Episode 135 - Buddha-Nature

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Buddha asserted that all living beings have Buddha-nature, a consciousness that is the seed of enlightenment. No matter how deluded someone is at this moment, they have within them the potential to become a fully enlightened being. Our nature is essentially pure and good (and empty of inherent existence). Even when it is raining, and clouds completely cover the sun, the clouds do not change the essential light-giving power of the sun. In the same way, the clouds of delusions like anger, greed, and ignorance do not change the pure nature of living beings. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If we are not yet enlightened, then, of course, we will sometimes “malfunction” with anger or other bad habits of mind. Rather than becoming discouraged or feeling like a bad person, we can have compassion for ourselves and try to relate to our Buddha-nature. If we train our minds, we can perfect the following six qualities and become an awakened being, just like Buddha did. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What are the Six Perfections?</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">generosity</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">ethical discipline</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">patience</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">effort </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">concentration</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">wisdom</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">From afar, good people</span></em></p> <p><em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">    Shine like the Himalayan mountains.</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Close up, bad people disappear,</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: