Hey All,
Have you ever noticed that there are people who seem more intelligent or capable than others, yet somehow they still struggle to achieve success or find true happiness? Despite their abilities, they always seem to lack the right resources, or they never quite reach the heights they should. Have you ever thought about why that might be?
After much reflection, I’ve realized that the real key to success isn’t just intelligence or talent it’s the intention that matters the most. If you’re doing something with a hidden agenda or bad intention, you might experience success in the short term, but eventually, that success is bound to crumble.
Success built on the foundation of wrong intentions is like a stack of card it may stand tall for a while, but it’s fragile and will eventually collapse. True and lasting success comes from genuine intentions where your heart and actions align with positive and ethical goals.
The right intention isn’t just part of the game plan, it is the game plan.
Right Intention! One of the 3 Essential Elements of Spiritual Practice
According to Buddha, the motivation behind every action we take - whether it is physical, verbal, or mental matters. The intention behind our actions should always be pure, driven by goodwill and kindness. The right intention is key to leading a life of fulfilment and inner peace.
I have a friend who is a social media influencer. The unique aspect of her content is her generous act of donating to people and showcasing it in her reels. On the surface, it looks like she’s doing an incredible job of sharing and caring for others. However, she often complains about how many things are going wrong in her life, and I’ve heard her say, “I’m doing so much good work, but I’m still facing these challenges.” I haven’t had the courage to say this to her yet because our friendship is precious to me, but one day, I hope to be able to share what’s truly on my mind.
I want to sit down with her over a cup of coffee and gently say, “Darling, it’s not about doing good deeds like donating -- this part of your work is truly beautiful. But showcasing it on social media might not be in alignment with pure intention. You need to ask yourself: is your real motivation to help others or to gain more likes and followers? Because trust me, as far as I understand God, can easily see through your intentions.”
The point I’m making here is that right intention is crucial in Buddhist and all spiritual practices. It sets the foundation for all virtues—patience, kindness, and generosity. Without purity of intention, none of these virtues can be truly cultivated.
True spiritual growth comes not from what we do on the outside, but from the intention behind it inside our heart. Let your actions be fueled by kindness and selflessness, and the rest will follow naturally.
Power of Pure Intention: A Story That Brought Tears to My Eyes
This story, inspired by an Instagram reel, captures a beautiful moment between two boys - one rich, the other poor. A poor 8-10 year old boy is seen struggling with his broken slippers when he notices another boy, about the same age, wearing new shoes. The rich boy is so obsessed with keeping his shoes clean that he constantly wipes them, ensuring they stay spotless.
As the train arrives, the rich boy rushes to board it, but in the chaos, one of his shoes falls off. The poor boy notices and quickly picks it up, running after the train to return it. Even though the train speeds up, the poor boy, with a pure heart, throws the shoe towards the rich boy, hoping he can catch it. Unfortunately, the rich boy is unable to.
Now, here’s the beautiful part—despite the poor boy’s broken slippers, his intention was simply to help, knowing how much those shoes meant to the rich boy. In response, the rich boy, realizing he can no longer use just one shoe, throws the other shoe towards the poor boy, giving him the pair.
This touching moment teaches us a heartfelt lesson. In today's world, where people often act out of self-interest, these two boys exhibit pure intentions. The poor boy's desire to help, even when he had nothing, brought him what he needed without asking. And the rich boy’s selflessness in letting go of something valuable made him feel content, even in giving away his most prized possession. This story reminds us that when our intentions are pure, we receive what we truly need, and there is joy even in giving.
The concept of right intention is a spiritual practice mentioned across many faiths, including Buddhism and Hinduism. As mentioned in The Bhagavad Gita, correct intention aligns with dharma, or righteousness, where actions are performed without attachment to personal gain, but rather to serve God or the higher purpose.
By focusing on pure intention, free from selfish desires, we cultivate virtues like kindness, generosity, and patience. Whenever we act with a genuine heart, the universe rewards us in unexpected ways. Ultimately, success and happiness flow naturally when our motives are rooted in sincerity and goodwill.
"Right intention is the foundation of true success, where the heart leads and the soul finds fulfilment."
Best Regards
Preetu