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Famous Dalai Lama Quotes

“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“These days, in our materialistic culture, many people are led to believe that money is the ultimate source of happiness. Consequently, when they don’t have enough of it they feel let down. Therefore, it is important to let people know that they have the source of contentment and happiness within themselves, and that it is related to nurturing our natural inner values.”

PeopleKnowsLifeFeelsBelieveImportantEnoughHappinessSpiritualValuesCultureNaturalMoneyWiseSourceWise WordsWords Of WisdomUltimateHappyThese DaysRelatedContentmentMaterialismNurturingFinding HappinessMaterialisticTibetanLet DownMoney Can't Buy HappinessSource Of HappinessMoney Isn't EverythingHappiness Within
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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
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“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
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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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“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
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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
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“I usually say the aim of life is to be happy. Our existence is based on hope. Our life is rooted in the opportunity to be happy, not necessarily wealthy, but happy within our own minds. If we only indulge in sensory pleasure, we'll be little different from animals. In fact, we have this marvellous brain and intelligence; we must learn to use it.”

IfsMindLittlesDifferentFactsUseLife IsOpportunityPleasureAnimalExistenceBrainOur LivesWords Of WisdomAimIntelligenceHappyWealthyHappy LifeRootedBeing HappyIndulgeTrue HappinessWise Man Once SaidSensoryIndulge InTibetanMarvellousHappiness Is A ChoiceAim Of Life
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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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“The most important benefit of patience consists in the way it acts as a powerful antidote to the affliction of anger - the greatest threat to our inner peace, and therefore our happiness. The mind, or spirit, is not physical, it cannot be touched or harmed directly. Only negative thoughts and emotions can harm it. Therefore, only the corresponding positive quality can protect it.”

WayMindImportantSpiritPowerfulEmotionQualityProtectBenefitsNegativePatienceThreatHarmHappyInner PeaceTouchedPeace Of MindBeing HappyAfflictionAntidoteNegative ThoughtsTibetanCorrespondingThoughts And Emotions
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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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“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
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“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
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“Education is the best way to train ourselves that we will secure our own well-being by concerning ourselves with others. It is possible to create a better world, a more compassionate, more peaceful world, which is not only in everyone’s interest, but is everyone’s responsibility to achieve.”

WorldWayWellsInterestResponsibilityAchieveWords Of WisdomTrainHappyBest WayPeacefulSecureWell BeingCompassionateBeing HappyPersonal ResponsibilityWise Man Once SaidTibetanPeaceful World
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“To help us bring benefit to others through our words and actions, it is useful to cultivate an attitude of sympathetic joy in others’ achievements and good fortune. This attitude is a powerful antidote against envy, which is not only a source of unnecessary suffering on the individual level but also an obstacle to our ability to reach out and engage with others.”

HelpingActionJoySufferingIndividualAbilityLevelsPowerfulAttitudeSourceAchievementBenefitsFortuneWordsObstaclesEnvyPositive AttitudeReach OutUnnecessaryGood FortuneAntidoteSympatheticOur WordsTibetanWords And ActionsUnnecessary Suffering
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“The simple recognition that everyone else wants to be happy and not to suffer, just as I do, serves as a constant reminder against selfishness and partiality. It reminds us there is little to be gained from being kind and generous while hoping to win something in return. Actions motivated by a desire to earn a good name for ourselves are still selfish, even if they appear to be acts of kindness.”

IfsWantKindLittlesStillsActionDesireSufferingWinningNamesSimpleKindnessReturnWords Of WisdomConstantHappySelfishRecognitionSelfishnessGenerousBe KindMotivatedBeing HappyRemindersWise Man Once SaidEgoismTibetanActs Of KindnessWant To Be HappyRandom Acts Of KindnessSelfish PeoplePartiality
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“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
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“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
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“Until you have the inner discipline that brings calmness of mind, external facilities and conditions will never bring the joy and happiness you seek. On the other hand, if you possess this inner quality, calmness of mind, a degree of stability within, even if you lack the various external factors that you would normally require to be happy, it will still be possible to live a happy and joyful life.”

