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Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama Quotes

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Famous Dalai Lama Quotes

“If you want to change the world, first try to improve and bring about change within yourself. That will help change your family. From there it just gets bigger and bigger. Everything we do has some effect, some impact.”

IfsWorldWantInspirationalTryingFirstsHelpingEffectsBiggerImpactOur FamilyChanging The World
Book:Worlds in Harmony: Compassionate Action for a Better World: Easyread Large Bold Edition
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“We are beset by problems and if we look for their source, we find they arise because of our selfishness, because we tend to pursue our own interests at the expense of others. Our various religious traditions exist to help us reduce these problems. They all teach ways to overcome suffering through cultivating love and compassion, tolerance, patience and contentment.”

IfsWayLooksHelpingProblemSufferingInterestReligiousCompassionTeachSourceTraditionOvercomingVariousToleranceArisePursueSelfishnessContentmentExpensesLove And CompassionCultivatingReligious Traditions
Author:Dalai Lama
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“Our most valuable teachers are our enemies.While our friends can help us in many ways, only our enemies can provide us with the challenge we need to develop tolerance, patience, and compassionthree virtues essential for building character, developing peace of mind, and bringing us true happiness.”

WayNeedsMindCharacterHelpingChallengesEnemyVirtueTeacherBuildingEssentialsValuableToleranceDevelopingPeace Of MindTrue HappinessBuilding Character
Author:Dalai Lama
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“So long as space remains, So long sentient beings' suffering remain, I will remain, In order to help, in order to serve... I am nothing but a servant to provide to others. So if you provide some happiness, some comfort to others, then your life becomes meaningful. If your life creates problems or suffering to others, then there's no meaning to your existence.”

IfsLongHelpingProblemSufferingOrderSpaceExistenceComfortRemainsMeaningfulServantTortureSentient Beings
Author:Dalai Lama
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“For a person who cherishes compassion and love, the practice of tolerance is essential, and for that, and enemy is indispinsable. So we should be grateful to our enemies, for it is they who can best help us to develop a tranquil mind.”

ShouldMindPersonsHelpingCompassionEnemyPracticeEssentialsAnd LoveGratefulToleranceCherishBe GratefulTranquil
Book:In My Own Words: An Introduction to My Teachings and Philosophy
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“The lessons we have begun to learn make me hopeful, that human beings will become friendlier, more harmonious, less harmful. Compassion and the seeds of peace will be able to flourish. At the same time, every individual is responsible to help guide our global family in the right direction. Good wishes alone are not enough; we have to take responsibility. Large human movements spring from individual human initiatives”

HumansEnoughHelpingAbleIndividualWishHuman BeingsResponsibilityCompassionMovementLessonsSpringResponsibleSeedsGuidesHopefulInitiativeTaking ResponsibilityPersonal ResponsibilityHarmoniousRight DirectionFlourishingCaring For OthersFriendlinessPeace And UnityGood Wishes
Author:Dalai Lama
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“I'm now nearly 79. At 16 I took responsibility for Tibet and lost my freedom. At 24 I lost my country and became a refugee. I've met difficulties, but as the saying goes: 'Wherever you're happy, you can call home, and whoever is kind to you is like your parents.' I've been happy and at home in the world at large. Living a meaningful life isn't just a matter of money; it's about dedicating your life to helping others.”

WorldKindCountryMatterHelpingHomeLostParentResponsibilityLike YouMetsDifficultyHappyMeaningfulHelping OthersDedicationBeing HappyRefugeeMeaningful LifeTibet
Author:Dalai Lama
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“All religions try to benefit people, with the same basic message of the need for love and compassion, for justice and honesty, for contentment. So merely changing formal religious affiliations will often not help much. On the other hand, in pluralistic, democratic societies, there is the freedom to adopt the religion of your choice. This is good. This lets curious people like you run around on the loose!”

PeopleNeedsTryingHelpingHandsRunningChoicesReligiousJusticeCompassionHonestyLike YouBenefitsMessagesDemocraticCuriousContentmentFormalLove And CompassionDemocratic SocietyAffiliation
Author:Dalai Lama
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“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.”

