Significance of Intention
Intention plays a vital role across various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it signifies the underlying motivation behind actions and their ethical implications, while in Vaishnavism, it represents the purpose conveyed by Rukmini to Krishna. The Purana and Mahayana also emphasize intention as crucial for evaluating moral value and as the mental state behind offerings, respectively. In Theravada, intention highlights the purpose of actions, influencing a monk's character and reflecting a dominant mental quality that drives pursuit beyond mere desires.
Synonyms: Purpose, Aim, Objective, Goal, Motive, Resolve, Plan, Aspiration, Significance, Determination, Ambition
In Dutch: Bedoeling; In Finnish: Tarkoitus
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Intention'
Intention in Buddhism emphasizes the importance of mental motivation behind actions, highlighting its ethical implications and influence on practice. It surpasses base desires and reflects a monk's qualities and purposeful choices.
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) A dominant mental quality that drives individuals to pursue goals, proving more powerful than base desires such as greed.[1]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Intention reflects the mental determination that guides actions and responses, manifesting through bodily and verbal expressions.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) The purpose behind actions, which is significant in assessing a monk's qualities and decisions.[3]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The underlying motivation behind actions, which is crucial in determining the ethical nature of those actions and how they affect one's practice.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The mental state or motivation behind an offering, which is considered more important than the actual thing being offered.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Intention'
In Hinduism, Intention encompasses the purpose conveyed by Rukmini that influences Krishna's actions, and it is essential for assessing the moral value of actions, particularly as discussed in the Gita.
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) Referred to as tatparya, it denotes the purpose or meaning behind the words, which varies among different philosophical interpretations.[6]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The underlying motive behind actions which is crucial in evaluating their moral value, especially in context to the actions discussed in the Gita.[7]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The purpose or objective communicated by Rukmini that prompts Krishna's response.[8]