"All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him." - Buddha
People can always sense intention.
It doesn’t matter what someone does or says, if their heart is not right or feeling right toward someone, they give off a vibe. It’s the recipient’s choice whether they listen to that vibe / gut feeling and heed its warning.
While people may not be able to put a finger on it, they can tell something is off. It could be that one odd look, or that one's smile is a tad too fake, their voice is a bit higher than normal, or simply they're giving others the jitters.
Sensing all is not well, wise people will avoid working or associating with them because they can intuitively sense that the person has wrong intentions toward them.
Intention is what lies beneath your words; it is the true meaning and outcome you desire from a situation.
If we are to believe the words of Buddha, your intention will lead you down the path it is pointed towards whether you like it or not.
The reason many people who come across as fake or as having bad intentions seem to stumble into failure after failure is that they’re blind to themselves and their inner dialogue – that’s leading them to their very own self designed nightmare.
To cultivate the right intentions toward others and to life in general, you need to understand what good intention looks like.
According to Buddhism, there are three kinds of good intention:
1. The intention of freedom:
Freedom of renunciation, of letting go, of not having any emotional attachment to people, possessions and achievements. To practice renunciation doesn't necessarily mean you have to give away all your possessions and live in a cave.
The real issue is not objects or possessions themselves, but our attachment to them. If you give away things, or say you've let go of negative emotions but are still attached to them, you haven't really renounced them.
2. The intention of good will:
Another word for "good will" is "loving kindness."
We cultivate loving kindness for all beings by treating them as equal, with empathy and consideration, without discrimination or selfish attachment, and with a commitment to overcome anger, ill will, hatred, and aversion. -
3. The intention of no harm:
This is the practice of not thinking, harming or doing violence to anyone or anything.
To not harm also requires compassion and empathy that goes beyond simply not harming. It is an active sympathy and a willingness to bear the pain of others.
Insight Inspiration:
Meditate on the list of intentions above.
Ask yourself the reasons why you do what you do – from your relationships to your friendships, career and brand.
Are your intentions peaceful and filled with harmony? Or do they stem from fear and worry? And if so, what are you going to do about changing your inner dialogue, perspective and intentions?
Think about it.
