Dalai Lama quotes

• Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. Source unknown, date unknown

• 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. Source unknown, date unknown

• Today the human soul asks the question: What can I do to preserve the beauty and the wonder of our world and to eliminate the anger and hatred? Please seek to answer to that question today, with all the magnificence that is You. Others are waiting for you now. They are looking to you for guidance, for help, for courage, for strength, for understanding, and for assurance at this hour. Most of all, they are looking to you for love. His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, source unknown

• In Buddhism we have relative truth and absolute truth. Source unknown, date unknown

• In our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess. Source unknown, date unknown

• 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. Source unknown, date unknown

• I think that we can say, that, because of the lessons we have begun to learn, the next century will be friendlier, more harmonious, and less harmful. Compassion, the seed of peace, will be able to flourish. I am very hopeful. At the same time, I believe that every individual has a responsibility to help guide our global family in the right direction. Good wishes are not enough; we have to assume responsibility. Tenzin Gyatso, 14. Dalai Lama, The Global Community And the Need for Universal Responsibility, 1992

• Actually the [deeply ingrained] concept of WE and [against] THEM is no longer there – according to the new reality. [...] Therefore treat others as a part of yourself. The entire world should be part of WE. Here we need the concept of oneness of humanity [...] and we need a sense of global responsibility. [...] The reality is no longer separate, this I feel. Video panel dialogue with Dalai Lama and Global Elder Mary Robinson, on Wisdom and Compassion for Challenging Times, part 6, presented by The Tibet Fund, moderated by Pico Iyer, Town Hall, New York City, USA, 3. May 2009, YouTube film, minute 2:38, 8:38 minutes duration, posted 19. May 2009

• Even billionaires who have plenty of money and are therefore quite influential are very unhappy persons. I also have met some of them. Deep inside those powerful leaders have much anxiety, much fear, much distress. H.H. Dalai Lama, Peace Summit, clip 2 of 4 last section, minute 14:53-17:59, Vancouver, Sunday 27. September 2009

• The world will be saved by the western woman. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, proclamation, Vancouver Peace Summit, 27.-29. September 2009

• 1. Money or wealth failed to bring inner peace.
  2. Modern education [ science] failed to bring inner peace.
  3. Technology also failed to bring inner peace.
  ..................................................................................................
  4. In the 21st century we need to promote human values, ethics, compassion and affection.
  Women are more sensitive to pain or suffering of others. […]
  Therefore, [women of the Western world] please take a more active role.
  H.H. Dalai Lama, Peace Summit, clip 2 of 4 last section, minute 14:53-17:59, Vancouver, Sunday 27. September 2009

• I have a belief for which some people may call me a feminist. Millions of years ago there was no idea of leadership in the human society. Everybody was equal. People worked together and whatever they had they shared with each other. Eventually the population increased. Some mischievous people then started with the concept of leadership.
  The main quality of leadership is the physical status. I believe, the male dominance [= pride culture] started from that. Then eventually education took an important role. That created more equality between men and women. H.H. Dalai Lama, Peace Summit, clip 2 of 4 last section, minute 14:53-17:59, Vancouver, Sunday 27. September 2009

• Warfare has traditionally been carried out primarily by men, since they seem better physically equipped for aggressive behavior. Women, on the other hand, tend to be more caring and more sensitive to others’ discomfort and pain. Although men and women have the same potentials for aggression and warm-heartedness, they differ in which of the two more easily manifests. Thus, if the majority of world leaders were women, perhaps there would be less danger of war and more cooperation on the basis of global concern – although, of course, some women can be difficult! I sympathize with feminists, but they must not merely shout. They must exert efforts to make positive contributions to society. H.H. Dalai Lama, 2007 International Congress on the Women's Role in the Sangha: Bhikshuni Vinaya and Ordination Lineages, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, 18.-20. July 2007, transcripted by Alexander Berzin, August 2007

• In the twenty-first century, the concept of war is out of date. Instead, we need dialogue to settle disputes and, for that, intelligence is not enough. We also need warm-heartedness and serious interest in the welfare of others. Compassion is more important for sincere dialogue. Women, because of the biological factor, have more sensitivity to the suffering of others than men have. For example, not many women are slaughterers or butchers. Therefore, for international negotiations, women are needed very much and need to take a larger role. H.H. Dalai Lama, 2007 International Congress on the Women's Role in the Sangha: Bhikshuni Vinaya and Ordination Lineages, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, 18.-20. July 2007, transcripted by Alexander Berzin, August 2007

