Quotessence
Home / Authors / Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama Quotes

Author

Filter quotes by topic

AllIfsHumansCompassionMindBuddhistPeopleInspirationalSpiritualWayNeedsWorldThinkingSufferingHuman BeingsTibetanImportantHelpingPracticeProblemShould

Famous Dalai Lama Quotes

“The essence of all religions is love, compassion and tolerance. Kindness is my true religion. No matter whether you are learned or not, whether you believe in the next life or not, whether you believe in God or Buddha or some other religion or not, in day-to-day life you must be a kind person.”

BelieveKindPersonsMatterSpiritualNextCompassionKindnessEssenceToleranceBelieve In GodDay To DayTrue ReligionDay LifeDay To Day LifeNext LifeKind Person
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“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
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“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
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“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
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“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
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“My belief is that the various religious traditions have great potential to increase compassion, the sense of caring for one another, and the spirit of reconciliation. However, I believe that a human being, without religious faith, can be a very good person - sincere, a good heart, having a sense of concern for others - without belief in a particular religious faith.”

BelieveHumansHeartPersonsSpiritBeliefI BelieveReligiousHuman BeingsCompassionParticularConcernTraditionIncreaseVery GoodVariousCaringSincereReconciliationReligious FaithGood PersonGood HeartReligious TraditionsConcern For Others
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“It’s in our interest to take care of others. Self-centrednes s is opposed to basic human nature. In our own interest as human beings we need to pay attention to our inner values. Sometimes people think compassion is only of help to others, while we get no benefit. This is a mistake. When you concern yourself with others, you naturally develop a sense of self-confidence . To help others takes courage and inner strength.”

PeopleThinkingNeedsHumansSelfSometimesHelpingWisdomCareSpiritualValuesInterestHuman BeingsPayAttentionMistakeCompassionCourageWiseHuman NatureDevelopmentConfidenceWise WordsWords Of WisdomBenefitsConcernConcernedCaringTake CareSelf ConfidenceHelping OthersSensesDevelopingPay AttentionInner StrengthSpiritual WisdomOpposingSense Of SelfEgoismCaring For OthersTibetan
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“Education is the proper way to promote compassion and tolerance in society. Compassion and peace of mind bring a sense of confidence that reduce stress and anxiety, whereas anger and hatred come from frustration and undermine our sense of trust. Because of ignorance, many of our problems are our own creation. Education, however, is the instrument that increases our ability to employ our own intelligence.”

WayMindProblemWisdomSpiritualPeaceAbilityEducationCompassionSocietyCreationIgnoranceTrustConfidenceWords Of WisdomAnxietyHatredIncreaseStressAngerInstrumentsIntelligenceToleranceSensesFrustrationPeace Of MindPromotingReducingTibetanUnderminingEmployingStress And AnxietyReduce Stress
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“Unfortunately, love and compassion have been omitted from too many spheres of social interaction for too long. Usually confined to family and home, their practice in public life is considered impractical, even naive. This is tragic.”

LongHas BeensHomeLife IsSocialCompassionPracticeTragicSpheresInteractionNaiveConfinedPublic LifeLove And CompassionSocial Interaction
Book:Imagine All the People: A Conversation with the Dalai Lama on Money, Politics, and Life As It Could Be
Create image

“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
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“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
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“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
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“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
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“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
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“Compassion suits our physical condition, whereas anger, fear and distrust are harmful to our well-being. Therefore, just as we learn the importance of physical hygiene to physical health, to ensure healthy minds, we need to learn some kind of emotional hygiene.”

NeedsMindWellsKindWisdomBodyFearCompassionLearningConditionsEmotionalHealthBuddhismHealthyImportanceAngerMental HealthHarmSuitsBuddhistWell BeingSpiritual WisdomDistrustHygienePhysicalityPhysical HealthHealthy MindSpiritual Health
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“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. Love and compassion are beneficial both for you and others. Through your kindness to others, your mind and heart will open to peace.”

PeopleThinkingMindHeartPersonsHelpingResultsCompassionKindnessWiseNegativeSelfishFoolishBe KindHeart And MindBeneficialLove And CompassionAlways ThinkingKindness To OthersWise PersonSelfish PeopleHappiness Love
Book:How to Expand Love: Widening the Circle of Loving Relationships
Create image

“It is not enough simply to wish that love and compassion should increase in us. We need to make a sustained effort, again and again, to cultivate the positive aspects within us - and the key here is constant familiarity. The nature of human thoughts and emotions is such that the more you engage in them, the more you consciously develop them, the more powerful they become.”

