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5 Sanskrit phrases that work as excellent motivations and affirmations

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Sep 25, 2024, 08:48 IST
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Motivations and affirmations

Sanskrit is a beautiful language, to say the least. It is soft, and deep, sounds philosophical, and of course, has a certain charm to it. And this is exactly why so many people are now moving towards getting tattoos in Sanskrit, learning phrases in Sanskrit for everyday life and conversations, and even chanting Sanskrit shlokas and phrases for daily motivation and affirmation.
If this sounds familiar, here we mention 5 Sanskrit phrases that work as excellent motivations and affirmations.


2/6

​उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानम्।

‘उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानम्’ is a Sanskrit phrase that means ‘Elevate yourself by yourself’. Simply put, it asks people to help themselves, and says that you are the only one who can really help you, and elevate you.


Taken from the Bhagavad Gita, this phrase is a simple explanation about the power tht we hold within ourselves. It is about self-reliance, inner strength, and putting confidence in yourself. As an affirmation, उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानम् helps us identify our power to change, to move on, and to uplift ourself with our own self, and without any external help or validation.
3/6

​कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते।

Another Sanskrit phrase from the Bhagavad Gita, ‘कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते’ translates to - You have the right to perform your duty. And the full shloka means - You have the right to perform your duty, but not the entitlement of the fruit’.

This simple Sanskrit phrase is not exactly an affirmation, but rather a motivation for the right-minded. It awares us about the importance of focusing on the action and not getting attached to the outcome. For example, in everyday life whenever we do a certain task, or go out of our way to complete something, we do it with the intention of getting something in return. It could be praise, a gift, some appreciation, or just some validation. But, when this does not happen, the feeling of doom strikes us and the motivation all vanishes in thin air. So when you tell yourself ‘कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते’, you make yourself understand that doing good work is your duty, and you should continue to do your best.

4/6

​सा विद्या या विमुक्तये

‘सा विद्या या विमुक्तये’ is the perfect mix of an affirmation and a motivation. The phrase translates to - True knowledge leads to liberation. In a world where people are constantly disconnected from true knowledge, this phrase is the perfect wake-up call.
This phrase is evidence that without true knowledge, without the right wisdom, a man is not completely free and liberated. But, it is through knowledge that man is free from the bounds and shackles of ignorance and is truly free.

5/6

एकान्ते सुखमास्यताम्।

A beautiful phrase that translates to ‘There is joy in solitude’, ‘एकान्ते सुखमास्यताम्’ is the perfect mix of motivation and affirmation.
We live in a very busy world today and are constantly hustling and running from one place to another, and jumping from one person to another. Be it in relationships, in professional settings, or even in leisure hours, we always need someone with us or around us. And sadly, the joy of solitude is now out of our hands. And so, this phrase is a reminder that solitude is not bad, being alone for a breather is not bad, and there is simple, pure joy in solitude.

6/6

​अहमस्मि योधः


One of the simplest Sanskrit phrases ‘अहमस्मि योधः’ packs a mix of powerful affirmation and relatable motivation. ‘अहमस्मि योधः’ translates to - I am a warrior.
It is a phrase that helps you develop a sense of strength within and gather the courage needed to face the difficulties of life. When you chant ‘अहमस्मि योधः’ as an affirmation, you are stronger form within, more resolute in your life, and have a hold over your weaknesses. And when repeated as a form of motivation, it fills you with pride and confidence as you compare and call yourself a warrior, and one who fears none.

Top Comment
U
User H
607 days ago
Very disappointing translation of Karmanyevaadhikaaraste to "right to act". Adhikaara here doesn't mean "right". It simply means choice / control. The correct translation is "You have control over your action" or "You have choice of action", but you don't have choice/control over the results. Incorrect translation leads to severe misinterpretation of profound/brilliant scriptures like Bhagavad Gita.
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Copyright © May 25, 2026, 11.15PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service