Intention, in a simple sense, refers to the process of thinking and contemplating (collectively considered as thought) about something before making it a reality through words and actions. In Buddhism, Right Intention, in the conventional sense, means mature and correct thinking about things and phenomena to approach and transform them in a way that is in harmony with life.
According to materialist philosophy, thought is a product of matter, while in idealist philosophy, it is considered a product of the spirit, referred to as “absolute idea.” Regardless of the perspective, it is still considered a sophisticated product, specially structured in the brain and closely associated with all human activities in life.
In Noble Eightfold Path, Right View helps us to have a clear view of the nature of this life, or a clear view of the spiritual path we are following. Then Right Intention is the second aspect that will help us develop the right mindset, the right intention to continue walking on that spiritual path. In this article, LotusBuddhas will explains to you the meaning and importance of Right Intention in our Buddhist practice.
What Exactly is Right Intention?
Right Intention (samyak saṃkalpa), also known as Right Thought or Right Resolve, is the second step on the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism. This path is a core teaching in Buddhism, guiding practitioners towards the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the attainment of enlightenment.
Right thinking involves properly contemplating and resolving issues that arise and relinquishing negative thoughts such as anger and cruelty to replace them with benevolent ones like compassion and love. Such virtuous thoughts enable us to advance on the path toward enduring peace and happiness.
Right Intention is about cultivating the correct mental attitudes and motivations to support one’s spiritual practice. It is closely connected to the first step on the path, Right View, which involves understanding the nature of reality and the principles of the Four Noble Truths.
- Intention of Renunciation: This involves letting go of attachment to material possessions, sensory pleasures, and unhealthy relationships. Renunciation doesn’t necessarily mean giving up everything; rather, it’s about understanding the impermanent nature of these things and reducing the craving and clinging that leads to suffering.
- Intention of Goodwill: This aspect focuses on cultivating loving-kindness (metta) towards all living beings. Practitioners strive to develop an attitude of unconditional love and compassion, wishing for the happiness and well-being of others without discrimination.
- Intention of Harmlessness: This involves a commitment to non-violence and non-harming, both in thoughts and actions. Practitioners seek to avoid causing harm to themselves, others, and the environment, while also working to alleviate the suffering of others.
In sum, if you think and act with the right intention, for example, you know that running a red light is dangerous and will be fined by the police, you will not do so. It’s a simple and easy to understand example. With the right thought, you will know what to do and what to avoid. By practicing right thinking and decisions, you will not take any risks in life, and this is also the foundation for ethical behavior and spiritual progress.
Differentiating Right Thought and Wrong Thought
1. Wrong Thought
Understanding the nature of thought and knowledge that arises from thinking, which depends on each person’s FRAME OF REFERENCE, is key to transcending worldly disputes, conflicts, and competitiveness. Everyone is correct from their perspective and understanding, whether that understanding aligns with the truth is another matter.
Although each person has a different FRAME OF REFERENCE in thinking, there is a commonality, which is a universal FRAME OF REFERENCE applicable to everyone. However, this common reference framework is divided into two FRAME OF REFERENCES for two types of thinking: Wrong Thinking and Right Thinking.
Wrong Thinking: The FRAME OF REFERENCE for Wrong Thinking is based on ignorance and ego attachment, stored in memory under the label of ignorance, the self of the self. These are misunderstandings about the reality, misconceptions about dependent origination, impermanence, non-self, and the truths of suffering, origin, cessation, and the path, all stored in the consciousness.
When mindfulness activates the information of ignorance and ego attachment in memory for thinking, this mindfulness is called Wrong Mindfulness, and such thinking is Wrong Thinking which leads to the consciousness of Wrong View in the process: Wrong Mindfulness – Wrong Thinking – Wrong View on the Eightfold Wrong Path.
Especially, Wrong Thinking uses the ego, the attachment to self, as its FRAME OF REFERENCE, as the root point, as the center of the world, so every object is compared to this ego. Therefore, all understanding, all thought, all experiential knowledge is tinted and reveals the ego. Hence, all human knowledge and understanding aim to glorify, protect, and augment the illusory ego. Humanity’s life is thus a struggle to perfect, elevate, affirm, and grow the rights of mastery and ownership of this illusory ego, leading to suffering. This is a universal truth that occurs with all humanity except the enlightened ones.
2. Right Thought
Right Thinking: The FRAME OF REFERENCE for Right Thinking is the correct understanding of truth stored in memory, termed as Wisdom. These understandings are acquired through the teachings of the enlightened ones. This includes accurate knowledge about the Dharma, reality, dependent origination, impermanence, non-self, and the truths of suffering, origin, cessation, and the path.
When Mindfulness activates Wisdom in memory for thinking, this mindfulness is called Right Mindfulness, and the thinking is Right Thinking, which gives rise to Right View through the process: Right Mindfulness – Right Thinking – Right View on the Noble Eightfold Path. Right View involves discerning right and wrong in alignment with the actual truth.
In Right Thinking, the FRAME OF REFERENCE is the idea of non-self, absence of ownership, which eliminates the illusory ego. Therefore, all efforts to glorify, affirm, protect, and enhance the ego’s sense of mastery and ownership come to an end. Thus, suffering ceases. This is a universal truth for those who are practicing the correct progression of Study – Thinking – Practice according to Right View.
