Wise intention is one of the steps of the Buddha’s eightfold path, and it might be the most important one. Wise intention is what keeps our lives heading in the right direction. If I want to drive north, I need to keep checking that the sun is setting on my left to be sure I’m heading in the right direction. The practice of wise intention is like checking the sun. It’s a way to make sure our actions and our lives are going in the direction we want.
Wise intention is the cornerstone of wise effort, that is, effort that is wholesome and positive. The instructions for wise effort call for us to continually evaluate our actions and choose those that lead to less suffering and eschew those that lead to more suffering. This is easily determined by checking if the action is being fueled by wholesome or unwholesome intentions. So clarity about our intentions needs to be present to inform wise effort. There are ways to practice wise intention for ourselves, our loved ones, and all beings.
Read Full Article »