Quotes by the Dalai Lama

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

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

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

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

Peace in the world relies on individuals finding inner peace.

Love and compassion are the pillars of world peace.

Compassion is one of the principal things that make our lives meaningful. It is the source of all lasting happiness and joy.

All beings want to live in peace and happiness, undisturbed. Therefore the concept of human rights is universal.

If you are showing love to your fellow human beings, you are showing love to your God.

Scientists are discovering that while anger and hatred eat into our immune system, warm-heartedness and compassion are good for our health.

Everyday, 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.

World peace must develop from inner peace.

Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

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.

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

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

Happiness is the highest form of health.

We share the earth not only with our fellow human beings, but with all the other creatures.

Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.

Love is the absence of judgment.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

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

Someone else's action should not determine your response.

Without changing one's self, without peace in one's self, world peace is not possible.

The root of happiness is altruism - the wish to be of service to others.

Altruism is the best source of happiness. There is no doubt about that.

If you harbor hatred or ill feelings toward a person, the feeling does not hurt the enemy. It only harms your own peace of mind and eventually your own health.

Dangerous consequences will follow when politicians and rulers forget moral principles.

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

Meet hostility and suspicion with kindness. Helping others out of love is always the best option.

Fundamentally, the basis on which you can build a sense of caring for others is the capacity to love yourself.

Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital.

The basic condition of human life is happiness.

An enemy is indeed a precious teacher.

Killing animals for sport, for pleasure, for adventures, and for hides and furs is a phenomenon which is at once disgusting and distressing. There is no justification in indulging in such acts of brutality.

How we fare in any given situation depends on the conduct of our body, speech, and mind. Since mind is the chief, a disciplined mind is essential.

We live very close together. So, our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.

Developing concern for others, thinking of them as part of us, brings self-confidence, reduces our sense of suspicion and mistrust, and enables us to develop a calm mind.

If we are in a good mood when we get up in the morning, if there is a warm-hearted feeling within, automatically our inner door is opened for that day.

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.

If your mind is scattered, it is quite powerless.

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

The only way to fail is to quit.

To a large extent, whether you suffer depends on how you respond to a given situation.

The 20th century was the century of war and blood. The 21st century is the century of dialogue.

Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned.

I think the person who has had more experience of hardships can stand more firmly in the face of problems than the person who has never experienced suffering. From this angle then, some suffering can be a good lesson for life.

The most important benefit of patience consists in the way it acts as a powerful antidote to the affliction of anger.

The antidote to hatred in the heart, the source of violence, is tolerance.

Computers make me totally blank out.

Happiness is a state of mind. With physical comforts if your mind is still in a state of confusion and agitation, it is not happiness. Happiness means calmness of mind.

Everybody loves to talk about calmness and peace, whether in a family, national, or international context, but without inner peace how can we make real peace? World peace through hatred and force is impossible.

Don't use Buddhism to become a Buddhist. Use Buddhism to become better at whatever else in your life you are doing already.

A balanced and skillful approach to life, taking care to avoid extremes, becomes a very important factor in conducting one's everyday existence.

As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breathe out, cherish all Beings.

As far as mental development is concerned, we should never be complacent. We can develop our minds infinitely -- there is no limitation.

Constructiveness is the human way.

The world has also learned that economic growth, by itself, cannot close the gap between rich and poor.

Contemplating the suffering which is unbearable to us, and is unbearable to others, too, can produce awake mind, which arises from the compassion that wishes to free all living beings from suffering.

Inner disarmament, external disarmament; these must go together, you see. Peace is not just mere absence of violence -- genuine peace must start in each individual heart.

We have global communication and yet confrontation is more common than dialogue.

Try to improve. Don't expect too much, but don't feel discouraged either; keep up your enthusiasm; you will make progress.

It seems that for some people the idea of compassion entails a complete disregard for or even a sacrifice of their own interests. This is not the case. In fact, you first of all have to have a wish to be happy yourself -- if you don't love yourself like that, how can you love others?

We must conduct research and then accept the results. If they don't stand up to experimentation, Buddha's own words must be rejected.

Limitless like the ocean are your excellent qualities.

If I had not been a monk, I would have become an engineer.

Since form is emptiness and emptiness is form, then instead of a hand grasping at nothing, it is better to grasp at someone's nose because this is closer to reality.

Genuine harmony must come from the heart. It cannot come from the barrel of a gun.

The real test of compassion is not what we say in abstract discussions but how we conduct ourselves in daily life.

Unlike physical progress, which is subject to natural restrictions, the qualities of the mind can be developed limitlessly.

Many of the earth's habitats, animals, plants, insects and even micro-organisms that we know to be rare may not be known at all by future generations. We have the capability and the responsibility to act; we must do so before it is too late.

Individuality is very important for a full human life.

Provided that societies stay mindful of the challenges that capitalism creates and never forget the paramount importance of inclusion and equal opportunity, we can and should celebrate the miracle of free enterprise-and the billions of souls it has helped free from desperate poverty.

Too strong a media emphasis on death and violence can lead to despair.

I do not judge the universe.

The highest happiness is when one reaches the stage of liberation, at which there is no more suffering.

The person who received maximum affection from mother, that person also sort of cultivated the potential showing affection to others.

When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves.

When ever 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.

The source of peace is within us; so also the source of war. And the real enemy is within us, and not outside. The source of war is not the existence of nuclear weapons or other arms. It is the minds of human beings who decide to push the button and to use those arms out of hatred, anger or greed.

If you focus only on yourself and neglect others, you will lose; but you will gain if you value others as much as you cherish yourself.

According to Buddhist psychology most of our troubles stem from attachment to things that we mistakenly see as permanent.

When a person is in a miserable situation, then, yes, it is difficult to develop genuine compassion toward others. That's why I find it difficult to say to poor people, Please have compassion toward millionaires. That's not easy.

Happiness doesn't always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.

Without freedom, creativity cannot flourish. The right to freedom is crucial to progress in any society; and the context is having a sense of global responsibility.

If we want to save the world, we must have a plan. But no plan will work unless we meditate.

The only clear thing is that we humans are the only species with the power to destroy the earth as we know it. The birds have no such power, nor do the insects, nor does any mammal. Yet if we have the capacity to destroy the earth, so, too, do we have the capacity to protect it.

Affection is important because it counters anger, hatred and suspicion that can prevent our minds from functioning clearly.

I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend with dignity, with honor.

Spiritually, yes, now many people knows Tibetans in spiritual field are very, very advanced but in material field is very, very backward.

I think many people knows what I am thinking. The whole world knows I am not seeking independence, therefore is many Tibetan disappointed, and also some of our supporters -- many Indians, many Europeans, many Americans are also disappointed because I am not seeking independence.

I make small mistakes every day. But major mistakes? It doesn't seem so. I've examined my service to the Tibetan people and to humanity, and I've done as much as I can in my life.

Many Tibetans sacrifice their lives.

I'm a Tibetan monk, not a vegetarian.

The fact that there is always a positive side to life is the one thing that gives me a lot of happiness. This world is not perfect. There are problems. But things like happiness and unhappiness are relative. Realizing this gives you hope.

I always tell my Western friends that it is best to keep your own tradition. Changing religion is not easy and sometimes causes confusion. You must value your tradition and honor your own religion.

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.

Indulgence in resentment and vengeance will only further increase miseries to oneself and others in this life and in lives to come.

In fact, being wealthy often brings even more anxiety.

Do not think only of your own joy, but vow to save all beings from suffering. This is sharing in its highest form and purity beyond all poisons of this world.

When you encounter some problems, if you point your finger at yourself and not at others, this gives you control over yourself and calmness in a situation, where otherwise self-control becomes problematic.

Certain beliefs must accompany every action: One should act without selfishness, cultivate compassion for all living things, and develop respect for others.

A zero itself is nothing, but without a zero you cannot count anything; therefore, a zero is something, yet zero.

May I examine my mind in all actions and as soon as a negative state occurs, since it endangers myself and others, may I firmly face and avert it.

There are five billion human beings and in a certain way I think we need five billion different religions.

Different religions meet the needs of different people.

Buddhism strongly discourages blind faith and fanaticism.

We can hardly call a beggar an obstacle to generosity.

To me there is no difference whether president, beggar, or king.

Chinese people themselves, they really want change.

True friends share genuine closeness and remain friends irrespective of fluctuating fortunes.

Therefore we have to make effort through well through every corner, media people, education sort of institution, and family, parents, everywhere. It is our common goal, common interest promote more compassion toward the world.

As far as social-economic theory is concerned, I am still a Marxist.

The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticise others.

There is an intense delight in abandoning faulty states of mind and in cultivating helpful ones in meditation.

How can we eliminate the deepest source of all unsatisfactory experience? Only by cultivating certain qualities within our mindstream.

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.

The egotistical ambition to always want to earn more money harms both the company and the individual himself. That is the biggest weakness of many managers -- the financial crisis has proven this.

Those who suffer from an exaggerated sense of their own ability and accomplishment are continually subject to frustration, disappointment, and rage when reality intrudes and the world doesn't validate their idealized view of themselves.

If one assumes a humble attitude, one's own good qualities will increase. Whereas if one is proud, one will become jealous of others, one will look down on others, and due to that there will be unhappiness in society.

The development of our minds and our destination in future lives is in our hands. No one else can help us. It is very important that we each take responsibility for ourselves. Sustain mindfulness 24 hours a day. Thank you. That is all.

