Enlightened mind, or Buddha nature, is the true nature of every being. Buddhists believe that all beings, not only humans, but also animals, including the tiniest insect, possess enlightened mind. The true nature of the mind is enlightened, and is peaceful and clear. The clear and peaceful nature of the mind can be understood both through out own daily lives and through Buddhist wisdom. All of us can probably agree that if the mind is not disturbed by external events, emotional struggles, or conceptual rigidities, it becomes peaceful. The more peaceful our mind becomes, the clearer it gets. It is like water, which is peaceful and clear if it is not polluted or stirred. It is like the sky, which is pure and clear, if it is not polluted or covered by clouds. In the same way, when the mind is not disturbed by our rushing life and turbulent emotions, it is peaceful. The more peaceful it becomes, the more it gains in wisdom and clarity.
Excerpted from: Enlightened Journey, Buddhist Practice as Daily Life, Tulku Thondup, Shambhala Publications