Dalai Lama Quotes

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His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama (born 6 July 1935). Head of state and spiritual leader of the people of Tibet; Awarded the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize; born Lhamo Dhondrub, renamed Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (Holy Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate, Defender of the Faith, Ocean of Wisdom) upon being officially recognized as the Dalai Lama. Tibetans often refer to him as Yeshe Norbu, the “Wishfulfilling Gem” or just Kundun – “The Presence.” See: Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama Quotes

We are visitors on this planet. We are here for one hundred years at the very most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives. If you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true meaning of life. – Dalai Lama

A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals the secret of some hidden treasure. – Dalai Lama

A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity. – Dalai Lama

A spoon cannot taste of the food it carries. Likewise, a foolish man cannot understand the wise man’s wisdom even if he associates with a sage. – Dalai Lama

Action is more important than meditation. – Dalai Lama

All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction. – Dalai Lama

An open heart is an open mind. – Dalai Lama

Anger and aggression sometimes seem to be protective because they bring energy to bear on a particular situation, but what needs to be acknowledged is that that energy is blind. It takes a calm mind to be able to consider things from different angles and points of view. – Dalai Lama

Anger cannot be overcome by anger. If someone is angry with you, and you show anger in return, the result is a disaster. On the other hand, if you control your anger and show its opposite – love, compassion, tolerance and patience – not only will you remain peaceful, but the other person’s anger will also diminish. – Dalai Lama

Anger destroys our peace of mind; loving-kindness earns us friends and eliminates the risk of being alone. – Dalai Lama

Anger is the ultimate destroyer of your own peace of mind. – Dalai Lama

Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it. – Dalai Lama

Appearance is something absolute, but reality is not that way – everything is interdependent, not absolute. So that view is very helpful to maintain a peace of mind because the main destroyer of a peaceful mind is anger. – Dalai Lama

Appearance is something absolute, but reality is not that way – everything is interdependent, not absolute. – Dalai Lama

As a human being, anger is a part of our mind. Irritation also part of our mind. But you can do – anger come, go. Never keep in your sort of – your inner world, then create a lot of suspicion, a lot of distrust, a lot of negative things, more worry. – Dalai Lama

As human beings we need to assess whether anger has any value – it destroys our peace of mind. Compassion, on the other hand, brings optimism and hope. – Dalai Lama

As long as I am alive, I am fully committed to amity between Tibetans and Chinese. Otherwise there’s no use. – Dalai Lama

As long as we observe love for others and respect for their rights and dignity in our daily lives, then whether we are learned or unlearned, whether we believe in the Buddha or God, follow some religion or none at all, as long as we have compassion for others and conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense of responsibility, there is no doubt we will be happy. – Dalai Lama

Be compassionate, not just to your friends but to everyone. – Dalai Lama

Be ready to change your goals, but never your values. – Dalai Lama

Because motivation pervades all action, it is important that we have a positive motivation. Whatever we are involved in, whether it’s politics, education, medicine, law, engineering, science, business or industry, the nature of our motivation determines the character of our work. – Dalai Lama

Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health. – Dalai Lama

China has to go along with world trends. That’s democracy, liberty, individual freedom. China sooner or later has to go that way. It cannot go backward. – Dalai Lama

China still practices harsh measures and policies towards Tibetan people. I met many educated people from Tibet who voiced their grievances to me and they all say the same thing. – Dalai Lama

Choose to be optimistic, it feels better. – Dalai Lama

Compassion is the radicalism of our time. – Dalai Lama

Conversion is not my intention. Changing religion is not easy. You may develop some kind of confusion or difficulties. – Dalai Lama

Death means change our clothes. Clothes become old, then time to come change. So this body become old, and then time come, take young body. – Dalai Lama

Develop the heart. Too much energy in your country is spent developing the mind instead of the heart. – Dalai Lama

Disagreement is something normal. – Dalai Lama

Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance or my kindness for weakness. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. – Dalai Lama

Ethics are not a collection of commandments and prohibitions to abide by, but a natural inner offering that can bring happiness and satisfaction to ourselves and others. – Dalai Lama

Even when we have physical hardships, we can be very happy. – Dalai Lama

Follow the three R’s: – Respect for self. – Respect for others. – Responsibility for all your actions. – Dalai Lama

Foolish, selfish people are always thinking of themselves and the result is always negative. Wise persons think of others, helping them as much as they can, and the result is happiness. – Dalai Lama

Forget the failures. Keep the lessons. – Dalai Lama

Generally speaking, if a human being never shows anger, then I think something’s wrong. He’s not right in the brain. – Dalai Lama

Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay. – Dalai Lama

Given the scale of life in the cosmos, one human life is no more than a tiny blip. Each one of us is a just visitor to this planet, a guest, who will only stay for a limited time. What greater folly could there be than to spend this short time alone, unhappy or in conflict with our companions? Far better, surely, to use our short time here in living a meaningful life, enriched by our sense of connection with others and being of service to them. – Dalai Lama

Hard times build determination and inner strength. Through them we can also come to appreciate the uselessness of anger. Instead of getting angry nurture a deep caring and respect for troublemakers because by creating such trying circumstances they provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience. – Dalai Lama

Home is where you feel at home and are treated well. – Dalai Lama

Human beings are social animals and that it is love that brings us together, while anger drives us apart. – Dalai Lama

I agree that the fear of American cultural imperialism is shared by many people, and I agree with your point about the invasive nature of television culture. But I wouldn’t draw the next inference that this is negative and therefore it must be stopped. I feel that one should address this influence in a way that takes away the negative edge through a positive counter-response. This way, you reinforce and reaffirm your conviction in the inner values. You harness those beliefs and develop them with a greater degree of self-awareness. That’s the kind of response people should have, instead of rejecting technology. – Dalai Lama

I always believe the rule by king or official leader is outdated. Now we must catch up with the modern world. – Dalai Lama

I always tell people that religious institutions and political institutions should be separate. So while I’m telling people this, I myself continue with them combined. Hypocrisy! – Dalai Lama

I am a simple Buddhist monk – no more, no less. – Dalai Lama

I am just one human being. – Dalai Lama

I am sometimes sad when I hear the personal stories of Tibetan refugees who have been tortured or beaten. Some irritation, some anger comes. But it never lasts long. I always try to think at a deeper level, to find ways to console. – Dalai Lama

I became the Dalai Lama not on a volunteer basis. – Dalai Lama

I believe the ultimate source of blessings is within us. – Dalai Lama

I consider myself as a free spokesman for the people. – Dalai Lama

I describe myself as a simple Buddhist monk. No more, no less. – Dalai Lama

I don’t dwell on being the Dalai Lama, I think of myself as just another human being. And when I meet someone else I greet them as a brother or sister, which brings me joy. Self-centredness, being obsessed with ourselves, just brings us trouble. – Dalai Lama

I feel exhausted if I teach too long. – Dalai Lama

I felt we must separate political responsibility. The Dalai Lama should not carry that burden. So that is my selfish reason – to protect the old Dalai Lama tradition. It is safer without political involvement. – Dalai Lama

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. – Dalai Lama

I have done one thing that I think is a contribution: I helped Buddhist science and modern science combine. No other Buddhist has done that. Other lamas, I don’t think they ever pay attention to modern science. Since my childhood, I have a keen interest. – Dalai Lama

I have no trouble sleeping. – Dalai Lama

I think governments can’t do much. – Dalai Lama

I think really, China, Chinese, I think they really have a long history of civilization, rich culture. – Dalai Lama

I think the self-burning itself on practice of non-violence. These people, you see, they easily use bomb explosive, more casualty people. But they didn’t do that. Only sacrifice their own life. So this also is part of practice of non-violence. – Dalai Lama

I think there’s every reason this 21st century will be much happier. – Dalai Lama

I totally disagree with the view that the Tibet struggle will die, and there will be no hope for Tibet, after the Dalai Lama passes away. – Dalai Lama

I want to be just a pure spiritual leader. – Dalai Lama

I will not propose to you that my way is best. The decision is up to you. If you find some point which may be suitable to you, then you can carry out experiments for yourself. If you find that it is of no use, then you can discard it. – Dalai Lama

If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever. – Dalai Lama

If I am only happy for myself, many fewer chances for happiness. If I am happy when good things happen to other people, billions more chances to be happy! – Dalai Lama

If it can be solved, there’s no need to worry, and if it can’t be solved, worry is of no use. – Dalai Lama

If some people have the belief or view that the Dalai Lama has some miracle power, that’s totally nonsense. I am just one human being. – Dalai Lama

If some people have the belief or view that the Dalai Lama has some miracle power, that’s totally nonsense. – Dalai Lama

If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun. – Dalai Lama

If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience and understanding. – Dalai Lama

If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them. – Dalai Lama

If you have a sincere and open heart, you naturally feel self- worth and confidence, and there is no need to be fearful of others. – Dalai Lama

If you think only of yourself, if you forget the rights and well-being of others, or, worse still, if you exploit others, ultimately you will lose. You will have no friends who will show concern for your well-being. Moreover, if a tragedy befalls you, instead of feeling concerned, others might even secretly rejoice. By contrast, if an individual is compassionate and altruistic, and has the interests of others in mind, then irrespective of whether that person knows a lot of people, wherever that person moves, he or she will immediately make friends. And when that person faces a tragedy, there will be plenty of people who will come to help. – Dalai Lama

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito. – Dalai Lama

If your heart has peace, nothing can disturb you. – Dalai Lama

In a world where people easily fall under the sway of anger and hatred, we need love, tolerance and contentment. You may have all the physical amenities you need to be comfortable, but it you have no peace of mind, they won’t make you happy. On the other hand, if you have peace of mind, you’ll be happy whether you have those amenities or not. – Dalai Lama

In most cases, my visits to the West are for promotion of human values and religious harmony. – Dalai Lama

In order to become prosperous, a person must initially work very hard, so he or she has to sacrifice a lot of leisure time. – Dalai Lama

In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision. – Dalai Lama

In our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess. – Dalai Lama

In the case of Tibet versus China, violence is almost like suicide, … If violence, then bloodshed. Bloodshed means more casualties among the Chinese and, again, more hatred. – Dalai Lama

In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher. – Dalai Lama

In this century we have made remarkable material progress, but basically we are the same as we were thousands of years ago. Our spiritual needs are still very great. – Dalai Lama

Instead of looking to blame others and the world around us, we should first look within ourselves. – Dalai Lama

Instead of trying to resolve our differences by force, we must talk and enter into dialogue. This is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom — a realistic approach. – Dalai Lama

Instead of wondering WHY this is happening to you, consider why this is happening to YOU. – Dalai Lama

It is difficult to violently suppress people in the long run, as the example of the Soviet Union and the Eastern European countries has shown. – Dalai Lama

It is necessary to help others, not only in our prayers, but in our daily lives. If we find we cannot help others, the least we can do is to desist from harming them. – Dalai Lama

It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the virtues of compassion and tolerance. – Dalai Lama

It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.

It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come. – Dalai Lama

It is very rare or almost impossible that an event can be negative from all points of view. – Dalai Lama

Just as we can learn how helpful love and compassion can be, we can come to understand that anger, pride, jealousy and arrogance can be detrimental. – Dalai Lama

Just as we employ physical hygiene to protect our health, we need emotional hygiene, the means to tackle our destructive emotions, if we are to achieve peace of mind. – Dalai Lama

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. – Dalai Lama

Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively. – Dalai Lama

Letting yourself be overtaken by negative emotions leads to suffering. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the shortcomings of an unruly, undisciplined mind. If you train your mind, you’ll suffer less. – Dalai Lama

Logically, harmony must come from the heart… Harmony very much based on trust. As soon as use force, creates fear. Fear and trust cannot go together. – Dalai Lama

Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open. – Dalai Lama

Most people prefer a smile to a frown. It’s human nature. Even dogs respond with wagging tails to a smile and other shows of affection. – Dalai Lama

My faith helps me overcome such negative emotions and find my equilibrium. – Dalai Lama

My religion is kindness. – Dalai Lama

Negative thoughts and emotions undermine the very causes of peace and happiness. In fact, when we think properly, it is totally illogical to seek happiness if we do nothing to restrain angry, spiteful, and malicious thoughts and emotions.

Neither a space station nor an enlightened mind can be realized in a day. – Dalai Lama

Never give up. No matter what is going on. Never give up. – Dalai Lama

Never give up. No matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, never give up. – Dalai Lama

Not only is this the greatest achievement of Taiwan’s democracy, it is also the pride of Taiwan, – Dalai Lama

Number of people have said to me, after hearing your thinking, their mind becomes much more happier. – Dalai Lama

Of course, when I say that human nature is gentleness, it is not 100 percent so. Every human being has that nature, but there are many people acting against their nature, being false. – Dalai Lama

Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day. – Dalai Lama

One thing I want to make clear, as far as my own rebirth is concerned, the final authority is myself and no one else, and obviously not China’s Communists. – Dalai Lama

One-liners, short Dalai Lama quotes, sayings, thoughts and captions for your bio, social status, self-talk, motto, mantra, signs, posters, wallpapers, backgrounds. – Dalai Lama

Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek. – Dalai Lama

Optimism doesn’t mean that you are blind to the reality of the situation. It means that you remain motivated to seek a solution to whatever problems arise. – Dalai Lama

Optimism leads to success; pessimism leads to defeat. – Dalai Lama

Our ancient experience confirms at every point that everything is linked together, everything is inseparable. – Dalai Lama

Out of 6 billion humans, the troublemakers are just a handful. – Dalai Lama

Pain can change you, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a bad change. Take that pain and turn it into wisdom. – Dalai Lama

Physical comforts cannot subdue mental suffering, and if we look closely, we can see that those who have many possessions are not necessarily happy. In fact, being wealthy often brings even more anxiety. – Dalai Lama

Problems will always arise, but we need to address them differently. We need to engage in dialogue to resolve them rather than resorting to the use of force. – Dalai Lama

Proper utilization of time is so important. While we have this body, and especially this amazing human brain, I think every minute is something precious. – Dalai Lama

Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck. – Dalai Lama

Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually. – Dalai Lama, The Nobel Lecture, December 11, 1989

Self satisfaction alone cannot determine if a desire or action is positive or negative. The demarcation between a positive and a negative desire or action is not whether it gives you a immediate feeling of satisfaction, but whether it ultimately results in positive or negative consequences. – Dalai Lama

Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality. – Dalai Lama – Dalai Lama

Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace. – Dalai Lama

Sleep is the best meditation. – Dalai Lama

Smile if you want a smile from another face. – Dalai Lama

Some mischievous people always there. Last several thousand years, always there. In future, also. – Dalai Lama

Some scientists believe climate change is the cause of unprecedented melting of the North Pole, and that effects these very uncertain weather patterns. I think we should listen to those scientists and experts. – Dalai Lama

Someone else’s action should not determine your response. – Dalai Lama

Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent. – Dalai Lama

Spend some time alone every day. – Dalai Lama

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. – Dalai Lama

The basic Buddhist stand on the question of equality between the genders is age-old. At the highest tantric levels, at the highest esoteric level, you must respect women: every woman. – Dalai Lama

The best way to resolve any problem in the human world is for all sides to sit down and talk. – Dalai Lama

The challenge today is to convince people of the value of truth, honesty, compassion and a concern for others. – Dalai Lama

The Chinese government wants me to say that for many centuries Tibet has been part of China. Even if I make that statement, many people would just laugh. And my statement will not change past history. History is history. – Dalai Lama

The creatures that inhabit this earth-be they human beings or animals-are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world. – Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is just a temporal leader of Tibet. – Dalai Lama

The important thing is that men should have a purpose in life. It should be something useful, something good. – Dalai Lama

The period of greatest gain in knowledge and experience is the most difficult period in one’s life. – Dalai Lama

The quality of what we do depends on our motivation, which is why we have to learn how to cultivate a compassionate mind.

The Tibetan people will need to determine who the next reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is. – Dalai Lama

The time has come to think, to try to find a solution through dialogue based on mutual respect. – Dalai Lama

The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual’s own reason and critical analysis. – Dalai Lama

The way to change others’ minds is with affection, and not anger. – Dalai Lama

There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow. Today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live. – Dalai Lama

There are techniques of Buddhism, such as meditation, that anyone can adopt. – Dalai Lama

There are two kinds of compassion. The first comes from a natural concern for friends and family who are close to us. This has limited range but can be the seed for something bigger. We can also learn to extend a genuine concern for others’ well-being, whoever they are. That is real compassion, and only human beings are capable of developing it. – Dalai Lama

There is a saying in Tibetan, ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.’ No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster. – Dalai Lama

There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness. – Dalai Lama

Thinking of ourselves as somehow special isolates us. – Dalai Lama

Through violence, you may ‘solve’ one problem, but you sow the seeds for another. – Dalai Lama

Time passes unhindered. When we make mistakes, we cannot turn the clock back and try again. All we can do is use the present well. – Dalai Lama

To be aware of a single shortcoming in oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in someone else. – Dalai Lama

Today different ethnic groups and different nations come together due to common sense. – Dalai Lama

Too much self-centered attitude brings isolation. Result: loneliness, fear, anger. The extreme self-centered attitude is the source of suffering. – Dalai Lama

Too much self-centered attitude, you see, brings, you see, isolation. Result: loneliness, fear, anger. The extreme self-centered attitude is the source of suffering. – Dalai Lama

Violence derives from anger and anger clouds our ability to think straight and properly assess what is happening. – Dalai Lama

We all have the power of thought – so what are you lacking? If you have willpower, then you can change anything. – Dalai Lama

We are deluded by attachment and anger, but we can learn to tackle these emotions. – Dalai Lama

We are intelligent, we have seed of compassion from birth. Using reason and intelligence we can enhance our sense of compassion and come to understand how its opposite, anger, is harmful. – Dalai Lama

We are the controller of the technology. If we become a slave of technology, then that’s not good. – Dalai Lama

We have bigger houses but smaller families:
We have more degrees but less sense;
more knowledge but less judgements;
more experts but more problems;
more medicines, but less healthiness.
We’ve been all the way to the moon and back,
but we have trouble crossing the street
to meet the new neighbour.
We build more computers
to hold more information,
to produce more copies than ever,
but we have less communication.
We have become long on quantity
but short on quality.
These are times of fast foods,
but slow digestion;
tall man, but short character;
steep profits, but shallow relationships.
It is time when there is much in the window
but nothing in the room. – Dalai Lama

We have bigger houses but smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicines, but less healthiness; We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We’ve built more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communications; We have become long on quantity, but short on quality. These times are times of fast foods; but slow digestion; Tall man but short character; Steep profits but shallow relationships. It is time when there is much in the window, but nothing in the room.

We must follow nonviolent principle so that later we can live happily. – Dalai Lama

We need to discover not only what disturbs our minds, but also what the antidotes to those factors are. – Dalai Lama

When life becomes too complicated and we feel overwhelmed, it’s often useful just to stand back and remind ourselves of our overall purpose, our overall goal. When faced with a feeling of stagnation and confusion, it may be helpful to take an hour, an afternoon, or even several days to simply reflect on what it is that will truly bring us happiness, and then reset our priorities on the basis of that. This can put our life back in proper context, allow a fresh perspective, and enable us to see which direction to take. – Dalai Lama

When our intentions toward others are good, we find that any feelings of anxiety or insecurity we may have are greatly reduced. We experience a liberation from our habitual preoccupation with self and paradoxically, this gives rise to strong feelings of confidence. – Dalai Lama

When reason ends, then anger begins. Therefore, anger is a sign of weakness. – Dalai Lama

When we are caught up in a destructive emotion, we lose one of our greatest assets: our independence. – Dalai Lama

When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain strength to constructively solve the problems of the present. – Dalai Lama

When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways–either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength. – Dalai Lama

When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, ‘Oh yes – I already have everything that I really need.’ – Dalai Lama

When you don’t have much concern for others and you feel you’re the center of the universe, you’ll be dogged by feelings of suspicion left and right. – Dalai Lama

When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others. – Dalai Lama

When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. – Dalai Lama

When you talk you are only repeating something you already know. But, if you listen you may learn something new. – Dalai Lama

Wherever I go meeting the public… spreading a message of human values, spreading a message of harmony, is the most important thing. – Dalai Lama

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion. – Dalai Lama

With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world. – Dalai Lama

Work for peace in your heart and in the world. – Dalai Lama

You have to start giving first and expect absolutely nothing. – Dalai Lama

You must not procrastinate. Rather, you should make preparations so that even if you did die tonight, you would have no regrets. If you develop an appreciation for the uncertainty and imminence of death, your sense of the importance of using your time wisely will get stronger and stronger. – Dalai Lama

The Most Famous Dalai Lama Quest

An eye for an eye… we are all blind. – Dalai Lama

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. – Dalai Lama

Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance or my kindness for weakness. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. – Dalai Lama

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. – Dalai Lama

If a problem can be solved it will be. If it can not be solved there is no use worrying about it. – Dalai Lama

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. – Dalai Lama

Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values. – Dalai Lama

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. – Dalai Lama

The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred. – Dalai Lama

We all have to live together, so we might as well live together happily. – Dalai Lama

