Dalai Lama Quotes: Top 100+ Dalai Lama Quotes

1

Dalai Lama

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

2

Dalai Lama

“Love is the absence of judgment.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

3

Dalai Lama

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” ― The Dalai Lama

4

Dalai Lama

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

5

“There is a saying in Tibetan, ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.’
No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

6

Dalai Lama

“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.” ― The Dalai Lama

7

Dalai Lama

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

8

Dalai Lama

“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.” ― Dalai Lama

9

Dalai Lama

“Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.” ― The Dalai Lama

10

Dalai Lama

“Silence is sometimes the best answer” ― Dalai Lama XIV

11

Dalai Lama

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” ― Dalai Lama

12

Dalai Lama

“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

13

Dalai Lama

“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” ― The Dalai Lama

14

Dalai Lama

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

15

Dalai Lama

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

16

Dalai Lama

“This is my simple religion. No need for temples. No need for complicated philosophy. Your own mind, your own heart is the temple. Your philosophy is simple kindness.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

17

Dalai Lama

“Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

18

Dalai Lama

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

19

Dalai Lama

“When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways–either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

20

Dalai Lama

“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Dalai Lama: A Policy of Kindness: An Anthology of Writings By and About the Dalai Lama

21

Dalai Lama

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

22

Dalai Lama

“If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience and understanding.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

23

Dalai Lama

“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

24

Dalai Lama

“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.” ― Dalai Lama

25

Dahai Lama

“Look at children. Of course they may quarrel, but generally speaking they do not harbor ill feelings as much or as long as adults do. Most adults have the advantage of education over children, but what is the use of an education if they show a big smile while hiding negative feelings deep inside? Children dont usually act in such a manner. If they feel angry with someone, they express it, and then it is finished. They can still play with that person the following day.” ― His Holiness the Dahai Lama

26

Dalai Lama

“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?” ― His Holiness the Dalai Lama

27

Dalai Lama

“All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction” ― Dalai Lama

28

Dali Lama

“Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.” ― Dali Lama

29

Dalai Lama

“A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

30

Dalai Lama

“I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. I’m not talking about the short-term gratification of pleasures like sex, drugs or gambling (though I’m not knocking them), but something that will bring true and lasting happiness. The kind that sticks.” ― His Holiness the Dalai Lama

31

Dalai Lama

“NEVER GIVE UP
No matter what is going on
Never give up
Develop the heart
Too much energy in your country
Is spent developing the mind
Instead of the heart
Be compassionate
Not just to your friends
But to everyone
Be compassionate
Work for peace
In your heart and in the world
Work for peace
And I say again
Never give up
No matter what is going on around you
Never give up” ― Dalai Lama XIV

32

Dalai Lama

“The more you are motivated by Love,
The more Fearless & Free your action will be.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

33

Dalai Lama

“We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.” ― Dalai Lama

34

Dalai Lama

“Hard times build determination and inner strength. Through them we can also come to appreciate the uselessness of anger. Instead of getting angry nurture a deep caring and respect for troublemakers because by creating such trying circumstances they provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience.” ― the Dalai Lama

35

Dalai Lama

“If we think only of ourselves, forget about other people, then our minds occupy very small area. Inside that small area, even tiny problem appears very big. But the moment you develop a sense of concern for others, you realize that, just like ourselves, they also want happiness; they also want satisfaction. When you have this sense of concern, your mind automatically widens. At this point, your own problems, even big problems, will not be so significant. The result? Big increase in peace of mind. So, if you think only of yourself, only your own happiness, the result is actually less happiness. You get more anxiety, more fear.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Wisdom of Forgiveness

36

Dalai Lama

“When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

37

Dalai Lama

“In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.” ― Dalai Lama

38

Dalai Lama

“A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals the secret of some hidden treasure.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

39

Dalai Lama

“Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

40

Dalai Lama

“If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

41

Dalai Lama

“Compassion is the radicalism of our time.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

42

Dalai Lama

“We can reject everything else: religion, ideology, all received
wisdom. But we cannot escape the necessity of love and compassion….
This, then, is my true religion, my simple faith. In this sense, there is no need
for temple or church, for mosque or synagogue, no need for complicated
philosophy, doctrine or dogma. Our own heart, our own mind, is the temple.
The doctrine is compassion. Love for others and respect for their rights and
dignity, no matter who or what they are: ultimately these are all we need.
So long as we practice these in our daily lives, then no matter if we are
learned or unlearned, whether we believe in Buddha or God, or follow some
other religion or none at all, as long as we have compassion for others and
conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense of responsibility, there is
no doubt we will be happy.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

43

Dalai Lama

“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.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

44

Dalai Lama

“If there is no solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it.” ― The Dalai Lama

45

Dalai Lama

“Love and Compassion are the true religions to me. But to develop this, we do not need to believe in any religion.” ― Dalai Lama

46

Dalai Lama

“Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility…without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed, or unhappy because of circumstances.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

47

Dalai Lama

“True change is within; leave the outside as it is.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life

48

Dalai Lama

“The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

49

Dalai Lama

“If scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality

50

Dalai Lama

“If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.” ― The Dalai Lama

51

Dalai Lama

“It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

52

Dalai Lama

“Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. This is not just a dream, but a necessity.” ― His Holiness the Dalai Lama

53

Dalai Lama

“The purpose of all the major religious traditions is not to construct big temples on the outside, but to create temples of goodness and compassion inside, in our hearts.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

54

Dalai Lama

“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” ― Dalai Lama

55

Dalai Lama

“Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

56

Dalai Lama

“We are visitors on this planet. We are here for one hundred years at the very most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives. if you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true meaning of life.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

57

Dalai Lama

“Whether our action is wholesome or unwholesome depends on whether that action or deed arises from a disciplined or undisciplined state of mind. It is felt that a disciplined mind leads to happiness and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering, and in fact it is said that bringing about discipline within one’s mind is the essence of the Buddha’s teaching.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

58

Dalai Lama

“When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.” ― The Dalai Lama

59

Dalai Lama

“I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

60

Dalai Lama

“Irrespective of whether we are believers or agnostics, whether we believe in God or karma, moral ethics is a code which everyone is able to pursue.” ― Dalai Lama, The Path To Tranquility: Daily Meditations By The Dalai Lama

61

Dalai Lama

“Dangerous consequences will follow when politicians and rulers forget moral principles. Whether we believe in God or karma, ethics is the foundation of every religion.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

62

Dalai Lama

“Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival.” ― Dalai Lama

63

Dalai Lama

“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

64

Dalai Lama

“The creatures that inhabit this earth–be they human beings or animals–are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

65

Dalai Lama

“Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

66

Dalai Lama

“If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

67

Dalai Lama

“I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.” ― Hh the Dalai Lama

68

Dalai Lama

“Sometimes when I meet old friends, it reminds me how quickly time passes. And it makes me wonder if we’ve utilized our time properly or not. Proper utilization of time is so important. While we have this body, and especially this amazing human brain, I think every minute is something precious. Our day-to-day existence is very much alive with hope, although there is no guarantee of our future. There is no guarantee that tomorrow at this time we will be here. But we are working for that purely on the basis of hope. So, we need to make the best use of our time. I believe that the proper utilization of time is this: if you can, serve other people, other sentient beings. If not, at least refrain from harming them. I think that is the whole basis of my philosophy.

So, let us reflect what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that. The purpose of our life needs to be positive. We weren’t born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities—warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful—happier.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

69

Dalai Lama

“You must not hate those who do wrong or harmful things; but with compassion, you must do what you can to stop them — for they are harming themselves, as well as those who suffer from their actions.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

70

Dalai Lama

“Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or nonbelieving, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, Toward a True Kinship of Faiths: How the World’s Religions Can Come Together

71

Dalai Lama

“Although you may not always be able to avoid difficult situations,you can modify the extent to which you can suffer by how you choose to respond to the situation.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

72

Dalai Lama

“Someone else’s action should not determine your response.” ― Dalai Lama

73

Dalai Lama

“To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetime is largely irrelevant. What we must do therefore is to strive and persevere and never give up.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

74

Dalai Lama

“A genuine, affectionate smile is very important in our day-to-day lives.” ― the Dalai Lama