NeedsShouldHumansEnoughWishPowerfulEffortEmotionCompassionKeysAspectIncreaseConstantAgain And AgainFamiliarityLove And CompassionSpiritual TransformationHuman ThoughtThoughts And Emotions
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“According to my own experience, the highest level of inner calm comes from the development of love and compassion. The more concerned we are with the happiness of others, the more we increase our own well-being. Friendliness and warmth towards others allow us to relax and help us to dispel any sense of fear or insecurity so we can overcome whatever obstacles we face.”

WellsHelpingFacesMy OwnLevelsCompassionDevelopmentWords Of WisdomHighestConcernedOvercomingIncreaseCalmObstaclesHappyWell BeingRelaxInsecurityWarmthBeing HappyTrue HappinessWise Man Once SaidCaring For OthersTibetanLove And CompassionHappiness And LoveFriendlinessDispelling
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“Mentally, physically and emotionally we are the same. We each have the potential to good and bad and to be overcome by disturbing emotions such as anger, fear, hatred, suspicion and greed. These emotions can be the cause of many problems. On the other hand if you cultivate loving kindness, compassion and concern for others, there will be no room for anger, hatred and jealousy.”

IfsProblemHandsCausesRoomsEmotionCompassionKindnessConcernHatredOvercomingGreedGoodJealousyPotentialSuspicionGood And BadDisturbingCaring For OthersTibetanPower Of Positive ThinkingLoving KindnessPositive PeopleConcern For OthersHatred And Jealousy
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“The compassion we feel normally is biased and mixed with attachment. Genuine compassion flows towards all living beings, particularly your enemies. If I try to develop compassion towards my enemy, it may not benefit him directly, he may not even be aware of it. But it will immediately benefit me by calming my mind. On the other hand, if I dwell on how awful everything is, I immediately lose my peace of mind.”

IfsFeelsTryingMindMayHandsLosesCompassionEnemyBenefitsFlowGenuineAwfulAttachmentPeace Of MindSpiritual WisdomCalmnessBiasedTibetanCalmingPower Of Positive ThinkingSpiritual Health
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“In daily practice, reflect on the benefits of love, compassion and kindness, then reflect on the disadvantages of anger. Such continuous contemplation, the growing appreciation of love, has the effect of reducing our inclination towards hatred and increasing our respect for love. By this means even anger can be diminished.”

MeanCompassionPracticeKindnessGrowingEffectsBenefitsHatredAppreciationContemplationInspirational LoveDiminishInclinationReflectingReducingDisadvantagesKindness And Compassion
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“The ultimate source of a happy life is warm-heartedness. This means extending to others the kind of concern we have for ourselves. On a simple level we find that if we have a compassionate heart we naturally have more friends. And scientists today are discovering that while anger and hatred eat into our immune system, warm-heartedness and compassion are good for our health.”

IfsHeartKindMeanTodayLife IsSimpleLevelsCompassionSourceConcernHatredUltimateScientistWarmCompassionateHappy LifeDiscoveringBeing HappyTrue HappinessImmuneExtendingImmune SystemInspirational Health
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“There is a common perception that compassion is, if not actually an impediment, at least irrelevant to professional life. Personally, I would argue that not only is it relevant, but that when compassion is lacking, our activities are in danger of becoming destructive. This is because when we ignore the question of the impact our actions have on others' well-being, inevitably we end up hurting them.”

IfsWellsEndsActionHurtCommonCompassionDangerBecomingWords Of WisdomActivityPerceptionImpactArguingWell BeingDestructiveRelevantSpiritual WisdomLackingIrrelevantOur ActionsHurt FeelingsProfessionalismTibetanImpedimentsProfessional Life
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image

“If indeed the qualities such as love, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness are what happiness consists in, and if it is also true that compassion, defined as concern for others, is both the source and the fruit of these qualities, then the more we are compassionate, the more we provide for our own happiness.”

IfsQualityCompassionSourceConcernPatienceFruitToleranceDefinedCompassionateSpiritual WisdomBeing HappyTibetanPatience And LoveLove And ForgivenessConcern For OthersPatience Love
Author:Dalai Lama
Create image