A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering. – Dalai Lama

Anger and hatred are signs of weakness, while compassion is a sure sign of strength. – Dalai Lama

As individuals we can influence our own families. Our families can influence our communities and our communities can influence our nations. – Dalai Lama

As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breathe out, cherish all beings. – Dalai Lama

Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace. – Dalai Lama

Even more important than the warmth and affection we receive, is the warmth and affection we give. – Dalai Lama

For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities — warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful — happier. – Dalai Lama

I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends. – Dalai Lama

I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warm heartedness we take for granted. – Dalai Lama

I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It is the ultimate source of success in life. – Dalai Lama

I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend. This gives me a genuine feeling of happiness. It is the practice of compassion. – Dalai Lama

If we are to create a more peaceful world, made up of peaceful individuals, we need a greater concern for others — altruism. That gives inner strength, self-confidence. – Dalai Lama

If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry. – Dalai Lama

It is not enough to be compassionate, we must act. – Dalai Lama

Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. – Dalai Lama

Love and compassion are the true religions to me. But to develop this, we do not need to believe in any religion. – Dalai Lama

Love is the absence of judgment. – Dalai Lama

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. – Dalai Lama

No matter how educated or wealthy you are, if you don’t have peace of mind, you won’t be happy. – Dalai Lama

Our visit to this planet is short, so we should use our time meaningfully, which we can do by helping others wherever possible. – Dalai Lama

Real change in the world will only come from a change of heart. – Dalai Lama

Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. – Dalai Lama

Silence is sometimes the best answer. – Dalai Lama

The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self. – Dalai Lama

The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be.v

The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds. – Dalai Lama

The remedy is to look deeper and recognize that we human beings are physically, mentally and emotionally the same. – Dalai Lama

The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. – Dalai Lama

The ultimate source of happiness is not money and power, but warmheartedness. – Dalai Lama

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. – Dalai Lama

To be kind, honest and have positive thoughts; to forgive those who harm us and treat everyone as a friend; to help those who are suffering and never to consider ourselves superior to anyone else: even if this advice seems rather simplistic, make the effort of seeing whether by following it you can find greater happiness. – Dalai Lama

To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle. – Dalai Lama

To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetime is largely irrelevant. What we must do therefore is to strive and persevere and never give up. – Dalai Lama

True change is within; leave the outside as it is. – Dalai Lama

On Buddhism

Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that’s important. Self-discipline with awareness of consequences. – Dalai Lama

There are techniques of Buddhism, such as meditation, that anyone can adopt. And, of course, there are Christian monks and nuns who already use Buddhist methods in order to develop their devotion, compassion, and ability to forgive. – Dalai Lama

Open-minded people tend to be interested in Buddhism because Buddha urged people to investigate things – he didn’t just command them to believe. – Dalai Lama

My confidence in venturing into science lies in my basic belief that as in science so in Buddhism, understanding the nature of reality is pursued by means of critical investigation: if scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims. – Dalai Lama

If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change. In my view, science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and for understanding reality. By learning from science about aspects of reality where its understanding may be more advanced, I believe that Buddhism enriches its own worldview. – Dalai Lama

Buddhism does not accept a theory of God, or a creator. According to Buddhism, one’s own actions are the creator, ultimately. Some people say that, from a certain angle, Buddhism is not a religion but rather a science of mind. Religion has much involvement with faith. Sometimes it seems that there is quite a distance between a way of thinking based on faith and one entirely based on experiment, remaining skeptical. Unless you find something through investigation, you do not want to accept it as fact. From one viewpoint, Buddhism is a religion, from another viewpoint Buddhism is a science of mind and not a religion. Buddhism can be a bridge between these two sides. Therefore, with this conviction I try to have closer ties with scientists, mainly in the fields of cosmology, psychology, neurology and physics. In these fields there are insights to share, and to a certain extent we can work together. – Dalai Lama

Whether our action is wholesome or unwholesome depends on whether that action or deed arises from a disciplined or undisciplined state of mind. It is felt that a disciplined mind leads to happiness and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering, and in fact it is said that bringing about discipline within one’s mind is the essence of the Buddha’s teaching.

  • Part 1. If we think only of ourselves, forget about other people, then our minds occupy very small area. Inside that small area, even tiny problem appears very big.
  • Part 2. The moment you develop a sense of concern for others, you realize that, just like ourselves, they also want happiness; they also want satisfaction.
  • Part 3. When you have this sense of concern, your mind automatically widens. At this point, your own problems, even big problems, will not be so significant. The result? Big increase in peace of mind.
  • Part 4. So, if you think only of yourself, only your own happiness, the result is actually less happiness. You get more anxiety, more fear. – Dalai Lama

On Love, Compassion, Kindness

A heart full of love and compassion is the main source of inner strength, willpower, happiness, and mental tranquility. – Dalai Lama

A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life. – Dalai Lama

A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you. – Dalai Lama

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives. – Dalai Lama

All religions try to benefit people, with the same basic message of the need for love and compassion, for justice and honesty, for contentment. – Dalai Lama

Another kind of love and compassion is not based on something appearing beautiful or nice, but based on the fact that the other person, just like oneself, wants happiness and does not want suffering and indeed has every right to be happy and to overcome suffering. On such a basis, we feel a sense of responsibility, a sense of closeness toward that being. That is true compassion. This is because the compassion is based on reason, not just on emotional feeling. As a consequence, it does not matter what the other’s attitude is, whether negative, or positive. What matters is that it is a human being, a sentient being that has the experience of pain and pleasure. There is no reason not to feel compassion so long as it is a sentient being. – Dalai Lama

Compassion is by nature gentle, peaceful, and soft, but it is very powerful. – Dalai Lama

Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival. – Dalai Lama

Compassion is of little value if it just remains an idea. It must motivate how we respond to others and be reflected in all our thoughts and actions. – Dalai Lama

Compassion is something really worthwhile. It is not just a religious or spiritual subject, not a matter of ideology. It is not a luxury, it is a necessity. – Dalai Lama

Compassion is the wish for another being to be free from suffering; love is wanting them to have happiness. – Dalai Lama

Compassion naturally creates a positive atmosphere, and as a result you feel peaceful and content. – Dalai Lama

Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principal source of success in life. – Dalai Lama

Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness. – Dalai Lama

Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay. – Dalai Lama

I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. I’m not talking about the short-term gratification of pleasures like sex, drugs or gambling (though I’m not knocking them), but something that will bring true and lasting happiness. The kind that sticks. – Dalai Lama

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. – Dalai Lama

I think technology really increased human ability. But technology cannot produce compassion. – Dalai Lama

If at the beginning and end of our lives we depend upon the kindness of others, why in the middle of our lives should we not act kindly toward them? It is the pragmatic choice. – Dalai Lama

If love is defined as a wish that others be happy and compassion as the wish that they be free from suffering, and you cultivate love and compassion within yourself, it will ensure happiness, good health and peace of mind. – Dalai Lama

If there is love, there is hope that one may have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace. – Dalai Lama

If there is love, there is hope to have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace. If the love within your mind is lost, if you continue to see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education you have, no matter how much material progress is made, only suffering and confusion will ensue. – Dalai Lama

If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them. – Dalai Lama

If you don’t love yourself, you cannot love others. You will not be able to love others. If you have no compassion for yourself then you are not able of developing compassion for others. – Dalai Lama

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. – Dalai Lama

It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act. There are two aspects to action. One is to overcome the distortions and afflictions of your own mind, that is, in terms of calming and eventually dispelling anger. This is action out of compassion. The other is more social, more public. When something needs to be done in the world to rectify the wrongs, if one is really concerned with benefiting others, one needs to be engaged, involved. – Dalai Lama

It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the virtues of compassion and tolerance. – Dalai Lama

Kindness and a good heart are the foundation for success in this life, progress on the spiritual path, and the fulfillment of our aspirations. Our need for them is not limited to any specific time, place, society, or culture.

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. – Dalai Lama

Love is the absence of judgment. – Dalai Lama

More compassionate mind, more sense of concern for other’s well-being, is source of happiness. – Dalai Lama

My main concern is meeting with public because my main commitment, main interest is promotion of human value, human affection, compassion and religious harmony. – Dalai Lama

No material object, however beautiful or valuable, can make us feel loved. – Dalai Lama

Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek. – Dalai Lama

Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. – Dalai Lama

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. – Dalai Lama

The kind of behavior that really is spiritual practice consists of refraining from falsehood and abiding by the truth, neither humiliating nor mocking others, being humble, and having a good heart and helping others. – Dalai Lama

The need for love lies at the very foundation of human existence. – Dalai Lama

The topic of compassion is not at all religious business; it is important to know it is human business, it is a question of human survival. – Dalai Lama

The way to change others’ minds is with affection, and not anger. – Dalai Lama

The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness. – Dalai Lama

There are ways in which we can consciously work to develop feelings of love and kindness. For some of us, the most effective way to do so is through religious practice. For others it may be non-religious practices. What is important is that we each make a sincere effort to take our responsibility for each other and for the natural environment we live in seriously. – Dalai Lama

True compassion isn’t just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, our compassion for others doesn’t change even if they behave negatively. Our sense of responsibility for others gives rise to a wish to help them actively overcome their problems. – Dalai Lama

We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection. – Dalai Lama

When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain strength to constructively solve the problems of the present. – Dalai Lama

When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. – Dalai Lama

When we talk about compassion it has to include having compassion for yourself. It’s not just a matter of self-sacrifice. I have observed a foolish sense of selfishness and a wise sense of selfishness. Since we are social animals, who depend on one another, to show love and compassion to others is wise. – Dalai Lama

Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or non-believing, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference. – Dalai Lama

You must not hate those who do wrong or harmful things; but with compassion, you must do what you can to stop them — for they are harming themselves, as well as those who suffer from their actions. – Dalai Lama

 

On Happiness, ContentmentGratitude

“Happiness” means mainly a sense of deep satisfaction. The object of life or our goal, then, is satisfaction. – Dalai Lama

A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering. – Dalai Lama

A good motivation and honesty bring self-confidence, which attracts the trust and respect of others. Therefore the real source of blessings is in our own mind. – Dalai Lama

A sense of contentment is crucial to being happy. Physical health, material wealth and friends contribute to this, but contentment governs our relations with them all. – Dalai Lama

Happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it. – Dalai Lama

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. – Dalai Lama

I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share. – Dalai Lama

I believe that happiness can be achieved through training the mind. – Dalai Lama

I believe the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in that religion or this religion, we are all seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness. – Dalai Lama

It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come. – Dalai Lama

Neither a space station nor an enlightened mind can be realized in a day. – Dalai Lama

One great question underlies our experience, whether we think about it or not: what is the purpose of life?… From the moment of birth every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affects this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment… Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness. – Dalai Lama