75

Dalai Lama

“We need to learn how to want what we have NOT to have what we want in order to get steady and stable Happiness” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

76

Dalai Lama

“Every single being, even those who are hostile to us, is just as afraid of suffering as we are, and seeks happiness in the same way we do. Every person has the same right as we do to be happy and not to suffer. So let’s take care of others wholeheartedly, of both our friends and our enemies. This is the basis for true compassion.” ― Dalai Lama

77

Dalai Lama

“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.” ― HH the Dalai Lama

78

Dalai Lama

“The various features and aspects of human life, such as longevity, good health, success, happiness, and so forth, which we consider desirable, are all dependent on kindness and a good heart.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

79

Dalai Lama

“Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

80

Dalai Lama

“It is not enough to be compassionate, we must act.” ― Dalai Lama

81

Dalai Lama

“An open heart is an open mind.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

82

Dalai Lama

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” ― The Dalai Lama

83

Dalai Lama

“I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It is the ultimate source of success in life.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

84

Dalai Lama

“I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion and elimination of ignorance, selfishness and greed.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

85

Dalai Lama

“Human use, population, and technology have reached that certain stage where mother Earth no longer accepts our presence with silence.” ― The Dalai Lama

86

Dalai Lama

“Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.” ― Dalai Lama

87

Dalai Lama

“When life becomes too complicated and we feel overwhelmed, it’s often useful just to stand back and remind ourselves of our overall purpose, our overall goal. When faced with a feeling of stagnation and confusion, it may be helpful to take an hour, an afternoon, or even several days to simply reflect on what it is that will truly bring us happiness, and then reset our priorities on the basis of that. This can put our life back in proper context, allow a fresh perspective, and enable us to see which direction to take.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living

88

Dalai Lama

“With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

89

Dalai Lama

“No matter what activity or practice we are pursuing, there isn’t anything that isn’t made easier through constant familiarity and training. Through training, we can change; we can transform ourselves. Within Buddhist practice there are various methods of trying to sustain a calm mind when some disturbing event happens. Through repeated practice of these methods we can get to the point where some disturbance may occur but the negative effects on our mind remain on the surface, like the waves that may ripple on the surface of an ocean but don’t have much effect deep down. And, although my own experience may be very little, I have found this to be true in my own small practice. So, if I receive some tragic news, at that moment I may experience some disturbance within my mind, but it goes very quickly. Or, I may become irritated and develop some anger, but again, it dissipates very quickly. There is no effect on the deeper mind. No hatred. This was achieved through gradual practice; it didn’t happen overnight.’

Certainly not. The Dalai Lama has been engaged in training his mind since he was four years old.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

90

Dalai Lama

“happiness is determined more by one’s state of mind than by external events.” ― Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness

91

Dalai Lama

“I always tell my Western friends that it is best to keep your own tradition. Changing religion is not easy and sometimes causes confusion. You must value your tradition and honor your own religion.” ― The Dalai Lama

92

Dalai Lama

“Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.” ― Dalai Lama

93

Dalai Lama

“Because we all share
an identical need for love,
it is possible to feel that
anybody we meet,
in whatever circumstances,
is a brother or sister.” ― the Dalai Lama

94

Dalai Lama

“the three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

95

Dalai Lama

“You are so anxious about the future that you do not enjoy the present. You therefore do not live in the present or the future. You live as if you are never going to die, and then die having never really lived.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

96

Dalai Lama

“It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.” ― Dalai Lama

97

Dalai Lama

“An eye for an eye….we are all blind” ― Dalai Lama XIV, How to See Yourself As You Really Are

98

Dalai Lama

“Many people today agree that we need to reduce violence in our
society. If we are truly serious about this, we must deal with the
roots of violence, particularly those that exist within each of us. We
need to embrace ‘inner disarmament,’ reducing our own emotions of
suspicion, hatred and hostility toward our brothers and sisters.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

99

Dalai Lama

“Wherever you have friends that’s your country, and wherever you receive love, that’s your home.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

100

Dalai Lama

“I believe the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in that religion or this religion, we are all seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World

Dalai Lama Quotes: Top 100+ Dalai Lama Quotes

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