IfsMindStillsHandsJoyQualityConditionsDisciplineWords Of WisdomDegreesVariousHappyFactorsStabilityJoyfulSelf ControlSelf DisciplineBeing HappyCalmnessFacilityTrue HappinessWise Man Once SaidTibetanJoy And HappinessLife Well LivedStay CalmJoyful Life
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“Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”

HeartPhilosophySpiritualReligionReligiousBrainCompassionKindnessEnlightenmentComplicatedTemplesEnlightenedSpiritual WisdomSimple LifeLove And KindnessTibetanSpiritual JourneyPhilosophy Of ReligionKindness And CompassionActs Of KindnessTibetReligious PhilosophyGoodness And KindnessInspirational KindnessPhilosophy And ReligionReligious LeadersGenerosity And KindnessKindness GenerosityReligious TraditionsEastern PhilosophyHeart And BrainSmall Acts Of KindnessSpiritual HappinessBrain ScienceGood SpiritualComplicated WorldHeart Opening
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“People often expect the other person to respond first in a positive way, instead of taking the initiative to create that possibility. I feel that's wrong; it can act as a barrier that just promotes a feeling of isolation from others. To overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness, your underlying attitude makes a tremendous difference - approaching others with the thought of compassion in your mind is the best way.”

PeopleWayFeelsMindFirstsPersonsFeelingsDifferencesAttitudeCompassionLonelinessPossibilityWords Of WisdomOvercomingBest WayIsolationBarriersWrongInitiativeWise Man Once SaidTibetanLoneliness And SolitudeIsolation And Loneliness
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“Because of the great differences in our ways of thinking, it is inevitable that we have different religions and faiths. Each has its own beauty. And it is much better that we live together on the basis of mutual respect and mutual admiration.”

ThinkingWayDifferentTogetherDifferencesWords Of WisdomRespectBasesInevitableMutualAdmirationWay Of ThinkingWise Man Once SaidTibetanMutual RespectCultural DifferencesSocial InteractionDifferent ReligionsIndividual DifferencesMutual Admiration
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“It is my fundamental conviction that compassion - the natural capacity of the human heart to feel concern for and connection with another human being - constitutes a basic aspect of our nature shared by all human beings, as well as being the foundation of our happiness. All ethical teachings, whether religious or nonreligious, aim to nurture this innate and precious quality, to develop it and to perfect it.”

FeelsHumansWellsHeartNaturalReligiousHuman BeingsPerfectQualityCompassionTeachingWords Of WisdomCapacityConcernAspectConnectionsAimFoundationFundamentalsConvictionHappyEthicalNurtureBeing HappyHuman HeartInnateCaring For OthersTibetan
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“We are all, by nature, clearly oriented toward the basic human values of love and compassion. We all prefer the love of others to their hatred. We all prefer others’ generosity to meanness. And who is there among us who does not prefer tolerance, respect and forgiveness of our failings to bigotry, disrespect, and resentment?”

HumansDoeValuesCompassionFailingWords Of WisdomRespectHatredToleranceGenerosityBigotryResentmentDisrespectWise Man Once SaidMeannessTibetanLove And CompassionHuman ValuesValue Of Love
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“I consider myself to be just one among 7 billion human beings. If I were to think of myself as different from others, or as something special, it would create a barrier between us. What makes us the same is that we all want to lead happy lives and gather friends around us. And friendship is based on trust, honesty and openness.”

IfsThinkingWantHumansDifferentHuman BeingsSpecialHonestyTrustWords Of WisdomHappyBillionsJust OneBarriersOpennessHappy LifeTrue HappinessWise Man Once SaidBeing DifferentSomething SpecialTibetanSamenessTrust Honesty
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“The more you think about your own self, the more self-centred you are, the more trouble even small problems can create in your mind. The stronger your sense of 'I', the narrower the scope of your thinking becomes; then even small obstacles become unbearable. On the other hand, if you concern yourself mainly with others, the broader your thinking becomes, and life's inevitable difficulties disturb you less.”

IfsThinkingMindSelfProblemHandsTroubleConcernDifficultyStrongerObstaclesInevitableScopeDisturbingUnbearableSelf CenteredEgoismCaring For OthersTibetanNarrow-mindedBroadmindednessSmall Problems
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“Some people automatically associate morality and altruism with a religious vision of the world. But I believe it is a mistake to think that morality is an attribute only of religion. We can imagine two types of spirituality: one tied to religion, while the other arises spontaneously in the human heart as an expression of love for our neighbors and a desire to do them good.”