IfsLifeInspirationalHelpingWisdomMotivationalLife IsPurposePeaceGoalCommunityHurtHealingHumilityEmotionalLife PhilosophyBuddhismWise WordsWords Of WisdomAimCaringHelping OthersBuddhistThis LifeMeaning Of LifeHolinessPrimePurpose Of LifeCompassionateVolunteerSelflessnessComfortingMonkWise Man Once SaidService To OthersHurt FeelingsIntricateHelping HandTibetanFacilitateKindness And CompassionMeaning LifeTibetBeing HurtBeen HurtHelpfulnessReligious TraditionsGetting HurtCompassion For OthersBe Kind To OthersHelping Others In NeedCommon PurposeHurting OthersHurting PeopleWhat Is The Meaning Of LifeHurt So MuchDaily BuddhistBeing GenerousGot HurtHurting YouPurpose And MeaningHurt My FeelingsPeace And ToleranceOthers Helping YouGreater PurposeInspirational HealingWhat Is The Purpose Of LifeI Was HurtSilence And PeaceLife Is PainHurt And PainOur Purpose In LifeI Hurt YouHurt PainI Am HurtHe Hurt Me
Author:Dalai Lama
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“There is only one important point you must keep in your mind and let it be your guide. No matter what people call you, you are just who you are. Keep to this truth. You must ask yourself how is it you want to live your life. We live and we die, this is the truth that we can only face alone. No one can help us, not even the Buddha. So consider carefully, what prevents you from living the way you want to live your life?”

PeopleWayWantLifeMindImportantMatterHelpingFacesSpiritualDiesAsksNo Matter WhatWho You AreGuidesLive Your Life
Author:Dalai Lama
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“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.”

LoveInspirationalFeelsKindHelpingHappinessPeaceMarriageKindnessInspirational LoveGreat HappinessLove And KindnessFinding PeaceCaring For OthersPeace And LovePeace And HappinessInner WorldActs Of KindnessInner HappinessLoving KindnessHappiness And LoveHow To Be HappyInspirational KindnessKindness To OthersRandom Acts Of KindnessInner Peace And HappinessOthers HappinessRandom KindnessPeace With OthersSpiritual Peace
Author:Dalai Lama
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“One problem with our current society is that we have an attitude towards education as if it is there to simply make you more clever, make you more ingenious... Even though our society does not emphasize this, the most important use of knowledge and education is to help us understand the importance of engaging in more wholesome actions and bringing about discipline within our minds. The proper utilization of our intelligence and knowledge is to effect changes from within to develop a good heart.”

IfsInspirationalMindHeartDoeImportantHelpingUseProblemActionAttitudeEffectsDisciplineImportanceCurrentsCleverOur SocietyEngagingIngeniousGood HeartEducation And KnowledgeUtilizationUse Of Knowledge
Author:Dalai Lama
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“Is this what you have in mind,' I asked the Dalai Lama, 'when you say in teachings that the buddhas and bodhisattvas of the world are the most selfish beings of all, that by cultivating altruism they actually achieve ultimate happiness for themselves?' Yes. That's wise selfish,' he replied. 'Helping others not means we do this at our own expense. Not like this. Buddhas and bodhisattvas, these people very wise. All their lives they only want one thing: to achieve ultimate happiness. How to do this? By cultivating compassion, by cultivating altruism.”

PeopleWorldWantMindMeanHelpingCompassionWiseOne ThingTeachingAchieveUltimateSelfishHelping OthersExpensesAltruismCultivatingLamaDalaiVery WiseBodhisattvaUltimate Happiness
Author:Dalai Lama
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“A good motivation is what is needed: compassion without dogmatism, without complicated philosophy; just understanding that others are human brothers and sisters and respecting their human rights and dignities. That we humans can help each other is one of our unique human capacities.”

InspirationalHumansPhilosophyHelpingMotivationUnderstandingCompassionRightsBrotherNeededUniqueCapacityDignityHuman RightsComplicatedHelping OthersBrothers And SistersHelping Each OtherDogmatismHuman Capacity
Book:Kindness, Clarity, and Insight
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“To be kind, honest and have positive thoughts; to forgive those who harm us and treat everyone as a friend; to help those who are suffering and never to consider ourselves superior to anyone else: even if this advice seems rather simplistic, make the effort of seeing whether by following it you can find greater happiness.”

IfsKindHelpingSeemsHappinessSpiritualSufferingEffortGreaterSeeingAdviceHonestPositivePositive ThinkingForgivenessTreatsForgivingFollowingHarmHelping OthersSuperiorsBuddhistBeing HonestTreatmentBe KindPositive ThoughtsGood AdviceFriendliness
Author:Dalai Lama
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“If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another. If you wish to know that you are safe, cause another to know that they are safe. If you wish to better understand seemingly incomprehensible things, help another to better understand. If you wish to heal your own sadness or anger, seek to heal the sadness or anger of another.”

