What’s your intention?

Intention that one has in mind is the first step to translating a thought into deed. The concept of intention is integral and common across religions. They all emphasise that it is the thought behind the deed which is relevant.

The Bhagwad Gita describes this as sankalpa, your resolve. Krishn states that it is not the action but the intent behind the action that matters. The concept of sankalpa also runs across Buddhism and Jainism. Right intention is considered the key towards the eightfold path.

The Semitic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, emphasise the importance of pious intention as the first step towards good action and deeds. In fact, they say that your deeds will be weighed according to what you intended, since actions are the result of intentions. They go so far as to suggest that God will pardon a mistake if the intention was not bad.


'Mens Rea' meaning 'guilty mind' is statutorily required to convict a person. And it is when your intention is bad that you get punished. Conversely, good intentions are the first step towards good deeds. But merely having good intentions is of little use if not transformed by action into deeds. As the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. A lack of determination, resolve, perseverance and patience to transform good intentions into deeds will result in good intentions remaining just that.