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Dalai Lama

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Famous Dalai Lama Quotes

“Human beings are not intrinsically selfish, which isolates us from others. We are essentially social animals who depend on others to meet our needs. We achieve happiness, prosperity and progress through social interaction. Therefore, having a kind and helpful attitude contributes to our own and others' happiness.”

PeopleNeedsHumansKindHelpingHappinessSocialHuman BeingsAnimalAttitudeKindnessProgressAchieveHuman NatureDependsProsperitySelfishHelping OthersBuddhistHelpfulInteractionSocial InteractionOthers HappinessNot Selfish
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“I feel that compassionate thought is the most precious thing there is. It is something that only we human beings can develop. And if we have a good heart, a warm heart, warm feelings, we will be happy and satisfied ourselves, and our friends will experience a friendly and peaceful atmosphere as well. This can be experienced community to community, country to country, continent to continent.”

IfsHumansWellsHeartCountryFeelingsPeaceCommunityHuman BeingsCompassionKindnessPositiveFriendsWarmHappySatisfiedPeacefulBuddhistAtmosphereFriendlyWarmthCompassionateContinentsGood HeartPrecious ThingsPositive InspirationalWarm Heart
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“Hatred, jealousy and excessive attachment cause suffering and agitation. I feel compassion can help us overcome these disturbances and let us return to a calm state of mind. Compassion is not just being kind to your friend. That involves attachment because it is based on expectation. Compassion is when you do something good without any expectations - based on realizing that "the other person is also just like me".”

FeelsMindKindPersonsStatesHelpingSufferingCausesRealizingCompassionKindnessReturnExpectationsHatredOvercomingCalmLike MeBuddhistJealousyAttachmentPeace Of MindBe KindState Of MindJust BeingDisturbanceAgitation
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“The key to genuine happiness is in our hands. To think this way is to discover the essential values of kindness, brotherly love and altruism. The more clearly we see the benefits of these values, the more we will seek to reject anything that opposes them; in this way we will be able to bring about inner transformation.”

ThinkingWayLoveHandsAbleHappinessValuesKindnessKeysEssentialsBenefitsTransformationGenuineBuddhistRejectsAltruismCore ValuesBrotherlyBrotherly LoveGenuine Happiness
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“I really feel that some people neglect and overlook compassion because they associate it with religion. Of course, everyone is free to choose whether they pay religion any regard, but to neglect compassion is a mistake because it is the source of our own well-being.”

PeopleFeelsWellsWisdomSpiritualReligionChoicesCoursesPayMistakeCompassionHealthSourceWise WordsWords Of WisdomEmpathyRegardBuddhistWell BeingWellnessNeglectSympathySpiritual WisdomAssociatesMonkWise Man Once SaidTibetanFreedom To ChooseChoose WiselySpiritual Health
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“From a Buddhist point of view, the actual experience of death is very important. Although how or where we will be reborn is generally dependent on karmic forces, our state of mind at the time of death can influence the quality of our next rebirth. So at the moment of death, in spite of the great variety of karmas we have accumulated, if we make a special effort to generate a virtuous state of mind, we may strengthen and activate a virtuous karma, and so bring about a happy rebirth.”

IfsMindMayImportantStatesMomentsDeathNextForceViewsEffortQualityInfluenceSpecialDyingPoint Of ViewKarmaBuddhistVarietySpiteDependentState Of MindVirtuousRebirthRebornActivate
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“As a Buddhist, I view death as a normal process, a reality that I accept will occur as long as I remain in this earthly existence. Knowing that I cannot escape it, I see no point in worrying about it. I tend to think of death as being like changing your clothes when they are old and worn out, rather than as some final end. Yet death is unpredictable: We do not know when or how it will take place. So it is only sensible to take certain precautions before it actually happens.”

ThinkingKnowsLongEndsRealityHappensDeathCertainProcessViewsExistenceAcceptingWorryKnowingDyingNormalClothesFinalsBuddhistSensibleWornUnpredictableNo PointWorn OutPrecaution
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“When young we have a vivid sense of basic values like trust and warm-heartedness, which we tend to neglect in today's competitive world as we grow up, yet from birth we all have a need for affection. The emotions we experience today have not changed much over the last few thousand years, but the interest increasing numbers of people are showing in their inner world and how their emotions work is a sign of maturity.”

PeopleWorldNeedsYearsTodayLastsYoungValuesGrowsInterestNumbersEmotionGrowing UpChangedTrustBirthThousandAgingAffectionWarmBuddhistMaturityNeglectAffectedThousand YearsVividInner WorldCore Values
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“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.”

WayWantTryingHumansRealFeelingsChristianSufferingValuesHuman BeingsPoorRichAchieveBelieverEducatedBuddhistViewpointsUneducatedHuman ValuesRich Or PoorWesternersReal HumanNon Believer
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“An affectionate disposition not only makes the mind more peaceful and calm, but it affects our body in a positive way too. On the other hand, hatred, jealousy and fear upset our peace of mind, make us agitated and affect our body adversely. Even our body needs peace of mind and is not suited to agitation. This shows that an appreciation for peace of mind is in our blood.”

WayNeedsMindShowsBodyHandsFearBloodHealthHatredCalmAppreciationPeacefulBuddhistJealousyUpsetPeace Of MindDispositionAffectionateAgitationLove And Affection
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“The great benefit of science is that it can contribute tremendously to the alleviation of suffering at the physical level, but it is only through the cultivation of the qualities of the human heart and the transformation of our attitudes that we can begin to address and overcome our mental suffering...”

HumansHeartScienceSufferingLevelsAttitudeQualityBenefitsOvercomingTransformationBuddhistAddressesHuman HeartCultivationSpiritual TransformationAttitude Adjustment
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“Developing inner values is much like physical exercise. The more we train our abilities, the stronger they become. The difference is that, unlike the body, when it comes to training the mind, there is no limit to how far we can go.”

MindBodySpiritualValuesDifferencesAbilityBuddhismDevelopmentBecomingExerciseLimitsTrainingStrongerTrainBuddhistDevelopingLimitationSpiritual WisdomLimitlessFinding HappinessPhysicalityPhysical ExerciseGetting StrongerTraining The Mind
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“The first beneficiary of compassion is always oneself. When compassion, or warmheartedness, arises in us and our focus shifts away from our own narrow self-interest, it is as if we open an inner door. It reduces fear, boosts confidence and brings us inner strength. By reducing distrust, it opens us to others and brings us a sense of connection to others, and sense of purpose and meaning in life.”

IfsFirstsHeartSelfPurposeFearInterestCompassionFocusDoorsStrengthBuddhismConfidenceConnectionsOneselfSensesAriseBuddhistMeaning Of LifeInner StrengthDistrustSelf InterestReducingReductionFinding HappinessBoostMeaning LifeConfidence BoostingBeneficiariesPurpose And Meaning
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“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.”

InspirationalHeartChildrenWisdomValuesBrainEducationCompassionTeachingModernChildhoodHuman NatureBuddhismKeysWise WordsWords Of WisdomElementsEmpathyOur ChildrenBuddhistMaterialismNeglectSympathyCompassionateEducateNurtureMonkRaising ChildrenNurturingWise Man Once SaidMaterialisticTibetanTeaching ChildrenModern Education
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“On the philosophical level, both Buddhism and modern science share a deep suspicion of any notion of absolutes, whether conceptualize as a transcendent being, as an eternal, unchanging principle such as soul, or as a fundamental substratum of reality. ... In the Buddhist investigation of reality, at least in principle, empirical evidence should triumph over scriptural authority, no matter how deeply venerated a scripture may be.”

