Basic goodness

One of the foundational principles of Buddhism is that we all have an inherent, basic goodness. Our truest self is loving, joyful, and open-hearted. Our practice can help us learn to trust this basic goodness, and to keep our hearts open, even in the face of challenge. The Buddha compared this goodness to the sun. No matter what kind of weather there is in the sky, the sun is always shining behind the clouds, just as our foundational goodness is always present.