Once we have the right view, the first of the Eightfold Noble Path, the next one to cultivate is right intention. That means having the right motivation for living our lives and for practising the Dharma. We want it to be a motivation of renunciation where we are not looking outside for pleasure, support and happiness, but where we are realising that our mind creates our own experience. We want to renounce the dukkha that the mind creates and the causes of dukkha, which are afflictions and karma.

Right intention also means having a motivation of benevolence and non-harm. It is practising the path with the intention of benefiting others and ourselves, not harming, not making waves that stir people up and create conflict. As much as possible, we should have this intention as we go through our lives.

Things we do sometimes stir up conflict and tension even if we do not have the intention to do that. We are talking about the internal intention; not how other people interpret our acts. We do not have any control over that, but we can set our intention to be one of benevolence, non-harmfulness and bodhicitta. With the right view and the right intention, we are all set to begin the practice and really dig into mental transformation.

“365 Gems of Wisdom” e-book is out now!