The essence of dharma lies in being true to oneself (one's innate nature) and in exerting great effort to be courageous. When truth and the courage to walk on the path of truth are joined with mindfulness, a practitioner truly begins to practice the dharma. Until these qualities of truth and courage are generated, we will be vulnerable to our own pretenses and fabrications.

-- His Holiness Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche