The Buddha realized a state of pure awakened consciousness. We try to emulate his moral excellence by turning inward to bring the mind to silence. We relinquish habitual unwholesome and harmful thoughts, and reveal the same universal moral essence within us – just as in all beings. We know the Noble Truths of how and why we suffer and forge a pathway to the heart’s freedom. For when loving-kindness and compassion preside, the gates to the Deathless are opened. Sunday talk, Sati Saraniya Hermitage, Nov. 2023