4 types of will

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Below are four distinct types of “will” as understood in classical Indian philosophy, Western psychology, yoga traditions, and spiritual literature. I will give you a rich, detailed explanation so you can clearly see how each type functions in human behavior and inner life.

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1. Icchā Shakti (Desire-Will / Emotional Will)

This is the most basic and instinctive form of will.

Characteristics

• Arises from feelings, attractions, cravings, or aversions
• Often impulsive
• Easily influenced by emotions, moods, or environment

Examples

• “I feel like eating something sweet right now.”
• “I want to avoid this uncomfortable situation.”

Function

This will drives survival, comfort, and emotional fulfillment. It is powerful but unstable. Left unchecked, it can lead to addiction or habitual reactions.

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2. Vyavasāyātmikā Buddhi (Determined Will / Rational Will)

This is will emerging from intelligence, clarity, and reason—a deliberate and conscious choice.

Characteristics

• Stable and goal-oriented
• Based on understanding, long-term thinking
• Not easily distracted by short-term impulses

Examples

• Deciding to wake up early to improve health
• Choosing to study a subject with discipline
• Sticking to a plan despite inconveniences

Function

This is the will that builds careers, discipline, and mastery. It transforms desire into structured action.

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3. Sankalp Shakti (Intentional Will / Creative Will)

This type of will arises from a deep inner intention, not merely an impulse or rational plan.

It is heart-aligned, focused, and spiritually charged.

Characteristics

• Feels like a quiet but powerful inner commitment
• Aligns with values, purpose, or dharma
• Works like an “energetic vow”

Examples

• “I shall practice truthfulness no matter the difficulty.”
• “I choose to live consciously and compassionately.”
• “I resolve to break patterns that no longer serve me.”

Function

This is the will used in:

• Sankalpa in yoga nidra
• Personal transformation
• Spiritual discipline
• Creating new patterns in the subconscious

It is subtler and deeper than ordinary desire.

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4. Ātma-Icchā or Divine Will (Transpersonal Will / Witnessing Will)

This is the highest form of will recognized in Vedanta, Yoga, Christian mysticism, and Sufi psychology.

It is will arising from pure awareness rather than the ego.

Characteristics

• Effortless
• Not driven by personal desire
• Arises spontaneously from clarity and inner freedom
• In harmony with a larger intelligence or “flow”

Examples

• Feeling moved to help someone without self-interest
• Intuitive decisions that feel aligned and peaceful
• Action without egoic motive (“karmayoga” style action)

Function

This will is described as:

• Tao in Taoism
• The witness-consciousness acting through the body
• “Thy will be done” in Christian mysticism
• Nishkama karma in the Gita

It is the will that flows from a state of deep awareness rather than identity.

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Short Summary

Type of Will	Nature	Driven by	Stability	Example
1. Icchā Shakti	Desire-will	Emotions & impulses	Low	Eating sweets impulsively
2. Rational Will	Determined will	Reason, discipline	High	Keeping a workout schedule
3. Sankalp Shakti	Intentional will	Inner purpose / dharma	Very high	Commitment to personal growth
4. Ātma-Icchā	Transpersonal/divine will	Pure awareness	Effortless	Helping or acting from inner clarity

If you want, I can also give you:

• The 4 types of will according to Sri Aurobindo
• The 4 types of will in Western depth psychology (Assagioli’s model)
• The 4 layers of will according to the Bhagavad Gita

Just tell me which system you want.