The nature of mind, clear and aware, is free from defects; it cannot be affected by obscurations. No phenomena, whether mental or occurring in the external world, can affect it. Nothing can alter this natural quality, which is the innate character of the mind itself.

Generally, various conceptual thoughts are constantly arising in our minds, moment by moment, and function to obscure its essential nature. When you utilise the technique of mindfulness and maintain your awareness on only the object in front of you, immediately perceiving the distractions and withdrawing from them, eventually you will clear away all the conceptual events that obscure the natural state of your mind. You will gradually perceive a very stable and lucid state of mind.

-- His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama