Right Intention

 

What is the Right Intention?

Continuing our look at the Noble Eightfold Path, today we're talking about Right Intention. Right intention is being willing to look at your current path and see what you're doing that will help guide you to the end of suffering.  Remember, we're not looking at this as a way to get to enlightenment. If we did, it would change our path. We would then see that we are putting a greater value on the destination instead of the journey.  The goal is not to reach enlightenment. The goal is to end suffering.

What are your thoughts on right intention? Is there where you are now? What do you do to ensure right intention?

                             

How does this connect to the Five Virtues of Hekate?

Right intention may closely relate to Wisdom.  For me, wisdom is the litmus test that we use to make sure that we are going in the right direction. Our wisdom will help us make decisions and guides us down the path of where we need to be.

As I approach this virtue, I try to learn from where I have been, open my eye to where I'm going and use the tools I have at my disposal to make the right choices at the right time. Therefore following the right path with the right intention. <3

Where are you at in your journey with Hecate? Do you follow the five virtues?  How does Wisdom fit into your path?

Namaste,

Sosanna

Resources:

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Full content of the five virtues from the COH Website:

Compassion

– Sympathy and/or concern for others who are suffering or find themselves in an undesirable position. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Compassion within their daily life and practice would desire to aid in the alleviation of any undesirable situation or at the very least not be a contributing factor towards it.

Real Life Example – You could try to help the homeless or less fortunate be they of the two or four legged variety. Volunteering at local shelters or organizing food drives are great ways to learn and show compassion.

Courage

– Strength or character or fortitude to stand firm in your convictions and face adversity or distress without fear. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Courage within their daily life and practice may chose to stand firm against those who would chose to undermine their beliefs or convictions or to speak out against those who hurt and undermine others.

Real Life Example – Try standing up for someone you or your friendship group may deem unpopular. Also when someone shows remorse for a wrongdoing some people will continue to be angry and unforgiving. Instead state your position calmly (in itself an act of courage) and then allow the situation to pass.

Temperance

– Moderation and self-control are both acts of Temperance. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Temperance within their daily life and practice may chose to restrict some part of their life be that thought or action in an attempt to find a balance rather than choosing to allow extremes.

Real Life Example – Try abstaining from certain types of food or drink or showing restraint in discussions online. An example would be to learn to hold one’s tongue and listen a bit more before jumping into an argument.

Justice

– Moral and physical rightness are both aspects of Justice, as is the sometimes contradictory act of behaving fairly towards other people. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Justice within their daily life would strive to act fairly, truthfully and with personal integrity when dealing with others and themselves.

Real Life Example – Try to treat others fairly, in action and tone be it online or in person. Try to not pass judgement on another based upon your own feelings for a person, your understanding of the situation or hearsay. There are often two (or more) sides to a story and the truth lies somewhere between. If the truth cannot be ascertained then try being impartial.

Wisdom

– To have the common sense, foresight and understanding to think or act in a manner most objectively and beneficially to any given situation. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Wisdom within their daily life would strive to apply their knowledge and experiences in a prudent and practical way.

Real Life Example – Try volunteering to share on a topic that you are knowledgeable on with a local group or center. Offer to do a guest blog post or write an article for an eZine on a particular subject.