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost. – Dalai Lama

The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy. – Dalai Lama

The purpose of our lives is to be happy. – Dalai Lama

The ultimate source of happiness is not money and power, but warm-heartedness. – Dalai Lama

The ultimate source of my mental happiness is my peace of mind. Nothing can destroy this except my own anger. – Dalai Lama

The wiser course is to think of others when pursuing our own happiness. – Dalai Lama

True happiness comes from having a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved by cultivating altruism, love and compassion, and by eliminating anger, selfishness and greed. – Dalai Lama

We begin from the recognition that all beings cherish happiness and do not want suffering. It then becomes both morally wrong and pragmatically unwise to pursue only one’s own happiness oblivious to the feelings and aspirations of all others who surround us as members of the same human family. The wiser course is to think of others when pursuing our own happiness. – Dalai Lama

We need to ask ourselves how to find happiness — it’s not in money and power. – Dalai Lama

We need to learn how to want what we have NOT to have what we want in order to get steady and stable Happiness. – Dalai Lama

We need to learn to want what we have, not to have what we want, in order to get stable and steady happiness. – Dalai Lama

We seek happiness in external things without realizing that they don’t help when we have problems within. We need to focus instead on the joy that comes with peace of mind that allows us to remain happy whatever happens. – Dalai Lama

When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, ‘Oh yes – I already have everything that I really need’. – Dalai Lama

When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others. – Dalai Lama

On Life

A genuine, affectionate smile is very important in our day-to-day lives. – Dalai Lama

A person’s underlying outlook and motivation can certainly affect how he or she responds to life’s adversities and dangers. An attitude of kindness and compassion brings a sense of self-confidence, an inner strength that reduces fear. In fact, an individual’s response to danger and ability to deal with fear can often depend more on their outlook and personal characteristics than on the nature of the situation itself. – Dalai Lama

Because of lack of moral principle, human life becomes worthless. Moral principle, truthfulness, is a key factor. If we lose that, then there is no future. – Dalai Lama

Consider carefully, what prevents you from living the way you want to live your life? – Dalai Lama

Even when a person has all of life’s comforts – good food, good shelter, a companion – he or she can still become unhappy when encountering a tragic situation. – Dalai Lama

Everyone wants a happy life without difficulties or suffering. We create many of the problems we face. No one intentionally creates problems, but we tend to be slaves to powerful emotions like anger, hatred and attachment that are based on misconceived projections about people and things. We need to find ways of reducing these emotions by eliminating the ignorance that underlies them and applying opposing forces. – Dalai Lama

For many people, the only tangible value is money. And of course money has its place, but the value of cultivating a compassionate attitude is much more effective. When we only pay attention to material values, there’s little room for concern for others, or for mutual regard. – Dalai Lama

Forget the failures. Keep the lessons. – Dalai Lama

If someone does not smile at you, be generous and offer your own smile. Nobody needs a smile more than the one that cannot smile to others. – Dalai Lama

In most cases, my visits to the West are for promotion of human values and religious harmony.v

Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility… without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed, or unhappy because of circumstances. – Dalai Lama

Let us reflect what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that.

Let us try to recognize the precious nature of each day. – Dalai Lama

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. – Dalai Lama

Self-discipline, although difficult, and not always easy while combating negative emotions, should be a defensive measure. At least we will be able to prevent the advent of negative conduct dominated by negative emotion. That is ‘shila’, or moral ethics. Once we develop this by familiarizing ourselves with it, along with mindfulness and conscientiousness, eventually that pattern and way of life will become a part of our own life. – Dalai Lama

The important thing is that men should have a purpose in life. It should be something useful, something good. – Dalai Lama

Through difficult experiences, life sometimes becomes more meaningful. – Dalai Lama

To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetime is largely irrelevant. What we must do therefore is to strive and persevere and never give up. – Dalai Lama

Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life. – Dalai Lama

What is the meaning of life? To be happy and useful.

When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways – either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength. Thanks to the teachings of Buddha, I have been able to take this second way. – Dalai Lama

When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. – Dalai Lama

When you think everything is someone else’s fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realize that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy. – Dalai Lama

You may go to bed at night confronted by many problems in your life, but it’s hope that motivates you to get out of bed and carry on with your life next morning. – Dalai Lama

On Death and Suffering

A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you. – Dalai Lama

All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction. – Dalai Lama

Although you may not always be able to avoid difficult situations, you can modify the extent to which you can suffer by how you choose to respond to the situation. – Dalai Lama

Every single being, even those who are hostile to us, is just as afraid of suffering as we are, and seeks happiness in the same way we do. Every person has the same right as we do to be happy and not to suffer. So let’s take care of others wholeheartedly, of both our friends and our enemies. This is the basis for true compassion. – Dalai Lama

If a person’s basic state of mind is serene and calm, then it is possible for this inner peace to overwhelm a painful physical experience. On the other hand, if someone is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any form of emotional distress, then even if he or she happens to be enjoying physical comforts, he will not really be able to experience the happiness that these could bring. – Dalai Lama

In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves. When we worry less about ourselves an experience of our own suffering is less intense. – Dalai Lama

It is important not to allow ourselves to be put off by the magnitude of others’ suffering. The misery of millions is not a cause for pity. Rather it is a cause for compassion. – Dalai Lama

One begins by identifying those factors which lead to happiness and those factors which lead to suffering. Having done this, one then sets about gradually eliminating those factors which lead to suffering and cultivating those which lead to happiness. That is the way. – Dalai Lama

Pain can change you, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a bad change. Take that pain and turn it into wisdom. – Dalai Lama

Physical comforts cannot subdue mental suffering, and if we look closely, we can see that those who have many possessions are not necessarily happy. In fact, being wealthy often brings even more anxiety. – Dalai Lama

The more time you spend thinking about yourself, the more suffering you will experience. – Dalai Lama

Through difficult experiences, life sometimes becomes more meaningful. – Dalai Lama

Virtually all of us have benefited from our mother’s affection at the start of our lives. When someone is on their deathbed, if he or she is surrounded by loved ones they can pass away peacefully. From birth to death we all need affection. – Dalai Lama

We human beings are all the same in wanting to be happy and not wanting to suffer and yet many of the problems we face are of our own making. – Dalai Lama

We seek happiness in external things without realizing that they don’t help when we have problems within. We need to focus instead on the joy that comes with peace of mind that allows us to remain happy whatever happens. – Dalai Lama

When someone who has lived a kind life dies, people miss them and say so. But when an angry, greedy, ruthless person dies, there’s a sense of relief. So, I try to practise warmheartedness wherever I go. – Dalai Lama

When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways – either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength. Thanks to the teachings of Buddha, I have been able to take this second way. – Dalai Lama

On Friendship

A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals the secret of some hidden treasure. – Dalai Lama

Be honest, truthful, and altruistic. If you concern yourself with taking care of others, there’ll be no room for lies, bullying and cheating. If you’re truthful you can live transparently, which will enable you to establish trust, the basis for making friends. – Dalai Lama

Friendship depends on trust, not money, not power, not mere education or knowledge. Only if there is trust will there be friendship. – Dalai Lama

My aim is to create a happy society with genuine friendship. Friendship between Tibetan and Chinese peoples is very essential. – Dalai Lama

True friendship develops not as a result of money or power but on the basis of genuine human affection. – Dalai Lama

Even an animal, if you show genuine affection, gradually trust develops… If you always showing bad face and beating, how can you develop friendship? – Dalai Lama

I accept everyone as a friend. In truth, we already know one another, profoundly, as human beings who share the same basic goals: We all seek happiness and do not want suffering. – Dalai Lama

If we are sincere in taking care of others, if we protect their lives and respect their rights, we’ll be able to conduct our lives transparently and that is the basis of trust, which in turn is the basis of friendship. – Dalai Lama

It’s good to remember that other human beings are like us. We are born the same way; we die the same way. While we’re alive it’s better to be able to trust each other as friends. – Dalai Lama

Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day. – Dalai Lama

We earn other people’s trust when we show a genuine concern for their well-being. – Dalai Lama

We need friends and friendship is based on trust. To earn trust, money and power aren’t enough; you have to show some concern for others. You can’t buy trust in the supermarket. – Dalai Lama

When we develop patience, we find that we develop a reserve of calm and tranquility. We tend to be less antagonistic and more pleasant to associate with. This creates a positive atmosphere around us and it is easy for others to relate to us. – Dalai Lama

On Peace (Inner Peace & World peace)

A source of trouble is our unruly minds. We can counter that by developing a warm heart. We need to effect an inner transformation, to understand that love and affection are a real source of joy. – Dalai Lama

Anger is the ultimate destroyer of your own peace of mind. – Dalai Lama

Appearance is something absolute, but reality is not that way – everything is interdependent, not absolute. So that view is very helpful to maintain a peace of mind because the main destroyer of a peaceful mind is anger. – Dalai Lama

Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace. – Dalai Lama

If we ourselves remain angry and then sing world peace, it has little meaning. First, our individual self must learn peace. This we can practice. Then we can teach the rest of the world. – Dalai Lama

If you have peace of mind, when you meet with problems and difficulties they won’t disturb your inner peace. You’ll be able to employ your human intelligence more effectively. But, if your mental state is disturbed, full of emotion, it is very difficult to cope with problems, because the mind that is full of emotion is biased, unable to see reality. So whatever you do will be unrealistic and naturally fail. – Dalai Lama

If your heart has peace, nothing can disturb you. – Dalai Lama

In order to lead a meaningful life, you need to cherish others, pay attention to human values and try to cultivate inner peace. – Dalai Lama

Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility… without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed, or unhappy because of circumstances. – Dalai Lama

It is my belief that whereas the twentieth century has been a century of war and untold suffering, the twenty-first century should be one of peace and dialogue. As the continued advances in information technology make our world a truly global village, I believe there will come a time when war and armed conflict will be considered an outdated and obsolete method of settling differences among nations and communities. – Dalai Lama

Leaving aside the perspective of spiritual practice, even in worldly terms, in terms of our enjoying a happy day-to-day existence, the calmer our minds are, the greater our peace of mind will be and the greater will be our ability to enjoy a happy and joyful life. – Dalai Lama

Many of the problems we face today are our own creation. Creating a more peaceful world requires a peaceful mind and a peaceful heart. As human brothers and sisters we must live together in tolerance and affection. – Dalai Lama

Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways. – Dalai Lama

Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually. Peace, for example, starts within each one of us. When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us. When our community is in a state of peace, it can share that peace with neighboring communities, and so on. – Dalai Lama

The creation of a more peaceful and happier society has to begin from the level of the individual, and from there it can expand to one’s family, to one’s neighborhood, to one’s community and so on. – Dalai Lama

