Purity: Sincerity of Intention and The Whisper of Ego
"If the water is too clean, there will be no fish. One who is too critical will have no friends."
—Chinese Proverb
Every person longs to live with a meaningful purpose, yet often forgets to pause and trace back where that purpose truly begins. Purity becomes the key that keeps each step from being trapped in self-interest. It is a mirror that reveals the honesty of the heart, whether our intentions are genuinely born of sincerity or quietly clouded by ambition and the desire for recognition. When purity is present, life feels lighter, for it is no longer driven by ego, but guided by grace and sincerity.
Yet, purity never stands alone. It forms an inseparable unity with three other essential values: honesty, unselfishness, and love. Honesty gives us the courage to ask: Is this right or wrong? Purity urges us to reflect: Is this truly good, or is it not appropriate? Unselfishness tests the heart: Does this action benefit others, or only serve myself? Last, love reminds us: Will this step bring beauty and goodness, or will it cause harm? When these four values become the compass of life, the path ahead grows clearer. Every decision, no matter how small, is no longer measured by visible results alone, but by the authenticity of the intention behind it.
Still, maintaining purity is never easy. Many times, we are tempted to disguise ego beneath what appears to be noble reasoning. One may claim that a decision is made "for the greater good," while secretly hoping for praise or recognition. This is the real challenge: to be honest with oneself, even when the truth hurts. As I have learned, no matter how noble a goal may seem, it is vital to pause and examine the heart, is this intention truly sincere, or has it been quietly steered by ego?
This reflection, shared by Alex Leung, a member of the Asia-Pacific Coordination Group (APCG) of Initiatives of Change, during Bandung Peace Week 2025 on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, was delivered under the theme "Inner Listening of Purity." His words touched something deeply personal in me. I often believe that my intentions are good when I encourage others to chase their dreams. I see dreams not as individual possessions, but as a collective energy that can empower one another. Yet, there were times when others saw my encouragement as ambition, as if I were imposing my way upon them. That perception made me pause and look inward: Was I truly trying to support them, or was there a hidden desire for others to walk the same path so I wouldn't feel alone in my struggle?
That question struck me, reminding me that purity of intention is not a one-time decision, but a lifelong discipline that must be examined and nurtured continously.
"So, when we examine our intentions, are we truly walking alongside others, or are we simply trying to fix ourselves while thinking, 'I am such a good person,' and feeding our ego? Because if it's the latter, the we might have taken a different path. We put ourselves at the center instead of truly considering others' needs," said Alex during his session.
In the end, purity is the courage to face oneself. The world may not always align with one's good intentions, but what matters most is honesty in discerning the heart. As long as we remain faithful to the compass of values; honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love, every step will find meaning, even without recognition.
Purity is not about how others see us, but about the steadfastness of the heart to stay clear amid the murky waters of worldly desires. It calls for consistency and bravery, to keep refining one's intentions, again and again. In doing so, every action, no matter how small, becomes an expression of true love, deep sincerity, and unwavering commitment to live a life of genuine meaning, not only for oneself, but for humanity as a whole.
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Author: Jihan Nabilah (Volunteer Bandung Peace Week 2025 & part of Young Interfaith Peacemaker Community West Java)
Editor: Anisa Eka Putri Kusmayani
Translator: Siti Zaetun