If intentions do not matter, only actions, how does that reconcile with the teaching that if we have sinned in our hearts and minds then we have effectively sinned? As when Jesus taught if we have committed adultery in our hearts and minds then we have committed adultery for all intents and purposes. Furthermore, what is the Karmic climate of a person who is mean in spirit, or harbors ill-will, but not mean in action? Does thought and/or intention only matter when we are unconsciously identified with them? Or is merely having them enough to create a kind of spiritual soil?
Thank you for your time and consideration.