Intent

 "The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent" by Esther and Jerry Hicks focuses on the idea that individuals can shape their reality through focused, intentional thought. 

Deliberate Intent: The book emphasizes the importance of consciously choosing your thoughts to attract what you want in life. Intentional focus aligns you with positive outcomes.

Law of Attraction: It builds on the Law of Attraction—the idea that like attracts like—meaning your thoughts and emotions influence what you manifest.

Emotional Guidance: Your feelings serve as a guide. Positive emotions indicate alignment with your desires, while negative emotions suggest a disconnect.

Power of Focus: Where you place your attention grows. Focusing on what you want (rather than what you lack) brings desired experiences.

Practical Tools: The book offers processes like visualization, affirmations, and appreciation to align your energy with your goals.

In essence, the book teaches that by using deliberate intent, you can consciously create a more fulfilling life.

The concept of deliberate intent as popularized in modern New Thought literature, particularly in Esther and Jerry Hicks' "The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent," centers on the idea that focused thought and intention can shape one's reality. This idea, while modern in its presentation, finds parallels in ancient spiritual traditions, including the Sri Vaishnava tradition of South India. Lets explores these parallels, particularly focusing on the concept of intent, devotion, and surrender in Sri Vaishnava literature.

Deliberate Intent in New Thought Philosophy

In "The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent," the Hickses teach that individuals can manifest their desired outcomes by focusing their thoughts and emotions intentionally. The Law of Attraction, which posits that like attracts like, is the foundational principle. A key element is the emotional guidance system: feelings indicate the degree of alignment with one's desires. Tools such as visualization, affirmations, and gratitude practices are employed to align with positive outcomes.

Sri Vaishnava Concept of Intent and Surrender

In contrast, Sri Vaishnava philosophy emphasizes bhakti (devotion), prapatti (surrender), and divine grace (kripa) rather than individual willpower. However, the spiritual focus and intent directed toward union with the divine share a deep resemblance to the concept of deliberate intent.

1. Bhakti as Intent-Focused Devotion

In the Tiruvaymoli by Nammazhwar, the devotee expresses intense longing and one-pointed focus on Vishnu:

"uyarvara uyarnalam udaiyavan evan avan..." "He who possesses the highest and noblest qualities is the one who grants liberation to those who fix their mind and heart on Him."

This shows that divine realization is attainable through focused, deliberate devotion

2. Prapatti as Surrendered Intent

In Tiruppavai by Andal (Verse 29):

"O Lord, we have come to you with single-minded devotion. You alone are our refuge."

This verse reflects a conscious and deliberate act of surrender, which is itself a powerful form of intent directed entirely toward divine grace.

3. Power of Divine Name and Remembrance

From the Vishnu Sahasranama:

"Yasya smarana-mātreṇa janma-saṁsāra-bandhanāt vimucyate namas tasmai viṣṇave prabha-viṣṇave." "By merely remembering Him, one is freed from the bondage of birth and death."

This illustrates the transformative power of mental focus and remembrance, akin to the modern concept of focused intention.

While deliberate intent in New Thought is often centered around material or personal well-being, in Sri Vaishnava tradition, the intent is directed toward spiritual liberation and divine union. The common ground lies in the recognition of the mind and heart's power to influence one's path—whether through attraction or devotion.

Though differing in context and ultimate goals, both New Thought and Sri Vaishnava traditions affirm the significance of intentional focus. The former encourages the deliberate shaping of life circumstances, while the latter channels intent toward surrender and divine grace. Together, they offer rich insights into the transformative power of the human will when aligned with higher truths.