The Buddha said:

“The thought manifests as the word;

The word manifests as the deed;

The deed develops into habit;

And habit hardens into character;

So watch the thought and its ways with care,

And let it spring from love

Born out of concern for all beings…

As the shadow follows the body,

As we think, so we become.”

Wise Intention can be described best as commitment to ethical and mental growth. The Buddha taught three types of Wise intentions: 1. the intention of renunciation, which means not acting on the pull of desire, 2. the intention of good will, meaning not acting on feelings of anger and aversion, and 3. the intention of harmlessness, meaning not to think or act cruelly, violently, or aggressively, and to develop compassion.

These intentions become the foundation of a life of wisdom and lovingkindness. We practice goodwill, harmlessness and renunciation in our lives to foster harmony and peace for ourselves and for those around us. We deliberately and intentionally offer acceptance and assistance to those in need, dropping any prejudice, anger and hostility to the best of our ability.

What a challenge this can be! But, since it’s a practice, we can watch our thoughts, words and actions carefully so that they can become more loving, kind and compassionate.

We don’t all think alike, but we are all connected… and we are all human… and we need each other. So we take up this challenging practice and do the best we can for the benefit of all.