The thing about good intent

An old church was badly in need of repairs. The cost of renovation was estimated at $100,000 but no donations were forthcoming from the congregation. The pastor of the church, intent on getting help from them, decided to humour his way to the flock. At the conclusion of the Sunday Mass, the pastor announced to a hall full of members, “I’ve a good news and a bad news. Which one do you want first?” “We could do with some good news!” the majority said. “Well then,” the pastor spoke excitedly, “the good news is that we’ve got the $100k needed to renovate the church!” The announcement got a thunderous applause. “Now, the bad news, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, drawing himself closer to the mic “That money is still in your pockets.”

The power of intention brings energy to gather all the resources of the universe required to fructify great things. When the actions align with the intentions, the project is successfully executed. Bhagwad Gita says that ‘Good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma’. In Jewish tradition, prayer begins with ‘kavanah’, the Hebrew word for intention or direction of the heart.

My mother believes in auspicious dates which fall during the period of waxing moon. She feels any venture started during this period will steadily grow like the moon, from a non-existent new moon to a crescent to a full moon. The waxing moon is associated with optimism and joy, she says. I ask her, “Are we supposed to be sad and depressed when the moon is waning?” She replies, “No silly, that’s the time you feel grateful and share your love and enthusiasm with everyone around you.” In essence the agenda always involves setting good intentions, which will work for highest and greatest goods.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions, goes the proverb. The message here is that any good intention is meaningless unless followed through with good deeds. Finally let’s not judge ourselves by our intentions and other people by their actions. In Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”