Mindfulness of Motivation: Cultivating Wholesome Intentions
Practicing mindfulness of motivation is a key in our journey toward spiritual maturity and freedom from suffering. Understanding the roots of our actions, without judging them harshly, can open new doors.
Practicing mindfulness of motivations involves deepening awareness of the intentions that drive our behaviors, distinguishing between those that lead to beneficial outcomes and those that may cause harm. Central to this practice are the Buddhist concepts of hiri (conscience or moral shame) and ottappa (respect or moral fear/dread), which serve as internal guides, helping us steer us toward wholesome actions, even though we can’t know the outcomes of choices in advance (Olenski, 2024).
The Guardians of the World: Hiri and Ottappa
In Buddhist teachings, hiri and ottappa are appreciated as the “guardians of the world.” Hiri refers to an internal sense we ordinarily refer to as conscience. It arises from the thought of committing unwholesome actions, and is rooted in self-respect and personal integrity. Ottappa, on the other hand, arises from our respect for others. It comes from the apprehension or fear of the consequences of unskilful actions, stemming from an understanding of the moral and societal implications of our deeds. Together, these qualities act as protective factors, deterring individuals from engaging in harmful behaviors and promoting moral conduct.
The Comparing Mind: A Double-Edged Sword
Another aspect influencing our motivations is the “comparing mind,” the tendency to measure ourselves against others. While this can lead to feelings of envy or inadequacy, it also has the potential to inspire self-discovery and positive changes, when approached skillfully. The Buddha referred to this discerning aspect as the “analysis of qualities” or “investigation of states”, and it is one of the factors for awakening. By mindfully observing how comparisons affect our emotions and motivations, we can transform potentially unwholesome feelings into catalysts for clear seeing and personal growth.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Mindfulness of Motivation
If you would like to start bringing mindfulness to your own motivations, here are a few things you might try:
- Seek Wholesome Influences: Surround yourself with individuals and environments that encourage positive motivations and behaviors. If you would like, join one of our programs, which offer such support.
- Engage in Learning: Engage with teachings and practices that reinforce ethical conduct and self-awareness, such as meditation, reading, and community discussions. If you like you are welcome to join the Middle Path Healing Arts community sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- Embrace Hiri and Ottappa: Set an intention to consciously develop your innate capacities for conscience and respect. Recognize that any uncomfortable feelings you meet in the process may not be about self-criticism, but about guiding yourself toward ethical and wholesome actions.
- Be Aware of Comparing: When you notice yourself comparing to others, observe the emotions that arise. Let them to identify areas for personal development rather than fostering negative feelings.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly pause to notice the intentions behind your actions. Are they motivated by kindness, compassion, and understanding, or by envy, fear, and desire? How does it feel when you act from kindness? Or when you act from jealousy? So much can be learned by paying attention to these factors, without giving yourself too much of a hard time about it all.
By integrating these practices into daily life, each of us has the potential to foster deeper understanding of our own motivations, steering our lives toward actions that contribute to both personal and community well-being.
Notes
Olendzki, Andrew. “What’s in a Word?: Hiri and Ottappa.” Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, Summer 2024. https://tricycle.org/magazine/hiri-ottappa-meaning/.Tricycle: The Buddhist Review+9