Grammatical Analysis
Sammāsaṅkappa: [m.] Right Intention; Right Resolve; Correct Thought. Formed by sammā (correctly) + saṅkappa (thought, purpose, mental application). Doctrinally identical to the mental factor of applied thought (vitakka-cetasika) when directed toward wholesome ends.
Orthodox Definition
Sammāsaṅkappa is the second limb of the Noble Eightfold Path, completing the wisdom division (paññā-sikkhā). While Right View provides the correct cognitive map of reality, Right Intention is the alignment of the will and thought-patterns to move along that map.
The Buddha systematically defined Right Intention as comprising three specific wholesome thoughts:
- Nekkhamma-saṅkappa (Thought of Renunciation): Resolving to step away from the trapping pull of sensuality. Directly counteracts sensual desire (kāmacchanda).
- Abyāpāda-saṅkappa (Thought of Non-Ill-Will): Resolving to maintain thoughts of universal kindness. Directly counteracts anger and ill-will (byāpāda).
- Avihiṃsā-saṅkappa (Thought of Harmlessness): Resolving to act with active compassion toward vulnerable beings. Directly counteracts cruelty (vihesā).
At the supramundane level (lokuttara), this factor acts to tilt the unified consciousness squarely into Nibbāna, driving out all traces of unwholesome motivation.
Textual References
- Sutta: Dvedhāvitakka Sutta (MN 19) – The historic discourse where the Buddha details his own pre-enlightenment practice of dividing his thoughts into two distinct categories (wholesome vs. unwholesome) to conquer the mind.
- Canonical: Vibhaṅga (Magga-vibhaṅga analysis).
- Commentary: Atthasālinī – Analyzing how the choice-making process is refined through the deployment of wholesome vitakka.