Value the Power of Intentions and Actions

The Buddha said, “The Dhamma is for one who feels, not for one who does not feel.”

I love that because I am a very sensitive person, so there is a lot of feeling going on. It can be pretty intense at times. It can be quite unpleasant. Certainly, much of my early years of practice were motivated by the wish to get away from the intensity of feeling, to rise above and not have to feel, not have to be a sensitive being. But, actually, the Dhamma is for one who feels, not for one who does not feel.

We can draw on the support of the brahma vihāras, the four heart qualities, to strengthen our sense of well-being so that we can begin to transform our own hearts and embrace those difficult feelings. These qualities can be a support as we open to the challenge of being born into this world—of being part of this human race at this time in history, here.

We can draw on these reservoirs of mettā, karuṇā, muditā, and upekkhā to open and meet the reality of this troubled world so that we can be a source of safety and kindness, as much as we are able. We may not manage it every time, but we can work on it.

We have this opportunity to set our intentions for the coming year and have them witnessed by others. It is an opportunity to value the power of our intentions and actions in the world. What we do in our lives ripples out and affects others. From a cosmic perspective, we’re just little specks in the universe, but at the same time, what we do matters. Both are true.

So, value the way that you use your life. Let your intentions gradually transform the parts that are closed down, the parts that are harmful to yourself or to others, the parts that are afraid or withdrawn. We don’t have to wait until there is no fear or trepidation. We can feel the fear and act anyway.

Once we recognize the true potential of the Path, we no longer judge the value of our actions by distant goals. We see the ways we can bring change to the world right here and now.

This reflection by Ayya Ānandabodhī is from the book Leaving It All Behind, (pdf) pp. 43-44.