Introduction
1) The intention needs to precede the action, just as the Rosh of the Partzuf has to precede the action – then it is called “The end of the action.” In order for the action to be implemented in actuality, in the Guf (body) the action has to be “with a preceding intention.” Meaning that there has to be an intention first.
2) "The end of any action lies in its initial thought", meaning that if the action is correct, that is, a person prepares for it with a right intention, then, consequently, what a person plans in his or her intention is revealed at the end of the action.
3) Fear of a wrong intention is possible only in the context of society; for, if it is important to society, it will be important for every member of society as well.
4) If you desired to attain adhesion to the Creator through the intention – you perform the action and attain adhesion. While adhesion is performed in the desire, the act of adhesion is performed in the intention.
5) When one formulates an intention during study, that formulation is an action. Since the intention to bestow comes from above, the aim of study is the desire that, from one's study, he will have the intention to bestow to the Creator. In his whole reality, only the intention is missing. The vessel lacks the intention, i.e., the power that was lost during the breaking of the vessels.
6) Baal HaSulam tells us simply: always try to see these three factors, one's self, society, and the Creator, all connected as one. Everyone must aim for that state.
7) In the group's every action during study, during the clarification of some issue, a person has to be very careful; one must ask why this or that is being done. If this action is to reach its goal, it must be consecrated “for the purpose of unifying the Creator and the Shechinah.” The sages determined this saying, but it is not a proverb. It means aiming one's self so that actions such as studying or acting in a group, no matter what, will result in another step towards the goal.
(Lesson of February 25, 05: Steps of the Ladder, Part One, Article 210, “On the Subject of the Study of the Wisdom of Kabbalah”)