In Buddhism, intention is considered synonymous with consciousness, while in the west this is considered a contentious claim.
Since some readers are probably unaware of this, worth noting explicitly that the sense of “intention” used in philosophy is different from the common meaning of the term. From the linked article:
Where the term “intentionality” is concerned, we also face confusing and contentious usage. But here the problem lies partly in the fact that the relevant use is definitely not that found in common speech employing cognate terms (as when we speak of doing something intentionally). [...]
One way philosophers have often explained what they mean by “intentionality” is this: it is that aspect of mental states or events that consists in their being of or about things, as pertains to the questions, “What are you thinking of?” and “What are you thinking about?” Intentionality is the aboutness or directedness or reference of mind (or states of mind) to things, objects, states of affairs, events. So if you are thinking about San Francisco, or about the cost of living there, or about your meeting someone at Union Square—your mind, your thinking, is directed toward San Francisco, or the cost of living, or the meeting in Union Square.
Since some readers are probably unaware of this, worth noting explicitly that the sense of “intention” used in philosophy is different from the common meaning of the term. From the linked article: