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Famous Dalai Lama Quotes

“Every day, 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. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”

ThinkingLifeInspirationalHumansHeartKindI CanUseInspirationTodaySpiritualEnergyAliveAchieveMy HeartWasteBenefitsEnlightenmentWake UpAngryFortunateHuman LifeI Am AliveKind ThoughtsFortunate Life
Author:Dalai Lama
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“We begin from the recognition that all beings cherish happiness and do not want suffering. It then becomes both morally wrong and pragmatically unwise to pursue only one's own happiness oblivious to the feelings and aspirations of all others who surround us as members of the same human family. The wiser course is to think of others when pursuing our own happiness.”

ThinkingWantInspirationalHumansFeelingsHappinessSufferingCoursesMembersPursueRecognitionAspirationCherishSurroundWiserObliviousAlways HappyUnwiseJust Be HappyJoy HappinessWant To Be HappyHuman HappinessSelf HappinessHuman FamilyKey To HappinessAlways Be HappyYou Make Me HappyOthers HappinessFound HappinessMy Own HappinessI Just Want To Be HappyPursuing Happiness
Author:Dalai Lama
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“When the days become longer and there is more sunshine, the grass becomes fresh and, consequently, we feel very happy. On the other hand, in autumn, one leaf falls down and another leaf falls down. The beautiful plants become as if dead and we do not feel very happy. Why? I think it is because deep down our human nature likes construction, and does not like destruction. Naturally, every action which is destructive is against human nature. Constructiveness is the human way. Therefore, I think that in terms of basic human feeling, violence is not good. Non-violence is the only way.”

IfsThinkingWayFeelsHumansDoeFeelingsHandsActionBeautifulFallTermViolenceHuman NatureDestructionDown AndPlantLikesBuddhistGrassDestructiveSunshineAutumnConstructionVery HappyLeafsFalling DownDeep DownNon Violence
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
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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
Author:Dalai Lama
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“All the world’s major religions, with their emphasis on love, compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness, can and do promote inner values. But the reality of the world today is that grounding ethics in religion is no longer adequate. This is why I believe the time has come to find a way of thinking about spirituality and ethics that is beyond religion.”

ThinkingWorldWayLoveRealityTodayValuesSpiritualityCompassionMajorsEthicsConvincedToleranceEmphasisAdequateWay Of ThinkingWorld TodayGrounding
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“Lack of understanding of the true nature of happiness, it seems to me, is the principal reason why people inflict sufferings on others. They think either that the other's pain may somehow be a cause of happiness for themselves or that their own happiness is more important, regardless of what pain it may cause. But this is shortsighted. No one truly benefits from causing harm to another sentient being. . . . . In the long run causing others misery and infringing their rights to peace and happiness result in anxiety, fear, and suspicion within oneself.”

PeopleThinkingMayLongImportantReasonSeemsRunningPainSufferingCausesUnderstandingResultsCompassionRightsAnxietyBenefitsMiseryOneselfHarmReason WhyLong RunsSuspicionPrincipalTrue NaturePeace And HappinessSentient BeingsLack Of Understanding
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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
Author:Dalai Lama
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“It is important to have determination and optimism and patience. If you lack patience, even when you face some small obstacle, you lose courage. There is a Tibetan saying, "Even if you have failed at something nine times, you have still given it effort nine times." I think that's important. Use your brain to analyze the situation. Do not rush through it, but think. Once you decide what to do about that obstacle, then there's a possibility that you will achieve your goal.”

IfsThinkingInspirationalStillsImportantUseFacesGivenGoalLosesEffortBrainSituationAchievePossibilityDeterminationOptimismObstaclesNineGraduationTibetanAchieving Your Goals
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“Sometimes we feel that one individual's action is very insignificant. Then we think, of course, that effects should come from channeling or from a unifying movement. But the movement of the society, community or group of people means joining individuals. Society means a collection of individuals, so that initiative must come from individuals. Unless each individual develops a sense of responsibility, the whole community cannot move. So therefore, it is very essential that we should not feel that individual effort is meaningless- you should not feel that way. We should make an effort.”

