icchā

 The Sanskrit word "icchā" (इच्छा) generally translates 

to “wish,” “desire,” or “will” in English, encompassing 

intentions, longings, or inclinations according to one’s 

volition.

Basic Meaning

Icchā is a feminine noun in Sanskrit and Pali, primarily referring to:

• Wish, desire, or longing, reflecting something one wants to 
• obtain or experience voluntarily 

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• Will or intention, representing the internal choice to act 
• according to one’s personal wishes 

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In grammatical usage, the word can serve in various forms to 

indicate wanting, desiring, or intending to do something, e.g.,

icchāśakti meaning “energy or power of will” 

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Philosophical and Spiritual Contexts

Icchā appears in multiple Indian philosophical and spiritual 

traditions:

• Hinduism (Shaktism): Icchā is one of the five energies (śakti), 
• representing the power of will, often personified as a goddess 
• who embodies desire and spiritual force 

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• Nyāya and Vaiśeṣika philosophy: Icchā is considered a guṇa 
• (quality) reflecting desire or aspiration, distinct from aversion 
• (dveṣa) 

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• Vedanta: It refers to desires that spiritually knowledgeable
• individuals aim to overcome to achieve liberation (moksha) 

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• Shaivism: Icchā signifies the will of Śiva, representing divine 
• intentionality controlling the universe 

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Related Concepts

• Kāma: worldly or sensual desire.
• Lālasa: eagerness or longing for enjoyment.
• Icchāśakti: the energetic expression of one’s will or volition 

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Summary

In everyday translation, icchā = “wish,” “desire,” or “will”, but its 

full depth in philosophical texts extends to the notion of volitional 

energy or intentionality shaping action, thought, and spiritual 

development 

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For basic usage or translation into English, dictionaries and 

translation resources simplify it to “wish” or “desire”

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