Yes, intention matters in Jainism, but it does not cancel the karmic effect of a wrong action.

In Jain Dharma:

• Bhāva = inner intention, thought, and state of the soul
• Dravya / action = the external deed

Both are important, but karma binds through the inner passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, along with the act itself. So if someone does wrong with a bad intention, the bondage is stronger. If someone does the same thing without clear harmful intention, the karmic effect may be less, but it is still not completely free from responsibility.

Simple understanding

• Bad intention + wrong act = stronger karma
• Ignorance or carelessness + wrong act = karma still binds, but may be less intense
• Pure intention + unavoidable harm = still needs careful restraint, because Jainism emphasizes total ahimsa

In Jain ethics, the highest ideal is not just “good intention,” but pure intention, right understanding, and non-violence in thought, word, and deed.

So, yes, intention matters very much — but in Jainism, intention alone is not enough to make a wrong act right.