Right intention

Right intention (sammā saṅkappa) is the second factor of the Noble Eightfold Path. It is sometimes translated as right thought, right resolve or right aspiration. Together with right view it forms the wisdom part of the path.

Three kinds of intention

In the discourses, right intention has three parts:

• Renunciation. The intention to let go of craving for sense pleasures, rather than to chase more of them.
• Goodwill. The intention of kindness, in place of ill will.
• Harmlessness. The intention not to hurt or be cruel, which grows into compassion.

Each one is the opposite of an unwholesome intention: sensual desire, ill will and cruelty. These are close relatives of greed and hatred, two of the three poisons.

Why intention matters

The Buddha taught that intention (cetanā) is what makes an action karma. Before we speak or act, there is usually an intention behind it, even if it is quick and half noticed. So the path works at this root. If the intention is kind, the words and actions that follow tend to be kind as well.

Sorting your thoughts

In one discourse the Buddha describes his own practice before awakening. He noticed that his thoughts fell into two kinds. Thoughts of sensual desire, ill will and cruelty led to harm for himself and others and made wisdom harder. Thoughts of renunciation, goodwill and harmlessness led to no harm. Whenever an unwholesome thought arose and he saw where it led, it faded. He also observed that whatever a person often thinks about becomes the inclination of the mind.

This gives a simple practice. You do not need to suppress thoughts. You notice which kind they are and where they tend to lead, and you give more of your attention to the wholesome kind.

In daily life

Renunciation does not have to mean leaving home. It can be choosing contentment over the next purchase, or putting down your phone. Goodwill can be wishing someone well as you pass them in the street. Harmlessness can be pausing before a sharp remark. Loving-kindness meditation is one traditional way to strengthen goodwill directly. Over time these small choices shape the mind’s habits.