Behind everything we do, there is a reason. The righteousness of our action lies in our motive. An action should not be judged void of its motive. Just like taking a knife and slitting someone’s stomach is not wrong. If the knife is in the hands of a surgeon performing an operation. Motive gives colour to the action.

Being aware of our motives is very important. Clarity of mind and purity of intent defines us. The world may not realise it, but we know our true intent in everything we do.

And before we judge others, we must try and understand why they do what they do. Sometimes lack of understanding leads to misunderstanding.

I am reminded of the story of the Zen master and his disciple crossing the river when they saw a lady who was stranded. The Zen master carried her on his back and when they reached the other side, thanking him she went her way. After a while when the disciple could not control himself he confronted the master. ‘You teach us to abstain and yet you carried the lady with such close contact.’ The Zen master smiled and replied – ‘After we crossed the river I put her down. Why are you still carrying her in your mind ?’

When we jump to conclusions without making an effort to understand the motive behind the action, we strain relationships. And when we get so carried away with our emotions that only the outcome matters irrespective of our motives, we strain our relationship with ourselves.

When we’ve touched someone’s heart and done everything we could for their sake, we know that our actions have just one motive. Pure Love.