purpose.
In familial bonds, for example, righteous action might mean practising patience and compassion, and understanding that everyone is on their own journey. With friends, Niyat ensures that friendships are based on support and growth rather than transactional benefits. Even in relationships with strangers, approaching interactions with respect and empathy elevates ordinary encounters into spiritually enriching moments.
Walking the path of Sanmarg means choosing virtue over convenience, truth over illusion, and unity over division.
The Spiritual Power of Sanmarg and Niyat
On a spiritual level, Sanmarg aligns us with the natural order of the universe. By cultivating the right intention, we allow our actions to resonate with the energy of the cosmos. When Niyat is pure, we become attuned to a higher consciousness, perceiving life with clarity and joy.
Sanmarg as a spiritual path helps dissolve the ego, merging the individual self with the universal. The righteous path requires consistent self-awareness, as the ego often seeks control or personal gain. Through meditation, self-inquiry, and ethical living, Sanmarg purifies the mind and heart, revealing the innate divinity within us. This inner clarity allows one to experience life with a profound sense of fulfilment, peace, and gratitude.
In a world of constant change, Sanmarg offers an eternal compass: the purity of one's intention.
Challenges on the Path and the Importance of Discernment
Walking the path of righteousness can present various challenges. Temptations, distractions, and negative influences test our Niyat and commitment to Sanmarg. However, these obstacles serve as opportunities for growth, strengthening our resolve and refining our sense of purpose.
Discernment, or Viveka, is crucial on this journey. Viveka enables us to distinguish between fleeting desires and true needs, helping us maintain alignment with Sanmarg. With a discerning mind, we are better equipped to make choices that resonate with our higher purpose.
The Ultimate Fulfillment through Sanmarg and Niyat
Sanmarg is a journey of discovering one’s true self, rooted in the wisdom of the soul. It transcends religious boundaries, offering a universal way of living grounded in compassion, truth, and understanding. Niyat, as the guiding force, ensures that each step we take on this path reflects a commitment to purity and righteousness.
In the end, living by Sanmarg and Niyat transforms our lives. By aligning our intentions with our actions, we become conduits of peace, wisdom, and love in the world. Every decision, every relationship, and every experience becomes part of a larger tapestry, woven with purpose and meaning. Through Sanmarg, we realize the ultimate fulfilment of life: a deep connection with our true selves and the universe.
Thus, Sanmarg is not simply a "righteous way" — it is the very art of living with purpose, clarity, and integrity, creating a legacy of light that shines not only in our lives.