• The lives of 6.8 billion human beings from different continents are very much interdependent, interconnected. All parts of the world are part of me. My own happy future, my success, my peaceful life depend on the rest of the world. That kind of conclusion can develop out of investigation, not just out of mere compassion. H.H. Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso [LoC 570] (*1935) Tibetan monk, leader of the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" branch of Tibetan Buddhism, Peace Nobel Prize laureate, 1989, Peace Summit, clip 2 of 4 at 2/3rd section, minute 50:13-55:00, Vancouver, Sunday 27. September 2009

• At the time of our birth and within the following few weeks or months the main factor of our survival is affection, the mother's affection which also runs from the child towards the mother. It has no idea who that is but biologically it totally depends on its mother. So a the bond of affection is a very crucial feeling. Our lives start that way. In our blood we firstly appreciate the affection of others. Even those who kill millions of people without hesitation appreciate the affection of others. They also have the potential to show affection to others. H.H. Dalai Lama, Peace Summit, clip 2 of 4 at 2/3rd section, minute 50:13-55:00, Vancouver, Sunday 27. September 2009

• From the viewpoint of our basic nature I believe that human beings are basically more gentle, more compassionate. H.H. Dalai Lama, Peace Summit, clip 2 of 4 at 2/3rd section, minute 50:13-55:00, Vancouver, Sunday 27. September 2009

• All the positive states of mind such as love, compassion, insight and so on, have the quality that you can enhance their capacity and increase their potential to a limitless degree, if you regularly practice them through training and by developing constant familiarity with them. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, Facebook comment, 14. February 2011

• The simple recognition that everyone else wants to be happy and not to suffer, just as I do, serves as a constant reminder against selfishness and partiality. It reminds us there is little to be gained from being kind and generous while hoping to win something in return. Actions motivated by a desire to earn a good name for ourselves are still selfish, even if they appear to be acts of kindness. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, Facebook comment, 22. August 2010

• It is important to distinguish between genuine humility, which is a type of modesty, and a lack of confidence. They are not the same thing at all, although many confuse them. This may explain, in part, why today humility is often thought of as a weakness, rather than as an indication of inner strength, especially in the context of business and professional life. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, Facebook comment, 29. October 2010

• I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that 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 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. 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. Source unknown

• Genuine friendship emerges on the basis of trust. [...] In order to develop trust youmust first extend (open) your heart. Be open, transferring, honest, truthful, treat others and animals kindly and warm-heartely, then trust will come. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, The Quest for Happiness in Challenging Times, RealPlayer Video, sponsored by University of Miami, Miami, FLA, USA, minute 20:00, 98:48 minutes duration, aired 26. October 2010

• 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. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, Facebook comment, 22. August 2010

• It is very important to value all religious systems. Although they may have great philosophical differences, they all have precepts for cultivating a good attitude toward others and helping them. They all counsel the practice of love, compassion, patience, contentment, and observing society’s rules. Since all religions share these goals, it is important to respect them and to value the contribution they can make. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, Facebook comment, 21. January 2011

• Some people automatically associate morality and altruism with a religious vision of the world. But I believe it is a mistake to think that morality is an attribute only of religion. We can imagine two types of spirituality:
  • one tied to religion,
  • while the other arises spontaneously in the human heart as an expression of love for our neighbors and a desire to do them good.

• 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. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, Facebook comment, 20. September 2010

• 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. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, Facebook comment, 27. May 2011

• 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. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama, Facebook comment, 11:09,  9. Januar 2012

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.

• I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that 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 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. 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.

• The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

• Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

• 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.

• As human beings we all want to be happy and free from misery. […] we have learned that the key to happiness is inner peace. The greatest obstacles to inner peace are disturbing emotions such as anger, attachment, fear and suspicion, while love and compassion and a sense of universal responsibility are the sources of peace and happiness.

• Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

• My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

• Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

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

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

• 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.

• The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.

• 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.

• In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.

• Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

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

• We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.

• Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.

• Sleep is the best meditation.

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

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

• 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.

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