Since periods of great change, such as the present one, come so rarely in human history, it is up to each of us to make the best use of our time to help create a happier world.

Great changes start with individuals; the basis of world peace is inner peace in the hearts of individuals.

We have to make a sustained effort, again and again, to cultivate the positive aspects within us.

My overriding belief is that it is always possible for criminals to improve and that by its very finality the death penalty contradicts this.

I believe the ultimate aim of all human beings is to obtain happiness and a sense of fulfillment... I have always stressed the importance of combining both the mental and material approach to achieving happiness for humankind.

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.

A sense of contentment is a key factor for attaining happiness.

Awareness of death is the very bedrock of the entire path. Until you have developed this awareness, all other practices are obstructed.

Our attitude towards suffering becomes very important because it can affect how we cope with suffering when it arises.

Whether you believe in God or not does not matter much, whether you believe in Buddha or not does not matter so much; as a Buddhist, whether you believe in reincarnation or not does not matter so much. You must lead a good life.

When seen from outer space, our beautiful blue planet has no national boundaries.

Black Power If the motive is good, and there are no other possibilities, then seen most deeply it violence is nonviolence, because its aim is to help others.

As human beings we have the same experience of destructive and constructive emotions. We also have a human mind capable of developing wisdom. We all have the same Buddha nature.

If you can do something about a situation, why worry? And if you can't do something about a situation, why worry?

Reincarnation is not an exclusively Hindu or Buddhist concept, but it is part of the history of human origin. It is proof of the mindstream's capacity to retain knowledge of physical and mental activities. It is related to the theory of interdependent origination and to the law of cause and effect.

I believe that constant effort, tireless effort, pursuing clear goals with sincere effort is the only way.

During the day extend that attitude to everyone you meet. Practice cherishing the simplest person (clerks, attendants, etc) or people you dislike.

The main cause of suffering is egoistic desire for one's own comfort and happiness.

Always embrace the common humanity that lies at the heart of us all.

People assume that happiness stems from collecting things outside of yourself, whereas true happiness stems from removing things from inside of yourself.

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.

Once you have a genuine sense of concern for others, there's no room for cheating, bullying or exploitation.

Too much of a self-centered attitude creates mistrust and suspicion in others, which can in turn lead to fear. But if you have more of an open mind, and you cultivate a sense of concern for others' well-being, then, no matter what others' attitudes are, you can keep your inner peace.

If we can cultivate a concern for others, keeping in mind the oneness of humanity, we can build a more compassionate world.

Buddha himself taught different teachings to different people under different circumstances. For some people, there are beliefs based on a Creator. For others, no Creator. The only definitive truth for Buddhism is the absolute negation of any one truth as the Definitive Truth.

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.

I'm nothing special, just an ordinary human being. That's why I always describe myself as a simple Buddhist monk.

In the interests of everyone the artist had a responsibility to use his medium well. In the Tibetan culture, most of the paintings are of deities or Buddhas, and they try to send a message of the value of the spiritual.

If there is no solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it.

So, the tendency of our childish nature is to take small things too seriously and get easily offended, whereas when we are confronted with situations which have long-term consequences, we tend to take things less seriously.

To defy the authority of empirical evidence is to disqualify oneself as someone worthy of critical engagement in a dialogue.

I want to show that there are indeed some universal ethical principles which could help everyone to achieve the happiness we all aspire to.

When a certain community is destroyed, in reality it destroys a part of all of us. So there should be a clear recognition that the entire humanity is just one family. Any conflict within humanity should be considered as a family conflict. We must find a solution within this atmosphere.

Through training there is knowledge. You can produce compassion, love, forgiveness. you can change yourself.

Life can be pleasant or miserable. To lead a fruitful life, and to make it positive, practice analytical meditation.

I call the light and high aspects of my being spirit and the dark and heavy aspects soul.

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.

Today we understand that the future of humanity very much depends on our planet, and that the future of the planet very much depends on humanity.

A generous heart and wholesome actions lead to greater peace.

God exists or God does not exist. Leave it for us. Your task is to learn how to live peacefully.

Genuine happiness and compassion go hand in hand.

Genuine happiness comes from focusing on the happiness of others.

Even without a religion, we can become a good human being.

I have come to the conclusion that whether or not a person is a religious believer does not matter. Far more important is that they be a good human being.

Basically we are all the same human beings with the same potential to be a good human being or a bad human being. The important thing is to realize the positive side and try to increase that; realize the negative side and try to reduce. That's the way.

If we see pride among people who have no idea about Dharma, it is understandable. However, if afflictive emotions and haughtiness are present among Dharma practitioners, it is great disgrace to practice.

I think when religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism -- as well as Christianity and Judaism -- were founded, at that time societies were generally male-dominated. So, therefore this social notion also influenced religion.

The ultimate way to solve human problems is with nonviolence.