The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds. – Dalai Lama

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. – Dalai Lama

We can never obtain peace in the world if we neglect the inner world and don’t make peace with ourselves. World peace must develop out of inner peace. – Dalai Lama

When our community is in a state of peace, it can share that peace with neighboring communities, and so on. – Dalai Lama

When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. – Dalai Lama

When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us. – Dalai Lama, The Nobel Lecture, December 11, 1989

When you care for others, you manifest an inner strength despite any difficulties you face. Your own problems will seem less significant and bothersome to you. Reaching beyond your own problems and taking care of others, you gain confidence, courage and a greater sense of calm. – Dalai Lama

Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace. – Dalai Lama

World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion. – Dalai Lama

On Spirituality, Enlightenment

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can. – Dalai Lama

Reason well from the beginning and then there will never be any need to look back with confusion and doubt. – Dalai Lama, The Path to Enlightenment

Anger and fear undermine our immune system, while warmheartedness brings peace of mind. Therefore, just as we teach children to comply with physical hygiene for the good of their health, we should also counsel them in a kind of hygiene of the emotions. – Dalai Lama

Anger itself makes us feel bad and so, ultimately, it is bad for our health. – Dalai Lama

Better grounded emotionally through patience, we become stronger mentally and spiritually, and tend to be healthier physically. – Dalai Lama

Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health. – Dalai Lama

Inner transformation is not a matter of faith or prayer. It involves reason and the use of human intelligence. A calm and healthy mind has a very positive effect on our physical health and well-being. – Dalai Lama

Scientists have shown that where constant anger and hatred undermine our immune systems, compassion strengthens our general well-being. To live more peacefully and joyfully in our day to day lives, we need a warm heart. – Dalai Lama

The various features and aspects of human life, such as longevity, good health, success, happiness, and so forth, which we consider desirable, are all dependent on kindness and a good heart. – Dalai Lama

Those who have little interest in spirituality shouldn’t think that human inner values don’t apply to you. The inner peace of an alert and calm mind are the source of real happiness and good health. Our human intelligence tells us which of our emotions are positive and helpful and which are damaging and to be restrained or avoided. – Dalai Lama

On Religion

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives. – Dalai Lama

I always say that people should not rush to change religions. There is real value in finding the spiritual resources you need in your home religion. – Dalai Lama

I am a man of religion, but religion alone cannot answer all our problems. – Dalai Lama

If you have a particular faith or religion, that is good. But you can survive without it. – Dalai Lama

If you have religious faith, very good, you can add on secular ethics, then religious belief, add on it, very good. But even those people who have no interest about religion, okay, it’s not religion, but you can train through education. – Dalai Lama

Irrespective of whether we are believers or agnostics, whether we believe in God or karma, moral ethics is a code which everyone is able to pursue. – Dalai Lama

Irrespective of whether we have faith in religion or not, it’s good to be more compassionate. It makes us happier as individuals with a positive influence on our families and the neighborhood where we live. – Dalai Lama

Love, kindness, compassion and tolerance are qualities common to all the great religions, and whether or not we follow any particular religious tradition, the benefits of love and kindness are obvious to anyone. – Dalai Lama

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. – Dalai Lama

Religion, any religion, no matter what sort of wonderful religion, never be universal. So now education is universal, so we have to sort of find ways and means through education system, from kindergarten up to university level, to make awareness these good things, the values, inner values. – Dalai Lama

The basis of moral principles is to have a real concern for the well-being of others and an appreciation of the oneness of humanity. Whether science or religion is constructive or destructive depends on our motivation and whether we are guided by moral principles. – Dalai Lama

The first of my personal commitments is to work to increase human happiness by encouraging the cultivation of inner values and a sense of concern for others’ well being. These are the key factors whether one is a religious person or not. – Dalai Lama

The purpose of all the major religious traditions is not to construct big temples on the outside, but to create temples of goodness and compassion inside, in our hearts. – Dalai Lama

The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness. – Dalai Lama

We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection. – Dalai Lama

We can’t say that all religions are the same, different religions have different views and fundamental differences. But it does not matter, as all religions are meant to help in bringing about a better world with better and happier human beings. On this level, I think that through different philosophical explanations and approaches, all religions have the same goal and the same potential. – Dalai Lama

We do not necessarily need to become religious, nor even believe in an ideology. We need only to develop our good human qualities and know that love and compassion are the most essential concepts for human survival. – Dalai Lama

Whether you believe in God or not does not matter so much, whether you believe in Buddha or not does not matter so much. You must lead a good life. – Dalai Lama

Young children don’t care about nationality, faith or caste. Because these ideas prompt us to think in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’, they are divisive. – Dalai Lama

On Education and Knowledge

If the child is not held, hugged, cuddled, or loved, its development will be impaired and its brain will not mature properly. – Dalai Lama

It’s only after they have spent time in the modern education system that children begin to develop a sense of ‘us’ and ‘them’ — a stifling of their basic human nature. We need to learn how to keep our natural compassion alive and how to extend and develop it so it can encompass the whole of humanity. Modern life and modern education are focused on external goals — peace of mind concerns the mind within. – Dalai Lama

Modern education is premised strongly on materialistic values. It is vital that when educating our children’s brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts, a key element of which has to be the nurturing of our compassionate nature. – Dalai Lama

My main hope is eventually, in modern education field, introduce education about warmheartedness, not based on religion, but based on common experience and a common sort of sense, and then scientific finding. – Dalai Lama

One problem with our current society is that we have an attitude towards education as if it is there to simply make you more clever, make you more ingenious… Even though our society does not emphasize this, the most important use of knowledge and education is to help us understand the importance of engaging in more wholesome actions and bringing about discipline within our minds. The proper utilization of our intelligence and knowledge is to effect changes from within to develop a good heart. – Dalai Lama

Open-minded people tend to be interested in Buddhism because Buddha urged people to investigate things – he didn’t just command them to believe. – Dalai Lama

Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality. – Dalai Lama

The period of greatest gain in knowledge and experience is the most difficult period in one’s life. – Dalai Lama

There’s a need to improve our education systems. We’re used to instructions about observing physical hygiene to preserve our health, but we need to add to it a sense of emotional hygiene. This means learning to tackle destructive emotions like anger, fear and hatred. – Dalai Lama

Ultimately we have to change attitudes, not by law but by education. – Dalai Lama

When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new. – Dalai Lama

Look at children. Of course they may quarrel, but generally speaking they do not harbor ill feelings as much or as long as adults do. Most adults have the advantage of education over children, but what is the use of an education if they show a big smile while hiding negative feelings deep inside? Children don’t usually act in such a manner. If they feel angry with someone, they express it, and then it is finished. They can still play with that person the following day. – Dalai Lama

I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warmheartedness we take for granted. – Dalai Lama

On Humanity

A good motivation is what is needed: compassion without dogmatism, without complicated philosophy; just understanding that others are human brothers and sisters and respecting their human rights and dignities. That we humans can help each other is one of our unique human capacities. – Dalai Lama

Appreciation of humanity, compassion and love are key points. If we develop a good heart, whether our field is science, agriculture or politics, since motivation is so crucial, they’ll all improve. – Dalai Lama

As people alive today, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore part of our responsibility toward others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy, if not healthier, than we found it. – Dalai Lama

Because of lack of moral principle, human life becomes worthless. Moral principle, truthfulness, is a key factor. If we lose that, then there is no future. – Dalai Lama

Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. This is not just a dream, but a necessity. – Dalai Lama

Climate change is not the concern of just one or two nations. It is an issue that affects the whole of humanity and every living being on this earth. – Dalai Lama

Climate change, because it affects us all, means we have to take a more global view. We can’t neglect it. We are interdependent. – Dalai Lama

Human beings by nature want happiness and do not want suffering. With that feeling everyone tries to achieve happiness and tries to get rid of suffering, and everyone has the basic right to do this. In this way, all here are the same, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, Easterner or Westerner, believer or non-believer, and within believers whether Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and so on. Basically, from the viewpoint of real human value we are all the same. – Dalai Lama

I always believe the rule by king or official leader is outdated. Now we must catch up with the modern world. – Dalai Lama

I am one of the 7 billion human beings alive today. We each have a responsibility to think about humanity and the good of the world because it affects our own future. We weren’t born on this planet at this time to create problems but to bring about some benefit. – Dalai Lama

I believe everyone has the responsibility to develop a happier world. We need, ultimately, to have a greater concern for others’ well-being. In other words, kindness or compassion, which is lacking now. We must pay more attention to our inner values. We must look inside. – Dalai Lama

I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one’s own family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace. – Dalai Lama

I don’t think of myself just as a Tibetan or a Buddhist, but as a human being. We have to think of the whole of humanity. Being human is the common ground in our efforts to create a better world. Remember, we all survive in dependence on others. – Dalai Lama

I pray for all of us, oppressor and friend, that together we succeed in building a better world through human understanding and love, and that in doing so we may reduce the pain and suffering of all sentient beings. – Dalai Lama

I think technology really increased human ability. But technology cannot produce compassion. – Dalai Lama

If we were really to see one another as brothers and sisters, there would be no basis for division, cheating and exploitation among us. Therefore it’s important to promote the idea of the oneness of humanity, that in being human we are all the same. – Dalai Lama

Individual happiness can contribute in a profound and effective way to the overall improvement of our entire human community. – Dalai Lama

It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live. – Dalai Lama

Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures. – Dalai Lama

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. – Dalai Lama

On what surprised him most about humanity: Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived. – Dalai Lama

Scientists have a special responsibility, a moral responsibility, in ensuring that science serves the interests of humanity in the best possible way. – Dalai Lama

Some scientists believe climate change is the cause of unprecedented melting of the North Pole, and that effects these very uncertain weather patterns. I think we should listen to those scientists and experts. – Dalai Lama

The creatures that inhabit this earth – be they human beings or animals – are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world. – Dalai Lama

The real way we’re going to become happy individuals, living in happy families and communities is to become more warm-hearted towards each other. We need more loving kindness. – Dalai Lama

The world doesn’t belong to leaders. The world belongs to all humanity. – Dalai Lama

Ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home. If we are to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism – Dalai Lama

We all want to live a happy life, so we have to learn to live together in trust and mutual respect. We do have differences of race, nationality, religious faith and so on, but these differences are secondary in comparison to our equality in being human. – Dalai Lama

We can achieve peace of mind if we tackle our destructive emotions, so the goal of making the 21st century an era of peace and compassion is feasible. It will involve finding solutions to problems in dialogue, not the use of force. – Dalai Lama

We must recognize that the suffering of one person or one nation is the suffering of humanity. – Dalai Lama

We need to be determined to achieve positive change, but also need to be able to take a long view of what needs to be done. – Dalai Lama

