Dalai Lama Quotes

Powerful Dalai Lama for Daily Growth

About Dalai Lama

Title: The Life and Legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935), is a globally revered spiritual leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and advocate for peace, compassion, and Tibetan independence. Born in a small hamlet called Tunboche in northeastern Tibet, the young Dalai Lama was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the 13th Dalai Lama. His formal education began at the age of six, and he was enthroned as the spiritual leader of Tibetans in Lhasa at the tender age of four. In 1950, when China invaded Tibet, the Dalai Lama fled to India, beginning a lifelong journey advocating for Tibetan freedom and human rights. In exile, he built a government-in-exile, established schools, and worked tirelessly to preserve Tibet's unique culture and Buddhist tradition. The Dalai Lama is best known for his teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and interdependence, as encapsulated in his famous quote, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." His work has inspired millions worldwide, earning him numerous international awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. His major works include 'The Art of Happiness' (co-authored with Howard C. Cutler), 'The Book of Joy' (co-authored with Desmond Tutu), and 'Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World.' In each, he offers timeless wisdom on inner peace, happiness, and the importance of kindness in a globalized world. Today, at 86 years old, the Dalai Lama continues his work as a beacon of hope, teaching love, compassion, and understanding to people of all walks of life, making him one of the most influential figures of our time.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."

The Dalai Lama's quote encourages people to exhibit kindness in every situation, suggesting that it should not be limited by circumstances or obstacles. He emphasizes that being kind is always a viable option, no matter what the environment or relationship might be. This reminds us that extending compassion and empathy towards others can positively impact both parties, fostering understanding, respect, and peace in our communities.

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

This quote from the Dalai Lama emphasizes the interconnectedness between our own happiness and the happiness of others. It suggests that if we strive to make others happy by practicing compassion, we will naturally find our own happiness in return. In other words, selfless acts of kindness and empathy not only benefit those around us but also foster a sense of inner peace and contentment within ourselves.

"Smile. Smile. Smile. Smiling is the universal language of happiness."

This quote encourages the simple act of smiling as a means to spread joy and positivity, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. By smiling, we express happiness and can inspire it in others, creating a chain reaction of contentment that can uplift entire communities. Smiling is a universal language that requires no words, fostering connection and empathy among people.

"The roots of all goodness lie in altruistic love."

The Dalai Lama's quote "The roots of all goodness lie in altruistic love" emphasizes that selfless, compassionate love is the foundation for all positive qualities and actions in life. It suggests that when we act out of genuine care and concern for others, it fosters a virtuous cycle where more kindness, empathy, and goodness manifest in the world around us. In essence, he's proposing that love – specifically altruistic love – is not just a feeling but the driving force behind creating a better, more compassionate world.

"If you have a particular faith or religion that helps you to be a better human being, then follow it. But if it doesn't, then search for another one until you find something that works for you."

This quote by the Dalai Lama encourages individuality in spirituality and personal growth. He suggests that one should adopt a faith or religion that positively contributes to their ethical development as a human being. If one's current belief system does not foster such growth, they are encouraged to explore alternative religious or philosophical perspectives until they find a set of beliefs that resonates with them and fosters positive personal transformation. In essence, the Dalai Lama is advocating for an empowering, self-discovering journey in one's spiritual quest.

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

Suffering, Isolation, Source

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

Forgive, Use, Methods, Monks

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

- Dalai Lama

Hope, Find, Do Not Judge, Focus

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

Always, Religious, Telling, Institutions

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

Been, Part, Past History, Centuries

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

- Dalai Lama

Religious, Most, Visits, Cases

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

- Dalai Lama

Think, I Think, Long History, Chinese

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

- Dalai Lama

Alive, Committed, Otherwise, Chinese

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

Habits, Self-Destructive, Thanks

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

Some, Been, Lasts, Console

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

Friendship, Trust, Always, Animal

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

- Dalai Lama

Troublemakers, Billion, Handful

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

Work, Very, Leisure Time, Initially

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

Trust, Harmony, Very, Logically

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

- Dalai Lama

Life, Purpose, Lives, Our Lives

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

Morning, New, A New Day, Appear

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

- Dalai Lama

World, Better, Build, Potential

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

Life, Purpose, Prime, Hurt

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

Believe, Open-Minded, Them, Urged

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

Practice, Desire, Always, Discontent

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

Change, Need, Always, Real Value

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

- Dalai Lama

Survive, We Cannot, Affection

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

- Dalai Lama

Negative, Emotions, Find, Helps

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

Good, Will, Very, Generate

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

Love, Forgiveness, Religious, Daily Lives

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

Necessary, Lives, We Cannot, Daily Lives

More compassionate mind, more sense of concern for other's well-being, is source of happiness.

- Dalai Lama

Mind, Well-Being, Other, Compassionate

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

Religion, Need, Temples, Temple

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

- Dalai Lama

Harmony, Important Thing, Wherever

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

- Dalai Lama

Teacher, Best, Practice, Tolerance

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

- Dalai Lama

Kind, Some, May, Confusion

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

Through, Religious, Very, Train

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

Want, My Own, Concerned, Communists

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

- Dalai Lama

Common, Ethnic, Due, Common Sense

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

Principle, Truthfulness, Factor

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

Some, Human Being, Being, 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

Die, Away, Dalai Lama, Lama

I never dreamt, in my dream, I'm Dalai Lama.

- Dalai Lama

Dream, Never, Dalai Lama, Lama

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

- Dalai Lama

People, Some, Dalai Lama, Lama

I became the Dalai Lama not on a volunteer basis.