InspirationalShouldMaySoulMatterRealityLevelsPrinciplesShareModernBuddhismAuthorityEternalEvidenceAbsolutesPhilosophicalFundamentalsNotionScriptureBuddhistTriumphInvestigationSuspicionTranscendentModern ScienceUnchangingEmpirical Evidence
Book:In My Own Words: An Introduction to My Teachings and Philosophy
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“The practice of patience guards us against losing our presence of mind. It enables us to remain undisturbed, even when the situation is really difficult. It gives us a certain amount of inner peace, which allows us some self-control, so that we can choose to respond to situations in an appropriate and compassionate manner, rather than being driven by our disturbing emotions.”

InspirationalGivingMindSelfCertainPeaceDifficultEmotionSituationPracticeAmountLosingPatienceDrivenInner PeaceBuddhistAppropriatePeace Of MindCompassionateSelf ControlDisturbingBe PatientRespondingGuardingPresence Of Mind
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“We need to take action to develop compassion, to create inner peace within ourselves and to share that inner peace with our family and friends. Peace and warm-heartednes s can then spread through the community just as ripples radiate out across the water when you drop a pebble into a pond”

InspirationalNeedsWisdomActionSpiritualPeaceWaterChangeCommunityCompassionFamilyKindnessShareBuddhismFriendsWise WordsWords Of WisdomCreatingEmpathyTransformationSpreadWarmInner PeaceBuddhistDevelopingOur FamilySympathyFamily And FriendsMonkMaking ChangesDroppingWise Man Once SaidFinding PeacePondsRippleTibetanPebblesSpiritual TransformationPeace WithinRipple Effect
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“In today’s interconnected and globalized world, it is now commonplace for people of dissimilar world views, faiths and races to live side by side. It is a matter of great urgency, therefore, that we find ways to cooperate with one another in a spirit of mutual acceptance and respect.”

PeopleWorldWayMatterTodaySpiritHumanitySidesDifferencesViewsRaceAcceptanceBuddhismRespectBuddhistMutualCooperationHumankindGlobalizationCommonplaceUrgencyViewpointsUnity In DiversityInterconnectedWorld ViewCultural DiversityCultural DifferencesPeace And Unity
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“Being concerned about other people is especially relevant in today's world. If we consider the complex inter-connected ness of our modern lives, how we depend on others and others depend on us, our outlook will change. We’ll begin to see 'others' not as somehow distant from us, but as people we are in touch with, people close to us; we will no longer feel indifferent to them.”

PeopleIfsWorldFeelsTodayChangeModernBuddhismDependsConcernedComplexesConnectedBuddhistIndifferenceRelevantIndifferentDependenceOutlookModern LifeModernityClosenessPeople In Your LifeInterconnectednessToday's World
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“Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost.”

MeanHappinessReligionLostDifferencesHappyBuddhistFulfillmentBeing HappyPursuit Of HappinessGreat HappinessNot HappyDown The RoadLife JourneyFulfilmentPeace And HappinessInner HappinessJust Be HappyFeeling HappyCultural DifferencesSelf HappinessArt Of HappinessSecret To HappinessWhat Is HappinessLooking For HappinessAttaining HappinessRoads And JourneysPerfect HappinessPersonal FulfillmentNew RoadsDifferent RoadsFulfillment And HappinessFulfillment In LifeBeing Yourself And HappySeeking HelpHappy SpiritLost YourselfRoad To HappinessHappy With My LifeEasy RoadLive Laugh
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“There needs to be understanding that anger never helps to solve a problem. It destroys our peace of mind and blinds our ability to think clearly. Anger and attachment are emotions that distort our view of reality.”

ThinkingNeedsMindHelpingProblemWisdomRealityPeaceUnderstandingAbilityViewsEmotionClearWiseBuddhismWise WordsWords Of WisdomAngerBlindSolveBuddhistAttachmentPeace Of MindDestroyingSpiritual WisdomDeep ThoughtDistortionAnger ManagementTibetan
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“There is no denying that consideration of others is worthwhile and that our happiness is inextricably bound up with the happiness of others. There is no denying that if society suffers, we ourselves suffer, and the more our hearts and minds are afflicted with ill-will, the more miserable we become. We can reject religion, ideology, received wisdom, but we cannot escape the need for love and compassion.”

IfsLoveNeedsMindHeartHappinessReligionSufferingCompassionKindnessSocietyBoundsIllIdeologyBuddhistMiserableConsiderationRejectsWorthwhileHeart And MindCaring For OthersLove And CompassionIll WillInteracting With Others
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“We should practice by showing one another love and helping one another. It is a mistake to pursue happiness and to seek to the avoid suffering by deceiving and humiliating other people. We must try to achieve happiness and eliminate suffering by being good-hearted and well-behaved.”

PeopleInspirationalShouldTryingWellsHelpingWisdomHappinessSufferingMistakePracticeKindnessAchieveBuddhismWise WordsWords Of WisdomBe GoodHappyHelping OthersPursueBuddhistReachingBe KindDeceivingAvoidingHumiliationMonkHeartedPursuit Of HappinessTrue HappinessWise Man Once SaidFinding HappinessHelping HandLove One AnotherTibetanHumiliatingEliminatingGood HeartHumiliateHappiness And LoveFeeling HappyAuthentic HappinessHappy InspirationalGood Hearted
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“Material progress and a higher standard of living bring us greater comfort and health, but do not lead to a transformation of the mind, which is the only thing capable of providing lasting peace. Profound happiness, unlike fleeting pleasures, is spiritual in nature. It depends on the happiness of others and it is based on love and affection.”

LoveMindHappinessSpiritualPeacePleasureGreaterProgressMaterialsHealthDependsHigherComfortCapableStandardsTransformationProfoundAffectionBuddhistLastingProvidingFleetingStandards Of LivingSpiritual TransformationHigher StandardsLove And Affection
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“The quality of everything we do: our physical actions, our verbal actions, and even our mental actions, depends on our motivation. That's why it's important for us to examine our motivation in our day to day life. If we cultivate respect for others and our motivation is sincere, if we develop a genuine concern for others’ well-being, then all our actions will be positive.”

IfsInspirationalWellsImportantWisdomMotivationalCareActionMotivationQualityPositiveBuddhismDependsWise WordsWords Of WisdomRespectConcernEverydayPositivityCaringGenuineBuddhistDevelopingWell BeingDaily LifeSelf MotivationSincereMotivatedDay To DayEveryday LifeMonkOur ActionsRespecting OthersWise Man Once SaidBeing PositiveExaminingCaring For OthersTibetanCultivatingDay LifeBe RespectfulDay To Day LifeConcern For OthersGenuine Concern
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“Happiness arises as a result of different causes and conditions. If you harm someone out of anger, you may feel some superficial satisfaction, but deep down you know it was wrong. Your confidence will be undermined. However, if you have an altruistic attitude, you’ll feel comfortable and confident in the presence of others.”

IfsKnowsFeelsMayDifferentHappinessCausesResultsAttitudeConditionsConfidenceComfortableAngerSatisfactionHarmAriseBuddhistWrongAltruismSuperficialDeep Down
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“Compassion and love constitute non-violence in action. They are the source of all spiritual qualities: forgiveness, tolerance, all the virtues. They give meaning to our activities and makes them constructive. There is nothing amazing about being rich or highly educated; only when the individual has a warm heart do these attributes become worthwhile.”

LoveGivingHeartActionSpiritualIndividualQualityCompassionKindnessVirtueRichViolenceSourceActivityForgivenessAnd LoveWarmToleranceEducatedBuddhistAttributesWorthwhileConstructiveNon ViolenceGood HeartBeing RichWarm Heart
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“Giving up attachment to the world does not mean that you set yourself apart from it. Generating a desire for others to be happy increases your humanity. As you become less attached to the world, you become more humane. As the very purpose of spiritual practice is to help others, you must remain in society.”

