This blessed intention will surely have a tremendous effect. A good intention is like a lighted candle - its rays spread in all directions.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Mar-28, to Howard C Ives -- AB04709)
Thought, intention, and imagination
power of imagination; thought; right intention
Editorial introduction
A good intention, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, is like a lighted candle whose rays spread in every direction, and like a root without which the tree of deeds bears no fruit. Between the inward purpose and the finished act lies the whole life of thought: the contemplative power that produces sound conceptions, which joined to resolution become wise arrangements, discoveries and inventions, and the baseless imaginings that surge like waves of delusion and fade like idle dreams. Insight, he tells a blind listener, matters more than sight. Inspiration is known by its conformity with the divine texts, and intention by the deeds it finally yields. The opening verses of the Dhammapada place the heart before speech and action in just this way, with happiness or suffering following after [1]. Alongside these ethical teachings stand reported explanations of magnetism and of one mind’s influence on another, which call for a different and more careful kind of attention. The path continues into mindfulness and concentration, into bringing oneself to account each day, and into the mind’s power of discovery, which imagination serves whenever it remains answerable to reality.
Selected passages
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 71, Spiritual Discoveries, 1904-Oct ca. -- AB00482)
In brief, the more one observes, the greater becomes one's expansion of thought, for the soul is affected, and from the soul's influence, thought expands. And the more thought expands, the greater becomes one's inclination toward things of beauty and fine colors and pure air and delicate foods.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1916-Jun-07 in Haifa -- ABU1310)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-09, to Anny K Wilkinson -- AB06878)
Physical sight is not of great importance, therefore blindness should not be considered a defect. However, to be without insight is verily a great defect, because man is then incapable of understanding the mercy of God. Lack of insight deprives man of faith and of a consciousness of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at reading room and library for the blind in San Francisco, 1912-Oct-13 -- ABU0307)
As to the difference between inspiration and imagination: inspiration is in conformity with the Divine Texts, but imaginations do not conform therewith. A real, spiritual connection between the True One and the servant is a luminous bounty which causeth an ecstatic (or divine) flame, passion and attraction. When this connection is secured (or realized) such an ecstasy and happiness become manifest in the heart that man doth fly away (with joy) and uttereth melody and song. Just as the soul bringeth the body in motion, so that spiritual bounty and real connection likewise moveth (or cheereth) the human soul.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904-Mar-10, to Marian Tolson Phelps -- AB01410)
Good intention is necessary for good deeds. Unless there is good intention, which is like a firm and steadfast root and foundation, the tree of deeds will not yield fruits, blessings and results, and will not bestow good fruits. The greatest foundation for achieving good results from the deeds of the people of the world is good intention.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jun-04 in Paris -- ABU1164)
This authentic tradition has come down from the prophet, to wit: 'A man's intention or will is better than his act.' This means that when a man has a good intention, that is, cherishes the desire in his heart for a righteous act, it is impossible that such an intention by anything but pure. whereas, in acting, it is possible that selfish reasons may have prompted it.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Florence Khan, spoken on 1906-Jun-13 -- ABU1112)
Today is and has been the day of goodly words, goodly deeds, and good thoughts.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 ? [1882-1883], to Aqa Muhammad Rida Nahhas -- BH02596)
What conforms with divine decree will be realized. In addition, good intentions and sound thoughts attract confirmations.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Hearst estate in Pleasanton, CA, 1912-Oct-14 -- ABU2560)
This resolution or intention is the Magnet for attracting Divine Confirmations and inviting the Breaths of the Holy Spirit.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jan-27 -- AB03301)
Devotion to and love for one's vocation accomplishes miracles.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jul-11 -- ABU3634)
In the world of humanity "good intentions" is the greatest means of personal development. If a person has "good intention" he will succeed in all of his undertakings.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Apr-08 -- ABU3457)
I swear by the Ancient Beauty, may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones, that pure intention and righteous deeds influence stones and rocks, how much more the hearts and souls!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jul-20, to Qalami, Radiyyih daughter of Asadullah Isfahani -- AB12488)
These thoughts, vital and dynamic, will affect the minds of all with whom you come into contact, and like doves of peace, will grow and increase till they spread over all the land.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU3219)
For instance, one may learn a lesson or poem by heart, and he repeats and repeats it so often that the thoughts take possession of him, and he will repeat it unconsciously even in his sleep. This is magnetism belonging to the human spirit. Or he may walk many times upon a certain road, and he takes his walk so often he is able to take it unconsciously or automatically. This power is his own magnetism.
A mother rocks and rocks her babe to sleep in a cradle, but the thought of the child's sleep may so take possession of her mind that sometimes she is able to put him to sleep without the aid of the cradle. This effect is produced by the mother's magnetism.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Helen Goodall and Ella Cooper spoken in Jan. 1908 -- ABU1727)
Question: What is the source of evil thoughts that disturb those who do not wish to entertain them? Answer: They come from other minds; they are reflected. One should not become a mirror for them--to reflect them; neither should one try to control them, for this is impossible; it only aggravates the difficulty, causing more to appear. One should constantly turn the mirror of his heart squarely toward God so that the Light of the Sun of Truth may be reflected there.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Helen Goodall and Ella Cooper spoken in Jan. 1908 -- ABU2946)
These waves from our minds go forth and create movement and thought in other minds. From one strong though of love what great results may be produced!"
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Miss Rosenberg, spoken around 1909-Jan-09 -- ABU2377)
Pure intentions have different influence and effects in the world.
… Thus it was proven that your intentions regarding the grape vine or the citron or other trees are as though they are seen now.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Aqa Muhammad Rida Nahhas -- BH00938)
No matter how scientific a man may be, yet at times 'imagination' gains a power over his mind. For example, while the man is alive he is able to strike, to beat, to kill but you sleep with him in the same room.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Sep-01 in Ramleh -- ABU2533)
Continue exploring
For thought and discussion
Questions to carry forward
- What distinguishes a fruitful act of imagination from a pleasing conception that never becomes useful?
- How might we examine our motives without becoming so absorbed in them that we fail to act?
- What kinds of evidence would help us distinguish an ethical insight, a metaphor, and a claim about how minds influence one another?
- How could education cultivate both a generous imagination and the willingness to revise it?