Right Intention (Sammā Sankappa)

Right Intention is the second factor of the noble eightfold path, referring to the mental resolve to renounce sensual desire, abandon ill-will, and cultivate harmlessness.

Overview

Right Intention (also translated as Right Thought or Right Resolve) is the commitment to direct the mind toward liberation. It involves three aspects: the intention of renunciation (nekkhamma), the intention of goodwill (abyapada), and the intention of harmlessness (avihimsa).

Philosophical Context

Right Intention is the bridge between Right View and the remaining path factors. Once one sees reality correctly (Right View), one resolves to act in accordance with that understanding. Philosophically, right intention counters the three unwholesome roots: greed (toward sensual desire), hatred (toward ill-will), and delusion (toward harmful action). It transforms understanding into commitment.

Interpretations

Some traditions emphasize renunciation as the primary content of right intention, while others highlight goodwill and harmlessness. In Mahayana Buddhism, right intention is extended to include the bodhisattva’s aspiration to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings. The four right intentions (right thought) correspond to the four stages of abandoning unwholesome mental states.

Verification Notes

• Second factor of the noble eightfold path
• The three aspects correspond to the three types of good conduct
• Closely related to the four right efforts (sammappadhana)