The Role of Right Intention in Noble Eightfold Path
The role of Right Intention in the Noble Eightfold Path is to provide a mental framework that guides a practitioner’s thoughts, attitudes, and motivations in accordance with the Buddhist teachings. It serves as a foundation for the other elements of the path and is critical for the overall development of one’s spiritual practice.
Right View: Right Thought is closely connected to Right View, as understanding the nature of reality and the principles of the Four Noble Truths shapes one’s intentions. With the correct understanding, a practitioner is better equipped to cultivate wholesome intentions.
Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood: These three steps represent ethical conduct (sila) in Buddhism. Right Intention provides the basis for ethical behavior by guiding the practitioner’s mental attitudes, ensuring that their speech, actions, and livelihood are motivated by goodwill, harmlessness, and renunciation.
Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration: These steps represent the mental discipline (samadhi) required for meditation and spiritual development. Right Thought supports these practices by helping to cultivate wholesome mental states and eliminate unwholesome ones. With the right intentions, a practitioner is better equipped to focus on their meditation and develop the mental clarity needed for deeper insights.
As you know, the Eightfold Path is a wheel with 8 spokes, with each aspect being a noble quality that a Buddhist needs to develop. The aspects support each other, together helping the practitioner progress on the path of inner transformation.
How to Practice the Right Intention to Daily Life
Practicing Right Intention in daily life involves cultivating wholesome thoughts, attitudes, and motivations that align with the principles of renunciation, goodwill, and harmlessness. Here are some ways to incorporate Right Intention into your everyday life:
Reflect on your intentions: Regularly take time to contemplate your motivations behind your thoughts, speech, and actions. This self-reflection will help you become more aware of your intentions and align them with the principles of Right Thought.
Practice mindfulness: Develop mindfulness through meditation or other practices that increase present-moment awareness. Being mindful can help you recognize unwholesome intentions as they arise, allowing you to let go of them and cultivate wholesome ones instead.
Cultivate loving-kindness and compassion: Practice metta (loving-kindness) meditation to develop an attitude of unconditional love and goodwill towards all beings. This practice helps you build empathy and compassion, which are essential for embodying Right Intention.
Practice gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the things and people in your life. This can help reduce attachment and foster an attitude of contentment and renunciation.
Embrace non-harming: Make a conscious effort to avoid causing harm to yourself, others, and the environment through your thoughts, words, and actions. Choose non-violent and compassionate ways of interacting with the world around you.
Engage in acts of generosity: Practice dana (generosity) by giving your time, energy, resources, or skills to help others without expecting anything in return. This helps develop the intention of renunciation by letting go of attachment and self-centeredness.
Surround yourself with positive influences: Associate with people who share similar values and support your spiritual growth. This can help reinforce wholesome intentions and encourage you to stay committed to practicing Right Intention.
Study and contemplate Buddhist teachings: Regularly study and contemplate the teachings of Buddhism to deepen your understanding of Right Intention and the Noble Eightfold Path. This can provide guidance and inspiration for integrating these principles into your daily life.
By consistently practicing these principles, you can develop Right Intention as a natural part of your daily life, ultimately supporting your spiritual growth and progress on the Noble Eightfold Path.
Benefits of Practicing Right Intention
Practicing Right Intention offers numerous benefits that can positively impact various aspects of your life, both internally and externally. Some of these benefits include:
Improved mental well-being: Cultivating wholesome intentions promotes inner peace and mental clarity, reducing negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, and greed. This leads to a more balanced and positive mental state, which contributes to overall well-being.
Enhanced relationships: When your intentions are guided by goodwill, compassion, and non-harming, your interactions with others become more caring and harmonious. This fosters stronger connections and more fulfilling relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.
Ethical living: Right Thought serves as the foundation for ethical conduct, as it directs your speech, actions, and livelihood towards principles that promote the well-being of yourself and others. This leads to a more purposeful and morally grounded life.
Reduced stress and anxiety: By practicing renunciation and letting go of attachment to material possessions and outcomes, you can reduce stress and anxiety related to craving and clinging. This fosters a more relaxed and contented outlook on life.
Spiritual growth: Right Intention is an essential component of the Noble Eightfold Path, supporting your spiritual development and progress towards enlightenment. As you cultivate Right Intention, you create the necessary conditions for deeper insights and personal transformation.
Positive impact on others: When you embody the principles of Right Thought, your actions have a ripple effect, inspiring others to act with kindness, compassion, and non-harming. This contributes to a more empathetic and supportive community.
Increased self-awareness: Practicing Right Intention requires self-reflection and mindfulness, which helps you become more attuned to your thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This heightened self-awareness can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.
To put it simply, practicing Right Intention can have positive effects on different areas of your life, from your mental health to your relationships, ethical behavior, and spiritual development. By focusing on cultivating Right Intention, you can create a life that is more satisfying, purposeful, and fulfilling, not just for yourself but also for those around you.
Furthermore, if you already have Right View – that is, the right vision towards the top of a mountain (enlightenment), then Right Thought will keep you firmly on the path towards that mountain top through thoughts and actions according to Buddhist teachings.
