Right Intention

Let us now consider right intention from a data analysis perspective. Think of the Intention of Renunciation - "resistance to the pull of desire" (from The Bigview) . Most of us go into data analysis projects with some sort of emotional investment in the results, we will have proof to gain resources for something we care about, to fight against something that is harmful, to gain recognition and prestige. At our best we should detach ourselves from the hoped for results of the analysis. We should simply want the analysis to be correct- that we will pick the correct analysis for the question that needs to be answered, and that our execution is correct.  The desire for specific results can cloud our judgement.

Let us think of the Intention of Good Will - "resistance to feelings of anger and aversion" (from The Bigview). Extending upon our first reflection, conducting analysis in the right manner means that we have to be open to the possibility of having the results not turn out the way that we expect. We can find nothing, or even evidence that supports something contrary to our prior beliefs. We should not rejecting or suppress analysis solely because it doesn't support our beliefs. This does not mean that we can't challenge findings, indeed we should always be cautious and prudent when interpreting any results, but we have to maintain sufficient detachment from existing ideas that we can entertain new ones.

Finally, let us think of the Intention of Harmlessness - "not to think or act cruelly, violently, or aggressively, and to develop compassion (from The Bigview) ." I believe the principles of ethical conduct in data collection and analysis, and a commitment to framing questions and presenting results in a non-stigmatizing way, especially when focused on those with less power, are relevant to this point.