IfsKnowsHelpingWishCausesPeaceMeditationSadnessSafeHealSpiritual WisdomCaring For OthersPeople In Your LifeSpiritual Healing
Author:Dalai Lama
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“A wider of more altruistic attitude is very relevant in today's world. If we look at the situation from various angles, such as the complexity and inter-connectedness of the nature of modern existence, then we will gradually notice a change in our outlook, so that when we say 'others' and when we think of others, we will no longer dismiss them as something that is irrelevant to us. We will no longer feel indifferent.”

PeopleIfsThinkingWorldFeelsLooksHelpingWisdomTodayNatureChangeExistenceAttitudeSituationWiseModernWise WordsWords Of WisdomVariousHelping OthersIndifferenceComplexityRelevantIndifferentAltruismAngleIrrelevantOutlookRelevanceNoticingCaring For OthersConnectednessInterconnectedInterconnectednessToday's WorldDismissal
Author:Dalai Lama
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“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
Author:Dalai Lama
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“Right from the moment of our birth, we are under the care and kindness of our parents, and then later on in our life when we are oppressed by sickness and become old, we are again dependent on the kindness of others. Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be in the middle that we would neglect kindness towards others?”

EndsMomentsHelpingCareParentKindnessOur LivesMiddleBirthHelping OthersSicknessDependentNeglectOppressedBeginnings And Ends
Author:Dalai Lama
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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
Author:Dalai Lama
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“There are many different kinds of power. True power comes from serving and helping others. Such behavior makes people respect you. They are willing to listen to your views and advice, and they support you. The energy of many people is thus channeled through one person. This kind of power is positive and authentic.”

PeopleKindPersonsDifferentHelpingEnergyViewsPowerSupportAdviceWillingBehaviorHelping OthersServingDifferent KindsPersonal PowerSupport YouTrue Power
Book:Imagine All the People: A Conversation with the Dalai Lama on Money, Politics, and Life As It Could Be
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“True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change, even if they behave negatively. Through universal altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others: the wish to help them actively overcome their problems.”

IfsDoeReasonHelpingFeelingsProblemWisdomWishChangeEmotionAttitudeResponsibilityCompassionWiseEmotionalDevelopmentWise WordsWords Of WisdomBehaviorCommitmentOvercomingUniversalResponseHelping OthersDevelopingFirmBehaveCompassionateBehaviourAltruismWise Man Once SaidCaring For OthersEmotional Response
Book:In My Own Words: An Introduction to My Teachings and Philosophy
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“‎Interdependence is a fundamental law of nature. Even tiny insects survive by mutual cooperation based on innate recognition of their interconnectedness. It is because our own human existence is so dependent on the help of others that our need for love lies at the very foundation of our existence. Therefore we need a genuine sense of responsibility and a sincere concern for the welfare of others.”

LoveNeedsHumansHelpingWisdomLawLyingNatureExistenceResponsibilityWiseRelationshipWise WordsWords Of WisdomConcernFoundationFundamentalsTinyHelping OthersSensesGenuineRecognitionWelfareDependentMutualSincereCooperationInsectsInnateSurvivingLaws Of NatureHuman ExistenceInterdependenceCaring For OthersInterconnectednessSense Of ResponsibilityWe Need Each OtherLove LiesCollective ResponsibilityShared Responsibility
Author:Dalai Lama
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“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.”

WorldLifeHumansHelpingUsePeriodsOur TimeHuman HistoryGreat Change
Book:Imagine All the People: A Conversation with the Dalai Lama on Money, Politics, and Life As It Could Be
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“I believe that to meet the challenge of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. We must all learn to work not just for our own self, family, or nation but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace, the equitable use of natural resources, and through concern for future generations, the proper care of the environment.”

WorldBelieveHumansSelfHelpingUseCareI BelieveNationsNaturalChallengesHuman BeingsResponsibilityEnvironmentGreaterGenerationsKeysBenefitsSurvivalResourcesConcernUniversalFoundationHelping OthersOur TimeHumankindVolunteerFuture GenerationNatural ResourcesVolunteerismSense Of ResponsibilityEquitable
Author:Dalai Lama
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