We carry the seed of awakening. And yet we are so blind. Can we learn to see through the clouds of delusion, greed and hatefulness? Do we have the resolve and patience to begin and the humility and forgiveness to persevere in hard times? Vigilant in ethical practice, unremitting mindfulness, inner stillness, and sharp discernment, we purify the mind. Not only that – joyous and aware, we radiate a fearless unequivocal compassion. When the sun rises, darkness disappears. Just so, we emerge from our blindness, at peace with all conditions. Given at a ten day Ottawa Buddhist Society retreat at St. Joseph's Convent, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada, 2009.