- Dalai Lama

Became, Dalai Lama, Dalai, Lama

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

- Dalai Lama

Next, Dalai Lama, Determine, 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

Reason, Separate, Dalai Lama, Lama

The Dalai Lama is just a temporal leader of Tibet.

- Dalai Lama

Leader, Dalai Lama, 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

Some, I Think, Very, Unprecedented

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

Woman, Question, Esoteric, Age-Old

I think there's every reason this 21st century will be much happier.

- Dalai Lama

Think, Reason, I Think, 21st Century

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

Suffering, Fact, Wealthy, Subdue

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

Other, Before, Characterized, Forms

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

- Dalai Lama

Peace, Ignorance, Where, Possibility

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

- Dalai Lama

Important, Awareness, Call, Buddhism

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

- Dalai Lama

Meditation, Techniques, Buddhism

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

- Dalai Lama

Best, Resolve, Best Way, Sit

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

Contribution, Other, I Think, Combine

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

- Dalai Lama

Will, More, Angles, Open

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

- Dalai Lama

Help, Harm, Least, Help Others

If I had remained in Lhasa, even without the Chinese occupation, I would probably have carried the ceremonial role in some orthodox way.

- Dalai Lama

Some, Carried, Occupation, Orthodox

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

Development, Always, Take For Granted

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

Through, Kindergarten, Good Things

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

- Dalai Lama

Positive, Vision, Here, Order

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

- Dalai Lama

Well, Might, Happily, Together

I don't think generally politician come from democratic country. I think not that thinking. But sometimes little bit short-sighted. They are mainly looking for their next vote.

- Dalai Lama

Think, Country, Next, Vote

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

- Dalai Lama

Purpose, Men, Important, Something Good

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

- Dalai Lama

Leader, King, Always, Outdated

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

- Dalai Lama

Mind, More, Your, Hearing

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

Shelter, Companion, Still, Tragic

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

Nature, Against, Human Being, Human Nature

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

Go, Individual, Sooner, Individual Freedom

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

Mind, Maintain, Very, Helpful

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

Harmony, Religious, Main, Affection

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

- Dalai Lama

Friendship, Aim, Very, Essential

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

Love, Compassion, Need, All Religions

My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility.

- Dalai Lama

Responsibility, Wish, Desire, Shirk

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

Anger, Part, Your, Inner World

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

- Dalai Lama

Silent, Sometimes, Creates, Dynamic

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

Religion, Need, Temples, Philosophy

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

- Dalai Lama

Education, Scientific, Based, Introduce

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

- Dalai Lama

Leader, World, Religious, Prince

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

- Dalai Lama

Good, Faith, Survive, Particular

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

Death, Young, Means, Clothes

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

- Dalai Lama

Think, Human Being, I Think, Wrong

I consider myself as a free spokesman for the people.

- Dalai Lama

Myself, Spokesman, Consider, For The People

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

Religion, Believes, Whether, Rebirth

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

- Dalai Lama

Good, Lie, Soil, Appreciation

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

Practice, Non-Violence, Explosive

Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health.

- Dalai Lama

Strength, Mind, Very, Inner

I have no trouble sleeping.

- Dalai Lama

Trouble, Sleeping

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

- Dalai Lama

Love, Survive, Necessities, Humanity

Sleep is the best meditation.

- Dalai Lama

Dreams, Best, Sleep, Meditation

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

- Dalai Lama

Rest, Reason, Always, Analysis

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

- Dalai Lama

Happiness, Own, Made, Ready

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

- Dalai Lama

Myself, More, Buddhist, Monk

I am a simple Buddhist monk - no more, no less.

- Dalai Lama

I Am, More, Buddhist, Monk

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

- Dalai Lama

Deep, Sense, Distrust, Transparency

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

- Dalai Lama

Think, I Think, Increased, Ability

I am confident I will set foot again in Tibet in my lifetime.

- Dalai Lama

I Am, Will, Set, Foot

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

Soviet Union, Eastern, Violently

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

- Dalai Lama

Some, Always, Thousand Years, Mischievous

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

- Dalai Lama

Hardships, Very, Even, Physical

Chinese people themselves, they really want change.

- Dalai Lama

Themselves, Chinese People, Chinese

At the beginning when the child is coming, people worry the child may be deformed. When a healthy boy or child comes, people are very happy for a short moment.

- Dalai Lama

Beginning, Worry, Very, Deformed

Appearance is something absolute, but reality is not that way - everything is interdependent, not absolute.

- Dalai Lama

Appearance, Interdependent, Absolute

Disagreement is something normal.

- Dalai Lama

Disagreement, Normal, Something

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

- Dalai Lama

Peace, Never, Obtain, Outer

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

- Dalai Lama

Happiness, Practice, Want, Be Happy

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

- Dalai Lama

Motivational, Kind, Always, Whenever

I am just one human being.

- Dalai Lama

I Am, Human Being, Being, Just One

Computers make me totally blank out.

- Dalai Lama

Me, Blank, Make, Totally

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

- Dalai Lama

Thankful, Practice, Toward, Others

I feel exhausted if I teach too long.

- Dalai Lama

Teach, Feel, Too, Exhausted

Many Tibetans sacrifice their lives.

- Dalai Lama

Lives, Many, Sacrifice

I think governments can't do much.

- Dalai Lama

Government, Think, I Think, Governments

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

- Dalai Lama

Home, Feel, Treated, Well

I want to be just a pure spiritual leader.

- Dalai Lama

Spiritual, Leader, Want, Pure

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

- Dalai Lama

Simple, Religion, Very, Kindness

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