You are Whole and Complete, Lacking Nothing

Martin Verhoeven: There is a very deep premise that underlies all the Mahayana Buddhism traditions that our original nature is whole and complete, lacking nothing. This original nature is also called enlightened awakened nature, Buddha nature, essential nature, or self nature (Ch. 自性). It is not greater in a Buddha or a sage and lesser in an ordinary living being. It is just realized, used, and functioning (Ch. 用) differently. 

Based on this premise, the goal of this practice is not going out and seeking but to recognize that it's already here. We then begin the process of uncovering, opening up, and freeing that essential nature, letting it manifest and blossom. The emphasis in this practice is not about going out seeking and wanting. It is about paying attention to what impedes, obstructs, or is in the way. 

It's a very interesting dynamic because the practice itself does not produce awakening, but it illuminates what stands in the way of awakening. And awakening will manifest by itself once the obstacles are removed.