Purity of Intention: A Transformative Journey Towards Authentic Living and Personal Growth

During a recent conversation with a friend he planted an interesting concept in my mind: “purity of intention.” I went to bed that night pondering why this phrase resonated so deeply with me.

To understand purity of intention i had to first understand intention and then the relationship between intention and action.

Intention refers to the driving force, purpose, or goal that shapes an individual’s actions, thoughts, and decisions. It can manifest consciously, subconsciously, implicitly, or latently, operating at various levels of awareness and influenced by a variety of factors, such as past experiences, societal conditioning, unconscious biases, and ingrained habits or beliefs.

Regardless of what level of consciousness intentions live in, to attain purity of intention one must engage in the process of honest introspection and reflection with a willingness to confront difficult truths. One way to undertake such a comprehensive self-assessment might be to ask. “I seek to engage in a rigorous and unflinching self-examination, one that will illuminate the presence of any malicious intent, unconscious motivations, or mental blind spots that may be clouding my judgment and hindering my ability to act with integrity and authenticity.”

Some of the key characteristics of pure intentions are:

1. Sincerity: A genuine desire to act in a way that is true to one’s values, beliefs, and convictions. It means that there is no hidden agenda, manipulation, or deceit involved in one’s actions, allowing for a more transparent and authentic way of interacting with others.
2. Alignment: Purity of intention suggests that actions align with intentions. When one’s actions are driven by pure intentions, there is a greater sense of harmony and coherence between thoughts, words, and deeds.
3. Selflessness: A focus on the greater good rather than personal gain. This can lead to selfless actions and a willingness to put others’ needs before one’s own, fostering compassion and empathy.
4. Integrity: Striving to make choices that are morally and ethically sound, even when faced with difficult circumstances or external pressures.
5. Inner clarity: Seeking. inner clarity and peace of mind. It allows individuals to navigate life with a clear conscience and a sense of purpose, guiding them towards decisions that resonate with their core values and beliefs.
6. Personal growth: Engaging in introspection, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal growth. It entails regularly reflecting on one’s actions and intentions and striving to become a better version of oneself.
7. Authentic relationships: Building stronger and more authentic relationships. When individuals interact with one another based on genuine intentions, they can develop deeper connections built on trust, mutual understanding, and respect.

Upon further reflection on the concept, I came to realize that focusing on purity of intention can help discover a great deal about one’s character, values, and the explicit and implicit influences that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions. Such reflections can pave the path to self-improvement.

Seeking purity of intention is an ongoing process. Hypothetically, at its highest level of purity, intention would have minimal influence on our consciousness. In a state of consciousness without intention, we can experience unbridled curiosity and complete openness.

Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti likely had this stage in mind when he suggested that the highest form of intelligence is the ability to observe without evaluating.

Mahatma Gandhi’s “Experiments with Truth” are an example of his efforts at self improvement through. purification of intention. In his autobiography, Gandhi says,

“My Experiments with Truth, therefore, have been essentially an attempt to present a narrative of my spiritual development and to provide a glimpse of my quest for discovering the meaning of life. I have made no attempt to hide my weaknesses or to present myself as an infallible human being. My purpose is to describe the experiments I have conducted in the science of Satyagraha, and to invite my readers to carry out their own experiments in that light.”

During the later years of his life, Gandhi conducted a series of controversial experiments in celibacy that involved sleeping naked beside young women. His aim was to test his restraint and resolve in maintaining his vow of brahmacharya, or celibacy. He referred to these experiments as “yajnas,” a term that traditionally refers to a Hindu ritual sacrifice.

Although there was never any suggestion of improper advances or sexual activity, the practice has been widely criticized and debated. Some have argued that it demonstrated Gandhi’s commitment to his spiritual cleansing of intentions and self-discipline, while others have viewed it as an inappropriate and potentially exploitative act.

Purity of intention is a multifaceted concept and a challenging path to navigate. To elucidate such intricate ideas, I often employ metaphors derived from the natural world. My poem about a dewdrop resting delicately on a leaf serves as a metaphorical representation of the purest form of intention.

morning dew

comfortable

in my skin

i am

vulnerable

yet poised

a ray of light

is enough for me

to keep shining

i am transparent

and live in the moment

i have no ego

nor am i ambitious

i’m frugal

and content

i fell

from the sky

and was cradled gently

in the palm of a leaf

so i could live

to put a smile

on your face

when you wake up

thinking about your day

and about your future

i’ll be there

to remind you

to live for now

capture my sparkle

in your eyelids

before i slip away

enjoy the purity

of my being

The underlying premise of this poem is that there exists a purest form of intention for the dewdrop’s existence.

In conclusion, the pursuit of purity of intention is a transformative journey that enables us to delve deep into our character and values. By reflecting on our intentions with honesty and self-compassion, we can identify any underlying motivations or biases that may hinder our ability to act with integrity. In doing so, we lay the foundation for personal growth, fostering greater alignment between our intentions and actions. As we navigate life’s complexities, let us be inspired by the world around us and the lessons it offers, guiding us towards authenticity, self-discovery, and ultimately, purity of intention.