The dharma student is a happy warrior.  The practice requires effort and determination, it's often difficult, there are many ups and downs ... but when we practice skillfully, with compassion and lovingkindness, the practice is joyful.  Our hearts are open and we understand that, although the road is long, we're moving toward a greater happiness in our lives.  Our effort, then, is joyful.  The talk was given at a Downtown Meditation Community retreat in 2013.