WorldGivingMeanDoeHelpingSpiritualDesirePurposeHumanityPracticeSocietyGiving UpIncreaseHelping OthersBuddhistAttachmentHumaneSpiritual Practice
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“My main interest is in the promotion of human values. From birth we have a sense of affection and some sense of concern for others. We need to nurture it. Scientists have found that to ensure even physical health peace of mind is essential. People often think that love and compassion are only matters of religious concern, but in fact such values are necessary in all human relations”

PeopleThinkingLoveNeedsMindHumansMatterFactsValuesFoundInterestReligiousCompassionKindnessBirthEssentialsConcernScientistRelationAffectionSensesBuddhistPeace Of MindNurturePromotionNurturingHuman RelationsLove And CompassionHuman ValuesPhysical HealthConcern For Others
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“In spiritual growth, it is important to avoid imbalances between academic or intellectual learning and practical implementation. Otherwise there is a danger that too much intellectualiza tion will kill the more contemplative practices and too much emphasis on practical implementation without study will kill the understanding. There has got to be a balance.”

ImportantSpiritualUnderstandingGrowthPracticeLearningStudyToo MuchDangerBalanceIntellectualPracticalsBuddhistSpiritual GrowthAcademicEmphasisContemplativeImbalanceImplementation
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“We need to strengthen such inner values as contentment, patience and tolerance, as well as compassion for others. Keeping in mind that it is expressions of affection rather than money and power that attract real friends, compassion is the key to ensuring our own well-being.”

NeedsMindWellsRealWisdomValuesFriendshipMoneyCompassionPowerExpressionBuddhismKeysFriendsWise WordsWords Of WisdomEmpathyPatienceAffectionToleranceBuddhistWell BeingContentmentSympathyReal FriendsMonkBe PatientWise Man Once SaidTibetanMoney And PowerCompassion For OthersPatience And Tolerance
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“While people are often content to criticize and blame others for what goes wrong, surely we should at least attempt to put forward constructive ideas. One thing is for certain: given human beings' love of truth, justice, peace, and freedom, creating a better, more compassionate world is a genuine possibility. The potential is there.”

PeopleWorldLoveInspirationalShouldHumansIdeasWisdomTruthCertainGivenPeaceJusticeFreedomHuman BeingsCompassionOne ThingPossibilityBuddhismWise WordsWords Of WisdomCreatingBlameGenuineBuddhistCriticizePotentialWrongCompassionateBeing HumanMonkAttemptingConstructiveWise Man Once SaidTibetanHuman PotentialCriticiseBlaming Others
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“Although we are all the same in not wanting problems and wanting a peaceful life, we tend to create a lot of problems for ourselves. Encountering those problems, anger develops and overwhelms our mind, which leads to violence. A good way to counter this and to work for a more peaceful world is to develop concern for others. Then our anger, jealousy and other destructive emotions will naturally weaken and diminish.”

WorldWayLifeMindProblemWisdomPeaceEmotionViolenceBuddhismDevelopmentCreatingConcernAngerPeacefulBuddhistJealousyDestructiveOverwhelmingDiminishGood WayWeakeningPeaceful WorldPeaceful LifeConcern For Others
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“Love, compassion and concern for others are real sources of happiness. If you have these in abundance, you will not be disturbed even by the most uncomfortable circumstances. If you nurse hatred, however, you will not be happy even in the lap of luxury. Thus, if we really want happiness, we must widen the sphere of love. This is both religious thinking and basic common sense.”

IfsThinkingWantLoveRealHappinessReligiousCommonCompassionSourceBuddhismCircumstancesConcernHatredCommon SenseLuxuryBuddhistUncomfortableAbundanceSpheresNurseBeing HappyLapDisturbedBasicsHappiness And LoveSource Of HappinessHappy InspirationalConcern For Others
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