noun
original intention; initial resolve
Refers to one's first, pure intention or resolve at the start of an endeavor; often used in contexts of staying true to one's original purpose.
彼は初一念を忘れずに、研究を続けた。
He continued his research without forgetting his original intention.
事業を始めたときの初一念に立ち返る。
I return to the initial resolve I had when I started the business.
Compound of 初 (first) + 一念 (one thought, single-minded determination). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term conveys the idea of one's initial, unwavering resolve.