Summary: Original goodness is the topic of this episode. The first principle of Buddhist psychology is seeing the inner nobility and beauty of all human beings. Christianity begins with original sin, while Buddhism begins with original goodness. The very possibility of enlightenment is based on the fact that craving, aversion, and delusion are not inherently a part of the fundamental nature of mind. I want to spend a few minute discussing this original goodness or inner nobility. Text: “O Nobly Born, O you of glorious origins, remember your radiant true nature, the essence of mind. Trust it. Return to it. It is home.” - The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Outline: Introduction I. First, original goodness affects the way we see ourselves and others. II. Second, if we are essentially good, why so much evil in the world. III. Third, where is the original goodness in us? Conclusion
