Samskaras is a concept from ancient Indian philosophy and is significant within religions such as Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. While the exact mechanism of how our samskaras affect us on a subconscious level varies between different schools of thought, it’s acknowledged to be closely related to karmic theory, which is that every action, intent and attitude of an individual has a direct effect on them. The word itself comes from the Sanskrit sam, ‘complete or joined together’ and kara, ‘action, cause or doing’.
Southampton-based yoga teacher Meeta Raichura explains that ‘samskaras are individual impressions created in our mind and thoughts by our own actions’. They come about as a result of habits, ideas or actions, and can be positive or negative.