When the heart is closed it leads to fear, stress and anger. Nurturing the idea of the oneness of humanity has the effect of opening the heart. – Dalai Lama

Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or non-believing, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference. – Dalai Lama

With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world. – Dalai Lama

World belongs to humanity, not this leader, that leader or that king or prince or religious leader. World belongs to humanity. – Dalai Lama

From Wikiquote

  • My true religion is Kindness.
    • Kindness, Clarity, and Insight (1984)
    • Variant: My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.
      • As quoted in Tibet, a Guide to the Land of Fascination (1988) by Trilok Chandra Majupuria and Indra Majupuria.
  • It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.
    • Kindness, Clarity, and Insight (1984).
  • There is a saying in Tibetan that “at the door of the miserable rich man sleeps the contented beggar”. The point of this saying is not that poverty is a virtue, but that happiness does not come with wealth, but from setting limits to one’s desires, and living within those limits with satisfaction.
    • In Rubin, Gary (April 2013). Your Emotional Fitness: Everything You Need to Know to Live a Life of Abundance. Balboa Press. pp. 173–. ISBN 978-1-4525-7059-4..
  • Religion does not mean just precepts, a temple, monastery, or other external signs, for these as well as hearing and thinking are subsidiary factors in taming the mind. When the mind becomes the practices, one is a practitioner of religion, and when the mind does not become the practices one is not.
    • Deity Yoga (1987) ISBN 0937938505
  • Great wealth can only be obtained through deception and corruption.
    • 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva, teaching at Bodhgaya (January 1974).
  • What is the Great Vehicle? What is the mode of procedure of the Bodhisattva path? We begin with the topic of the altruistic intention to achieve enlightenment in which one values others more than oneself. The Great Vehicle path requires the vast motivation of a Bodhisattva, who, not seeking just his or her welfare, takes on the burden of bringing about the welfare of all sentient beings. When a person generate this attitude, they enter within the Great Vehicle, and as long as it has not been generated, one cannot be counted among those of the Great Vehicle. This attitude really has great power; it, of course, is helpful for people practicing religion, but it also is helpful for those who are just concerned with the affairs of this lifetime. The root of happiness is altruism — the wish to be of service to others.
    • The Dalai Lama at Harvard: Lectures on the Buddhist Path to Peace (1988) by Jeffrey Hopkins.
  • I feel that the essence of spiritual practice is your attitude toward others. When you have a pure, sincere motivation, then you have right attitude toward others based on kindness, compassion, love and respect. Practice brings the clear realisation of the oneness of all human beings and the importance of others benefiting by your actions.
    • Answering the question “Your Holiness, there are many people in the West who want to combine their spiritual practice with social and political responsibility. Do you feel that these two aspects are connected?” in an interview with Catherine Ingram, Dharamsala, India (2 November 1988).
  • It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the virtues of compassion and tolerance.
    • Ocean of Wisdom: Guidelines for Living (1989) ISBN 094066609X
    • Unsourced variant: In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.
  • I am a simple Buddhist monk — no more, no less.
    • As quoted in Nobel Prize Winners (1991) by Lisa F. Dewitt.
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a true Bodhisatva. His humility brought tears to my eyes.
    • Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama (1991).
  • Thousands — millions and billions — of animals are killed for food. That is very sad. We human beings can live without meat, especially in our modern world. We have a great variety of vegetables and other supplementary foods, so we have the capacity and the responsibility to save billions of lives. I have seen many individuals and groups promoting animal rights and following a vegetarian diet. This is excellent. Certain killing is purely a “luxury.” … But perhaps the saddest is factory farming. The poor animals there really suffer. I once visited a poultry farm in Japan where they keep 200,000 hens for two years just for their eggs. During those two years, they are prisoners. Then after two years, when they are no longer productive, the hens are sold. That is really shocking, really sad. We must support those who are attempting to reduce that kind of unfair treatment. An Indian friend told me that his young daughter has been arguing with him that it is better to serve one cow to ten people than to serve chicken or other small animals, since more lives would be involved. In the Indian tradition, beef is always avoided, but I think there is some logic to her argument. Shrimp, for example, are very small. For one plate, many lives must be sacrificed. To me, this is not at all delicious. I find it really awful, and I think it is better to avoid these things. If your body needs meat, it may be better to eat bigger animals. Eventually you may be able to eliminate the need for meat. I think that our basic nature as human beings is to be vegetarian — making every effort not to harm other living beings. If we apply our intelligence, we can create a sound, nutritional program. It is very dangerous to ignore the suffering of any sentient being.
    • Interview in Worlds in Harmony: Dialogues on Compassionate Action, Berkeley: Parallax Press, 1992, pp. 20-21.
  • Don’t compare me with Jesus. He is a great master, a great master…
    • Interview in The New York Times (28 November 1993).
  • I believe that in the 20th century, humanity has learned from many, many experiences. Some positive, and many negative. What misery, what destruction! The greatest number of human beings were killed in the two world wars of this century. But human nature is such that when we face a tremendous critical situation, the human mind can wake up and find some other alternative. That is a human capacity.
    • Interview in The New York Times (28 November 1993).
  • Human happiness and human satisfaction must ultimately come from within oneself. It is wrong to expect some final satisfaction to come from money or from a computer.
    • The Path to Tranquility: Daily Wisdom (1998) edited by Renuka Singh
  • Bodhicitta is the medicine which revives and gives life to every sentient being who even hears of it. When you engage in fulfilling the needs of others, your own needs are fulfilled as a by-product.
    • The Path to Tranquility: Daily Wisdom (1998) edited by Renuka Singh
  • It is also possible within this lifetime to enhance the power of the mind, enabling one to reaccess memories from previous lives. Such recollection tends to be more accessible during meditative experiences in the dream state. Once one has accessed memories of previous lives in the dream state, one gradually recalls them in the waking state.
    • Consciousness at the Crossroads: Conversations with The Dalai Lama on Brain Science and Buddhism (1999) ISBN 1559391278
  • If there is love, there is hope that one may have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace. If the love within your mind is lost and you see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education or material comfort you have, only suffering and confusion will ensue
    • The Little Book of Buddhism (2000) ISBN 0712602402
  • If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
    • As quoted in Meditations for Living In Balance: Daily Solutions for People Who Do Too Much (2000) by Anne Wilson Schaef, p. 11.
  • Within the body there are billions of different particles. Similarly, there are many different thoughts and a variety of states of mind. It is wise to take a close look into the world of your mind and to make the distinction between beneficial and harmful states of mind. Once you can recognize the value of good states of mind, you can increase or foster them.
    • The Dalai Lama’s Book of Wisdom (2000).
  • Compassion without attachment is possible. Therefore, we need to clarify the distinctions between compassion and attachment. True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively. Genuine compassion is based not on our own projections and expectations, but rather on the needs of the other…
    • The Compassionate Life (2001), Ch. 2 “How to Develop Compassion” p. 21
  • From the moment of birth every human being wants happiness and freedom and wants to avoid suffering. In this we are all the same; and the more we care for the happiness of others the greater our own sense of each other becomes. Many of our problems are created by ourselves based on divisions due to ideology, religion, race, resources, economic status or other factors. The time has come to think on a deeper, more human level and appreciate and respect our sameness as human beings. And to have a respect for endangered cultures that share these principles. We are at the dawn of an age in which many people feel that extreme political concepts should cease to dominate human affairs. We should use this opportunity to replace them with universal human and spiritual values and ensure that these values become the fiber of the global family that is emerging. It is not possible to find peace with anger, hatred, jealousy or greed. At every level of society, familial, tribal, national and international, the key to a happier and more peaceful and successful world is the growth of compassion. We do not necessarily need to become religious, nor even believe in an ideology. We need only to develop our good human qualities and know that love and compassion are the most essential concepts for human survival. So long as human beings live and suffer, the only world open to our present knowledge, the brotherhood of man will seem an unattainable principle. In order for us to achieve real lasting peace among one another, the effort to realize that noblest and most satisfactory moral value must be occupation of every individual intelligence.
    • The Compassionate Life (2001) Ch. 3 “Global Compassion”.
  • According to Buddhism, individuals are masters of their own destiny. And all living beings are believed to possess the nature of the Primordial Buddha Samantabhadra, the potential or seed of enlightenment, within them. So our future is in our own hands. What greater free will do we need?
    • Answering the question: “Do sentient beings have free will?” in Dzogchen : The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection (2001), p. 168, ISBN 155939157X.
  • We need a little more compassion, and if we cannot have it then no politician or even a magician can save the planet.
    • As quoted in Words Of Wisdom: Selected Quotes by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2001) edited by Margaret Gee, p. 49.
  • Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.
    • As quoted in Words Of Wisdom: Selected Quotes by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2001) edited by Margaret Gee, p. 71.
  • Each of us has the potential to contribute … You have a great opportunity to make a new shape of the world.
    • As quoted in “Dalai Lama urges students to shape world” in The Seattle Times (15 May 2001).
  • Conflicts do not arise out of the blue. They occur as a result of causes and conditions, many of which are within the antagonists’ control. This is where leadership is important. Terrorism cannot be overcome by the use of force because it does not address the underlying problems. In fact the use of force may not only fail to solve the problems, it may exacerbate them, and frequently leaves destruction and suffering in its wake.
    • Dalai Lama in his “Commemoration of the First Anniversary of September 11, 2001
  • Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.
    • As quoted in A Small Drop of Ink: A Collection of Inspirational and Moving Quotations of the Ages (2003) by Linda Pendleton.
  • Through violence, you may ‘solve’ one problem, but you sow the seeds for another.

    One has to try to develop one’s inner feelings, which can be done simply by training one’s mind. This is a priceless human asset and one you don’t have to pay income tax on!

    First one must change. I first watch myself, check myself, then expect changes from others.

    Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.

    I myself feel, and also tell other Buddhists that the question of Nirvana will come later.
    There is not much hurry.
    If in day to day life you lead a good life, honesty, with love,
    with compassion, with less selfishness,
    then automatically it will lead to Nirvana.

    The universe that we inhabit and our shared perception of it are the results of a common karma. Likewise, the places that we will experience in future rebirths will be the outcome of the karma that we share with the other beings living there. The actions of each of us, human or nonhuman, have contributed to the world in which we live. We all have a common responsibility for our world and are connected with everything in it.

    If the love within your mind is lost and you see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education or material comfort you have, only suffering and confusion will ensue.

    It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.

    Whenever Buddhism has taken root in a new land, there has been a certain variation in the style in which it is observed. The Buddha himself taught differently according to the place, the occasion and the situation of those who were listening to him.

