Yes, there are troubles in the world. There's war and hatred, there's sickness and difficulty. And there is also an undying spirit, an inviolable consciousness that is born in each of us. It is who we are, and it's everything and it's nothing.

In opening we can see how many times we have mistaken small identities and fearful beliefs for our true nature and how limiting this is. We can touch with great compassion the pain from the contracted identities that we and others have created in the world.

We must look at our life without sentimentality, exaggeration or idealism. Does what we are choosing reflect what we most deeply value?

To open deeply, as genuine spiritual life requires, we need tremendous courage and strength, a kind of warrior spirit.

In the crystal of the awakened consciousness, one facet is love.

May you know the beauty of your own true nature.

What we seek is what we are.