A Zen Approach to the Noble Eightfold Path
SELF-GUIDED STUDY
Class 2 - Right Intention
“In acknowledging and learning from the discrepancies between our intentions and reactive responses, we have the opportunity to access our deep-seated karmic tendencies.”
WATCH: Class 2 of A Zen Approach to the Noble Eightfold Path with Ryushin Paul Haller, recorded on 10/24/2022. Alternatively, watch/download the audio file below.
Although the steps of the Eightfold Path are not necessarily sequential, Right View often gives rise to Right Intention. Right View is cultivated through reflection and validated and refined through investigation of what is experienced when we practice.
Karmically, the perspective and frame of reference that arises in relation to our experience shapes our intentions in both how we relate to ourselves and how we relate to others and the world. Cultivating wise and compassionate intentions can be a powerful positive influence on the actions of body, speech and mind.
Our intention can also be stimulated by contemplation on a wide variety of Dharma teachings. As we find the relevance of those teachings in our own experience, intention ripens into motivation and resolve to act in accordance with the Dharma. As we see what’s happening from the perspective of the Buddha-dharma, the request of practice stimulates Right Intention.
When karmically driven, our intention is strongly influenced by our preferences and aversions. These can be tempered by examining our intentions with Right View and by noting the consequences of when we act according to our preferences and aversions. We’re challenged to patiently and benevolently acknowledge the discrepancy between our practice intentions and our behavior.
The challenge is to learn from that discrepancy and to sustain appropriate intention.
Early Buddhism offers the following admonitions to ensure that we refrain from unwholesome actions and in doing so, cultivate the capacity to be aware of how we’re relating to our Dharmic intentions.
Refrain from:
1. Destroying life
2. Taking what is not given
3. Abusing sense pleasures
4. False speech
5. Slanderous speech
6. Harsh speech
7. Idle gossip
8. Covetousness
9. Ill will
10. Wrong View
These admonitions have become included in Zen’s 16 Bodhisattva Precepts and are in contrast to the 4 Bodhisattva Vows which emphasize cultivating all-inclusive wholesome activity:-
1. Awaken with All Beings
2. Become aware of karmic biases
3. Engage each event as a teaching
4. Meet every experience with awareness
Another teaching from early Buddhism proposes that our intentions are frequently influenced by desire, ill-will and aggression. The antidote of these influences are non-attachment, benevolence and kindness. Of course, these wholesome intentions will be challenged by our deep-seated psychological impulses which are often expressed through our reactiveness. In acknowledging and learning from the discrepancies between our intentions and reactive responses, we have the opportunity to access our deep-seated karmic tendencies and to learn how to renew our intentions.
The Bodhisattva vows encourage us to live in this karmic world and constantly renew our intention to benefit of all beings. Practicing the teachings of early Buddhism loosens our reactiveness and cultivates the capacity to respond rather than to react to what arises.
Suggested Practices
If you haven't found a time for reflection, explore how you could find a time and create the intention to do so.
Experiment each day by creating an intention to be mindful as you do some task and note if you follow through with that intention.
If you didn't follow through, try to discover what derailed your intention.
Make the intention to pause before you dress in the morning and put on your clothes as mindfully as possible. Notice how it is if you do it or if you don't do it.
Reflect on an intention that would express an important aspect of your practice. In terms of cultivation to remove obstacles what would be helpful? How would you characterize the obstacle?
Reflect on another intention that would express an important aspect of your practice. In terms of stimulating your resolve, what contemplation would be helpful?
When you notice or recall a reactive response, physically, through speech or emotions, reflect on how it impacted you and what you learned about practice from that experience.
And remember to try to be as non-judgemental, patient and curious as you can.