    Samsara – our conditioned existence in the perpetual cycle of habitual tendencies and nirvana – genuine freedom from such an existence- are nothing but different manifestations of a basic continuum. So this continuity of consciousness us always present. This is the meaning of tantra.

    According to Buddhist practice, there are three stages or steps. The initial stage is to reduce attachment towards life.
    The second stage is the elimination of desire and attachment to this samsara. Then in the third stage, self-cherishing is eliminated.

    The creatures that inhabit this earth-be they human beings or animals-are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.

    To develop genuine devotion, you must know the meaning of teachings. The main emphasis in Buddhism is to transform the mind, and this transformation depends upon meditation. in order to meditate correctly, you must have knowledge.

    Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned.

    The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual’s own reason and critical analysis.

    From one point of view we can say that we have human bodies and are practicing the Buddha’s teachings and are thus much better than insects. But we can also say that insects are innocent and free from guile, where as we often lie and misrepresent ourselves in devious ways in order to achieve our ends or better ourselves. From this perspective, we are much worse than insects.

    When the days become longer and there is more sunshine, the grass becomes fresh and, consequently, we feel very happy. On the other hand, in autumn, one leaf falls down and another leaf falls down. The beautiful plants become as if dead and we do not feel very happy. Why? I think it is because deep down our human nature likes construction, and does not like destruction. Naturally, every action which is destructive is against human nature. Constructiveness is the human way. Therefore, I think that in terms of basic human feeling, violence is not good. Non-violence is the only way.

    We humans have existed in our present form for about a hundred thousand years. I believe that if during this time the human mind had been primarily controlled by anger and hatred, our overall population would have decreased. But today, despite all our wars, we find that the human population is greater than ever. This clearly indicates to me that love and compassion predominate in the world. And this is why unpleasant events are “news”; compassionate activities are so much a part of daily life that they are taken for granted and , therefore, largely ignored.

    The fundamental philosophical principle of Buddhism is that all our suffering comes about as a result of an undisciplined mind, and this untamed mind itself comes about because of ignorance and negative emotions. For the Buddhist practitioner then, regardless of whether he or she follows the approach of the Fundamental Vehicle, Mahayana or Vajrayana, negative emotions are always the true enemy, a factor that has to be overcome and eliminated. And it is only by applying methods for training the mind that these negative emotions can be dispelled and eliminated. This is why in Buddhist writings and teachings we find such an extensive explanation of the mind and its different processes and functions. Since these negative emotions are states of mind, the method or technique for overcoming them must be developed from within. There is no alternative. They cannot be removed by some external technique, like a surgical operation.”

    • Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection, Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, 2004
  • All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness … the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.
    • As quoted in Especially for Christians: Powerful Thought-provoking Words from the Past (2005) by Mark Alton Rose, p. 19
  • [Tibetan Buddhism is] not just for Tibetans: it can do good for billions of people in our modern world.
  • The Tibetan state is located between two of the world’s great powers, India and China. Good relations between these powers are crucial for world peace. Tibet has an important role to play.
    • Dalai Lama honours Tintin and Tutu, BBC (Friday, 2 June 2006)
  • His Holiness Pope John Paul II was a man I held in high regard. His experience in Poland and my own difficulties with communists gave us an immediate ground.
    The Pope was very sympathetic to the Tibetan problem. Of course, as the head of an institution trying to establish good relations with China and seriously concerned about the status of millions of Christians in china he could not express this publicly or officially. But right from the start of our friendship he revealed to me privately that he had a clear understanding of the Tibetan problem because of his own experience of communism in Poland. This gave me great personal encouragement.

    • “I am a simple Buddhist monk: Dalai Lama” in The Times of India (6 July 2006).
  • Media people should have long noses like an elephant to smell out politicians, mayors, prime ministers and businessmen. We need to know the reality, the good and the bad, not just the appearance.
    • News conference in Vancouver, B.C. as quoted in The Globe and Mail. (8 September 2006).
  • The time has come to educate people, to cease all quarrels in the name of religion, culture, countries, different political or economic systems. Fighting is useless. Suicide.
    • News conference in Vancouver, B.C. as quoted in The Globe and Mail. (8 September 2006).
  • If a woman reveals herself as more useful the lama could very well be reincarnated in this form.
    • News conference in Italy, as quoted in “Dalai Lama says successor could be a woman” in Telegraph (07 Dec 2007)
  • Forgiveness doesn’t mean forget what happened. … If something is serious and it is necessary to take counter-measures, you have to take counter-measures.
    • On the killing of al-Queda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden by US military forces, as quoted in “Dalai Lama suggests Osama bin Laden’s death was justified” by Mitchell Landsberg, in The Los Angeles Times (4 May 2011).
  • When we look into the face of every single refugee, especially the children and women, we can feel their suffering. A human being who is a bit more fortunate has the duty to help them. On the other hand, there are too many now. Europe, for example Germany, cannot become an Arab country. Germany is Germany. There are so many that in practice it becomes difficult. [F]rom a moral point of view too, I think that the refugees should only be admitted temporarily. The goal should be that they return and help rebuild their countries.
    • As quoted in “Dalai Lama says ‘too many’ refugees in Europe”, The Times of India (31 May 2016)

Letter to Deng Xiaoping (1981)

  • I agree with and believe in the Communist ideology which seeks the well being of human beings in general and the proletariat in particular, and in Lenin’s policy of the equality of nationalities. Similarly, I was pleased with the discussions I had with Chairman Mao on ideology and the policy towards nationalities.
    If that same ideology and policy were implemented it would have brought much admiration and happiness. However, if one is to make a general comment on the developments during the past two decades, there has been a lapse in economic and educational progress, the basis of human happiness. Moreover, on account of the hardships caused by the unbearable disruptions, there has been a loss of trust between the Party and the masses, between the officials and the masses, among the officials themselves, and also among the masses themselves.
    By deceiving one another through false assumptions and misrepresentations there has been, in reality, a great lapse and delay in achieving the real goals.
  • It is regrettable that some Tibetan officials, who lack the wisdom and competence required for promoting basic human happiness and the short and long term welfare of their own people, indulge in flattering Chinese officials and, collaborate with these Chinese officials who know nothing about Tibetans and work simply for their temporary fame indulging in fabricating impressive reports. In reality, the Tibetan people have not only undergone immeasurable sufferings, but large numbers have also unnecessarily lost their lives.
  • On the political front, we have always pursued the path of truth and justice in our struggle for the legitimate rights of the Tibetan people. We have never indulged in distortions, exaggerations and criticism of the Chinese people. Neither have we harboured any ill will towards them. Above all, we have always held to our position of truth and justice without siding with any of the international political power blocks.
  • We must improve the relationship between China and Tibet as well as between Tibetans in and outside Tibet. With truth and equality as our foundation, we must try to develop friendship between Tibetans and Chinese through better understanding in the future. The time has come to apply our common wisdom in a spirit of tolerance and broadmindedness to achieve genuine happiness for the Tibetan people with a sense of urgency.
    On my part, I remain committed to contribute my efforts for the welfare of all human beings, and in particular the poor and the weak to the best of my ability without any distinction based on national boundaries.

Nobel acceptance speech (1989)

  • I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion and elimination of ignorance, selfishness and greed.
    The problems we face today, violent conflicts, destruction of nature, poverty, hunger, and so on, are human-created problems which can be resolved through human effort, understanding and the development of a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share. Although I have found my own Buddhist religion helpful in generating love and compassion, even for those we consider our enemies, I am convinced that everyone can develop a good heart and a sense of universal responsibility with or without religion.
  • With the ever-growing impact of science on our lives, religion and spirituality have a greater role to play by reminding us of our humanity. There is no contradiction between the two. Each gives us valuable insights into the other. Both science and the teachings of the Buddha tell us of the fundamental unity of all things. This understanding is crucial if we are to take positive and decisive action on the pressing global concern with the environment. I believe all religions pursue the same goals, that of cultivating human goodness and bringing happiness to all human beings. Though the means might appear different the ends are the same.
  • As we enter the final decade of this century I am optimistic that the ancient values that have sustained mankind are today reaffirming themselves to prepare us for a kinder, happier twenty-first century.
    I pray for all of us, oppressor and friend, that together we succeed in building a better world through human understanding and love, and that in doing so we may reduce the pain and suffering of all sentient beings.

Nobel lecture (1989)

  • When I meet people in different parts of the world, I am always reminded that we are all basically alike: we are all human beings. Maybe we have different clothes, our skin is of a different colour, or we speak different languages. That is on the surface. But basically, we are the same human beings. That is what binds us to each other. That is what makes it possible for us to understand each other and to develop friendship and closeness.
  • Because we all share this small planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a necessity. We are dependent on each other in so many ways, that we can no longer live in isolated communities and ignore what is happening outside those communities, and we must share the good fortune that we enjoy.
  • I speak not with a feeling of anger or hatred towards those who are responsible for the immense suffering of our people and the destruction of our land, homes and culture. They too are human beings who struggle to find happiness and deserve our compassion. I speak to inform you of the sad situation in my country today and of the aspirations of my people, because in our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.
  • Today, we are truly a global family. What happens in one part of the world may affect us all. This, of course, is not only true of the negative things that happen, but is equally valid for the positive developments. We not only know what happens elsewhere, thanks to the extraordinary modern communications technology. We are also directly affected by events that occur far away.
  • Our own security is enhanced when peace breaks out between warring parties in other continents.
    But war or peace; the destruction or the protection of nature; the violation or promotion of human rights and democratic freedoms; poverty or material well-being; the lack of moral and spiritual values or their existence and development; and the breakdown or development of human understanding, are not isolated phenomena that can be analysed and tackled independently of one another. In fact, they are very much interrelated at all levels and need to be approached with that understanding.
  • Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free. True peace with oneself and with the world around us can only be achieved through the development of mental peace.
  • Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility. In that state of mind you can deal with situations with calmness and reason, while keeping your inner happiness. That is very important. Without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed or unhappy because of circumstances.
  • Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each one of us individually.
  • I am deeply touched by the sincere concern shown by so many people in this part of the world for the suffering of the people of Tibet. That is a source of hope not only for us Tibetans, but for all oppressed people.
  • I would like to take this opportunity to explain the Zone of Ahimsa or peace sanctuary concept, which is the central element of the Five-Point Peace Plan. I am convinced that it is of great importance not only for Tibet, but for peace and stability in Asia.
    It is my dream that the entire Tibetan plateau should become a free refuge where humanity and nature can live in peace and in harmonious balance.
  • The following are key elements of the proposed Zone of Ahimsa:
  • the entire Tibetan plateau would be demilitarised;
  • the manufacture, testing, and stockpiling of nuclear weapons and other armaments on the Tibetan plateau would be prohibited;
  • the Tibetan plateau would be transformed into the world’s largest natural park or biosphere. Strict laws would be enforced to protect wildlife and plant life; the exploitation of natural resources would be carefully regulated so as not to damage relevant ecosystems; and a policy of sustainable development would be adopted in populated areas;
  • the manufacture and use of nuclear power and other technologies which produce hazardous waste would be prohibited;
  • national resources and policy would be directed towards the active promotion of peace and environmental protection. Organisations dedicated to the furtherance of peace and to the protection of all forms of life would find a hospitable home in Tibet;
  • the establishment of international and regional organisations for the promotion and protection of human rights would be encouraged in Tibet.
  • For the stability and peace of Asia, it is essential to create peace zones to separate the continent’s biggest powers and potential adversaries.
  • When I visited Costa Rica earlier this year, I saw how a country can develop successfully without an army, to become a stable democracy committed to peace and the protection of the natural environment. This confirmed my belief that my vision of Tibet in the future is a realistic plan, not merely a dream.
  • I believe that our Tibetan ability to combine spiritual qualities with a realistic and practical attitude enables us to make a special contribution, in however modest a way. This is my hope and prayer.
    In conclusion, let me share with you a short prayer which gives me great inspiration and determination:
For as long as space endures,
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I, too, abide
To dispel the misery of the world.

