Two weeks ago, I noticed that the small purple crocus flowers had pushed through the frozen soil. Soil that all through the winter seemed barren ... empty of all life. Now that life is apparent as bright bursts of violet color amid the brown and slushy white.  This morning a daffodil had bloomed near my sidewalk.  Its sunny yellow face leaning and reaching for the hidden sun behind the cold grey clouds.  It does not mind that the wind is bitterly cold.  It does not notice that winter's grip is still strong here in late March.  It just does what its nature requires.

How often do we merely complain and whine in the face of adversity?  Can we push through the barriers to bloom with buddha nature? Can we find it within ourselves to embrace the cold bitter world, knowing that some goodness lies there also?

Just be.  Be who you are.  Not more, not less.  Being who you are and allowing others to do the same ... that is true nature.  Buddha nature.  Strive for the sun that doesn't shine and just be.