PeopleThinkingWayFeelsShouldMeanSometimesWholeActionMovingCoursesIndividualCommunityEffortResponsibilityGroupsEffectsMovementEssentialsCollectionsMeaninglessInitiativeInsignificantJoiningChannelingUnifyingSense Of ResponsibilityIndividual Effort
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“One great question underlies our experience, whether we think about it or not: what is the purpose of life? From the moment of birth every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affects this. >From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness.”

ThinkingWantInspirationalHumansDoeImportantMomentsHappinessDesirePurposeSufferingSocialHuman BeingsBirthDegreesCoreIdeologyContentmentPurpose Of LifeConditioningWhat Is The Purpose Of Life
Book:Path To Tranquility
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“Those who have little interest in spirituality shouldn’t think that human inner values don’t apply to you. The inner peace of an alert and calm mind are the source of real happiness and good health. Our human intelligence tells us which of our emotions are positive and helpful and which are damaging and to be restrained or avoided.”

ThinkingInspirationalMindHumansLittlesRealHappinessValuesSpiritualityInterestEmotionSourceCalmInner PeaceHelpfulAvoidedGood HealthHuman IntelligenceReal HappinessInner Peace And HappinessCalm Mind
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“Whenever I visit a market and see the chickens crowded together in tiny cages that give them no room to move around and spread their wings and the fish slowly drowning in the air, my heart goes out to them. People have to learn to think about animals in a different way, as sentient beings who love life and fear death. I urge everyone who can to adopt a compassionate vegetarian diet.”

PeopleThinkingWayGivingHeartDifferentTogetherMovingAnimalRoomsAirMy HeartWingsFishesSpreadTinyDietsDifferent WaysLove LifeUrgesChickensVegetarianCompassionateAnimal RightsCagesDrowningFear Of DeathCrowdedSentient BeingsVegetarian Diet
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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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“I hope that at this moment you are thinking of yourself as a human being rather than as an American, Asian, European, African, or member of any particular country. These loyalties are secondary.”

ThinkingHumansCountryMomentsHuman BeingsParticularMembersLoyaltyAsianThinking Of YouThinking Of Yourself
Book:How to Be Compassionate: A Handbook for Creating Inner Peace and a Happier World
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“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
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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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“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
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“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
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“A compassionate attitude helps you communicate more easily with your fellow human beings. As a result, you make more genuine friends and the atmosphere around you is more positive, which gives you greater inner strength. This inner strength helps you spontaneously concern yourself with others, instead of thinking only about yourself.”

ThinkingGivingHumansHelpingHuman BeingsResultsAttitudeGreaterWords Of WisdomConcernFellowsCommunicateGenuineAtmosphereInner StrengthAbout YourselfCompassionateSelf CenteredWise Man Once SaidEgoismTibetanGenuine Friends
Author:Dalai Lama
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“Each one of us is responsible for the whole of humankind. We need to think of each other really as brothers and sisters and to be concerned for each other’s welfare. Rather than working solely to acquire wealth, we need to do something meaningful, something directed seriously towards the welfare of humanity as a whole.”

ThinkingNeedsWholeHumanityWealthBrotherWords Of WisdomConcernedResponsibleMeaningfulWelfareAcquireWorking TogetherSpiritual WisdomHumankindBrothers And SistersSisterTibetanMeaningfulnessWe Need Each Other
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“If we develop concern for other people's welfare, share other people's suffering, and help them, ultimately we will benefit. If we think only of ourselves and forget about others, ultimately we will lose. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes.”

PeopleIfsThinkingWellsHelpingCareSufferingLosesForgetGreaterShareWords Of WisdomBenefitsConcernHappyWell BeingWelfareSpiritual WisdomBeing HappyCaring For OthersTibetanConcern For Others
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