PeopleThinkingWorldBelieveHumansHeartTwoDesireSpiritualityI BelieveReligiousMistakeVisionImagineExpressionTypeMoralityNeighborGoodAriseAttributesTiedAltruismAssociatesHuman HeartNeighbourTibetanExpressions Of LoveLove Your Neighbor As Yourself
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“If we are demoralized, sad and only complain, we’ll not solve our problems. If we only pray for a solution, we’ll not solve our problems. We need to face them, to deal with them without violence, but with confidence - and never give up. If you adopt a non-violent approach, but are also hesitant within, you’ll not succeed. You have to have confidence and keep up your efforts - in other words, never give up.”

IfsNeedsGivingProblemFacesDealsEffortViolenceConfidencePrayingWords Of WisdomSadSucceedGiving UpApproachSolutionsSolveComplainingViolentSpiritual WisdomWithin YouNever Giving UpHave ConfidenceTibetanGiving Up Is Not An OptionNon ViolentHesitantDemoralized
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“The very purpose of our life is happiness, which is sustained by hope. We have no guarantee about the future, but we exist in the hope of something better. Hope means keeping going, thinking, ‘I can do this.’ It brings inner strength, self-confidence , the ability to do what you do honestly, truthfully and transparently.”

ThinkingMeanI CanSelfLife IsPurposeCan DoAbilityOur LivesConfidenceHappySelf ConfidenceHonestlyGuaranteesInner StrengthTransparentSomething BetterTibetanI Can Do This
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“We can't be useful to ourselves unless we're useful to others .... Anyone concerned only by his own well-being will suffer eventually. Anyone concerned with the well-being of others takes care of himself without even thinking about it. Even if we decide to remain selfish. let us be intelligently selfish - let us help others.”

IfsThinkingWellsHelpingCareSufferingWords Of WisdomConcernedTake CareSelfishHelping OthersWell BeingCaring For OthersTibetan
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“The way to develop inner peace through meditation begins with the recognition that the destroyer of inner peace is not some external foe, but is within us. Therefore, the solution is within us too. However, that inner change does not take place immediately in the way that we switch on a light, but takes weeks, months and years.”

WayYearsDoeLightMeditationWeekMonthsWords Of WisdomSolutionsInner PeaceRecognitionPeace Of MindFoeChanging Your LifeWise Man Once SaidTibetanDestroyersSelf TransformationSpiritual Transformation
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“I am convinced that human nature is basically affectionate and good. If our behavior follows our kind and loving nature, immense benefits will result, not only for ourselves, but also for the society to which we belong. I generally refer to this sort of love and affection as a universal religion. Everyone needs it, believers as much as non-believers. This attitude constitutes the very basis of morality.”

IfsNeedsHumansKindResultsAttitudeHuman NatureWords Of WisdomMoralityBehaviorBenefitsUniversalBasesAffectionConvincedGoodBelieverBelongingImmenseWise Man Once SaidTibetanAffectionateNon BelieverLove And AffectionLoving Nature
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“Study and practice are both very important, but they must go hand in hand. Faith without knowledge is not sufficient. Faith needs to be supported by reason. However intellectual understanding that is not applied in practice is also of little use. Whatever we learn from study we need to apply sincerely in our daily lives.”

NeedsLittlesImportantReasonUseHandsUnderstandingPracticeStudyWords Of WisdomIntellectualSufficientDaily LifeSincerelyHand In HandWise Man Once SaidTibetan
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“We can make this a more peaceful century if we cherish non-violence and concern for others’ well-being. It is possible. If the individual is happier, his or her family is happier; if families are happy, neighborhoods and nations will be happy. By transforming ourselves we can change our human way of life and make this a century of compassion.”

IfsWayHumansWellsIndividualNationsCompassionViolenceCenturyWords Of WisdomConcernHappyPeacefulWell BeingNeighborhoodCherishBeing HappyChanging Your LifeTransformingTrue HappinessWise Man Once SaidNon ViolenceCaring For OthersTibetanSelf TransformationBeing A Better PersonConcern For OthersBetter Me
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