Written by Noel Coakley

“Identifying motivation is like our internal posture. We set up the body posture to support practice. Then, reminding ourselves of our intention, we set up our mind for practice.”

Geshe Wangyal was one of the first lamas to teach in the United States back in the 1960s.

The best story I ever heard about him is about a yoga conference he was invited to speak at. This was one of a small handful of public appearances or talks he had ever given.

At the very end of the conference, Geshe Wangyal was given a full hour to speak. He had spent the duration of the conference attending the workshops and talks of the other presenters and was struck by the apparent absence of something foundational.

When it came his time to speak, the stage was set, the audience settled, and he walked up to take his seat. The microphone kicked on.

“The most important question to ask yourself is, ‘Why am I doing this?’”

He put the mic down and left the stage.

Now, this is a man who could have spoken for days on end about meditation practice and Buddhist philosophy, but chose to say only one thing about motivation and intention. What does this say to the listeners about the importance of intention?

Identifying intention and motivation is important for everything — not just meditation practice. The clearer we have articulated our intention, the more likely we are to operate out of that intention and feel the benefit of acting and being in sync with that intention. When we act in alignment with intention and meaning, everything becomes sacred. Each time we refamiliarize ourselves with that intention, it strengthens the habit of mind of operating out of that intention.

Often, intention and motivation are wide views, beyond just the day and beyond the self. When we recognize everything we do or don’t do affects everyone in our sphere of influence, our motivation begins to include everyone. Connecting to motivation can help us get beyond ourselves and whatever we might be experiencing momentarily. There are many days where we just don’t want to practice. Remembering our intention helps us get beyond that immediate resistance.

Identifying motivation is like our internal posture. We set up the body posture to support practice. Then, reminding ourselves of our intention, we set up our mind for practice.

The bodhisattva vow, for example, is a common intention and motivation from Mahayana Buddhism. This is the compassionate intention to practice until everyone is liberated from suffering and has recognized their buddha nature.

In simple terms, it is remembering that we are doing this for everyone. Not for personal gain. Not for fame. Not for material wealth. Not to be better than others.

So, as Geshe Wangyal asked, “Why are you doing this?”