  • This last statement is a traditional form of the Bodhisattva vows.

The Dalai Lama: A Policy of Kindness (1990)

  • Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend — or a meaningful day.
    • As quoted in “Tibet’s Living Buddha” by Pico Iyer, p. 32.
  • Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion.
    • “Kindness and Compassion” p. 47.
  • If I say, “I am a monk.” or “I am a Buddhist,” these are, in comparison to my nature as a human being, temporary. To be human is basic.
    • “Kindness and Compassion” p. 47.
  • Today we face many problems. Some are created essentially by ourselves based on divisions due to ideology, religion, race, economic status, or other factors. Therefore, the time has come for us to think on a deeper level, on the human level, and from that level we should appreciate and respect the sameness of others as human beings.
    • “Kindness and Compassion” p. 47.
  • This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.
    • “Kindness and Compassion” p. 52
  • To studyBuddhism and then use it as a weapon in order to criticize others’ theories or ideologies is wrong. The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticize others. Rather, we must criticize ourselves. How much am I doing about my anger? About my attachment, about my hatred, about my pride, my jealousy? These are the things which we must check in daily life with the knowledge of the Buddhist teachings.
    • “A Talk to Western Buddhists” p. 87.
  • As Buddhists, while we practice our own teaching, we must respect other faiths, Christianity, Judaism and so forth. We must recognize and appreciate their contributions over many past centuries to human society, and at this time we must strive to make common effort to serve humankind.
    • “A Talk to Western Buddhists” p. 87.
  • Sectarian feelings and criticism of other teachings or other sects is very bad, poisonous, and should be avoided.
    • “A Talk to Western Buddhists” p. 87.
  • It is necessary to help others, not only in our prayers, but in our daily lives. If we find we cannot help others, the least we can do is to desist from harming them.
    • “A Talk to Western Buddhists” p. 89
  • If there are sound reasons or bases for the points you demand, then there is no need for violence. On the other hand, when there is no sound reason that concessions should be made to you but mainly your own desire, then reason cannot work and you have to rely on force. Thus using force is not a sign of strength but rather a sign of weakness.
    • “The Nobel Evening Address” p. 115.
  • As a result of more contact with people from other traditions, as time passes I have firmed my conviction that all religions can work together despite fundamental differences in philosophy. Every religion aims at serving humanity. Therefore, it is possible for the various religions to work together to serve humanity and contribute to world peace. So, during these last few years, at every opportunity I try to develop closer relations with other religions.
    • “The Nobel Evening Address” p. 115.

Daily Telegraph interview (2006)

  • Some say I am a good person, some say I am a charlatan — I am just a monk… I never asked people like Richard Gere to come, but it is foolish to stop them. I have Tibetans, Indians, backpackers, AIDS patients, religious people, politicians, actors and princesses. My attitude is to give everyone some of my time. If I can contribute in any way to their happiness, that makes me happy.
  • I don’t want to convert people to Buddhism — all major religions, when understood properly, have the same potential for good.
  • Fundamentalism is terrifying because it is based purely on emotion, rather than intelligence. It prevents followers from thinking as individuals and about the good of the world.

Misattributed

Instructions for Life

  1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
  2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
  3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.
  4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
  5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
  6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
  7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
  8. Spend some time alone every day.
  9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
  10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
  11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
  12. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
  13. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
  14. Be gentle with the earth.
  15. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
  16. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
  17. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
  18. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

“What surprises you most about humanity?”

Often attributed to the Dalai Lama, or as author shanx dee, this appears to be a loose adaptation of the work of Jim Brown, published by Reata Strickland as An Interview with God ISBN 0743229576.

“Man…. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”

Original text:

“What surprises you most about mankind?”
God answered:
“That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health. That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future. That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived.”

Successful people

“The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.” — Facebook image meme

Original:

“The plain fact is that the planet does not need more successful people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every kind. It needs people who live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these qualities have little to do with success as our culture has defined it.” — David W. Orr, Earth in Mind: On Education, Environment, and the Human Prospect ISBN 1559632941

Disputed

  • If you think you are too small to make a difference, you have never been in bed with a mosquito
    • The earliest known example of this quote comes from a January 1993 article in Time magazine, where it is associated with British businesswoman Anita Roddick:[1]: “Even Body Shop trucks are employed as rolling billboards for pithy slogans. Roddick’s current favorite, taken from the side of one of her company’s lorries: IF YOU THINK YOU’RE TOO SMALL TO HAVE AN IMPACT, TRY GOING TO BED WITH A MOSQUITO”.
    • IN the 21st century, it was cited as an “African proverb”.[2] Earliest attribution to Dalai Lama is from 2004.[3]

Quotes about the 14th Dalai Lama

  • The Dalai Lama said acts of violence should be remembered, and then forgiveness should be extended to the perpetrators.
    But if someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, he said, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun. Not at the head, where a fatal wound might result. But at some other body part, such as a leg.

    • Hal Bernton, reporting on remarks made during a public discussion with regional high school students in Portland, Oregon, in “Dalai Lama urges students to shape world” in The Seattle Times (15 May 2001).
  • The Dalai Lama in his struggle for the liberation of Tibet consistently has opposed the use of violence. He has instead advocated peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.
    The Dalai Lama has developed his philosophy of peace from a great reverence for all things living and upon the concept of universal responsibility embracing all mankind as well as nature.

    • The Norwegian Nobel Committee press release awarding the Nobel Peace Prize (1989).
  • The world has shrunk. Increasingly peoples and nations have grown dependent on one another. No one can any longer act entirely in his own interest. It is therefore imperative that we should accept mutual responsibility for all political, economic, and ecological problems.
    In view of this, fewer and fewer people would venture to dismiss the Dalai Lama’s philosophy as utopian: on the contrary, one would be increasingly justified in asserting that his gospel of nonviolence is the truly realistic one, with most promise for the future. And this applies not only to Tibet but to each and every conflict. The future hopes of oppressed millions are today linked to the unarmed battalions, for they will win the peace: the justice of their demands, moreover, is now so clear and the normal strength of their struggle so indomitable that they can only temporarily be halted by force of arms.
    In awarding the Peace Prize to H.H. the Dalai Lama we affirm our unstinting support for his work for peace, and for the unarmed masses on the march in many lands for liberty, peace and human dignity.

    • Nobel Peace Prize presentation speech by Egil Aarvik, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
  • I don’t think China will negotiate. I think they are waiting for the Dalai Lama to die… The Chinese government feels he symbolizes the entire independence movement, and when he is gone, it will go away.
    • Tenzin Choegyal, brother of Tenzin Gyatzo, in “The Private Dalai Lama” by Ron Gluckman, in AsiaWeek magazine (10 May 1996).
  • You know, in 1968 I interviewed an extraordinary man. The most peaceful man, the most gentle, the most tolerant, wise man, than I’ve ever known… So I interrupted him and I asked him: “Your Holiness, will you ever forgive your enemies?” He looked at me in amazement. Surprised, perhaps offended, stunned. And with that beautiful, fresh, ringing voice, he exclaimed: “Enemies? But I’ve never considered them enemies! I have no enemies! A Buddhist has no enemies”.
    • Oriana Fallaci. The Rage and The Pride (2002)
  • There’s no question that His Holiness is my root guru, and he’s been quite tough with me at times. I’ve had to explain to people who sometimes have quite a romantic vision of His Holiness that at times he’s been cross with me, but it was very skillful. At the moment he did it, I’m not saying it was pleasant for me, but there was no ego attachment from his side. I’m very thankful that he trusts me enough to be the mirror for me and not pull any punches. Mind you, the first meetings were not that way; I think he was aware how fragile I was and was being very careful. Now I think he senses that my seriousness about the teachings has increased and my own strength within the teachings has increased. He can be much tougher on me.
    • Richard Gere, in “My Journey as a Buddhist” an interview with Melvin McLeod in Shambhala Sun (May 1999).
  • I found also that the question of His Holiness in terms of a political movement was very tricky. It’s a non-violent movement, which is a problem in itself-you don’t get headlines with nonviolence. And His Holiness doesn’t see himself as Gandhi; he doesn’t create dramatic, operatic situations.
    So we’ve ended up taking a much steadier kind of approach. It’s not about drama. It’s about, little by little, building truth, and I think it’s probably been deeper because of that. The senators, congressmen, legislators and parliamentarians who have got involved go way beyond what they would normally give to a cause they believed in.

    • Richard Gere, in “My Journey as a Buddhist” an interview with Melvin McLeod in Shambhala Sun (May 1999).
  • I think the universality of His Holiness’ words and teachings have made this so much bigger than just Tibet. When His Holiness won the Nobel Peace Prize, there was a quantum leap. He is not seen as solely a Tibetan anymore; he belongs to the world.
    • Richard Gere, in “My Journey as a Buddhist” an interview with Melvin McLeod in Shambhala Sun (May 1999).
  • Maybe the Dalai Lama is the only person who is totally honest, and even with him, he’s skillful not to hurt anybody. He’s skillful.
    • Richard Gere in “Interview – Unfaithful” by Rebecca Murray and Fred Tope.
  • We used to say to the apartheid government… Come: join the winning side. His Holiness and the Tibetan people are on the winning side.
  • I give great thanks to God that he has created a Dalai Lama. Do you really think, as some have argued, that God will be saying: ‘You know, that guy, the Dalai Lama, is not bad. What a pity he’s not a Christian?
  • Desmond Tutu Dalai Lama honours Tintin and Tutu, BBC (Friday, 2 June 2006)

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