The Dalai Lama Quotes

What is my religion? Simple. Kindness.

As human beings, we are only able to survive in dependence upon the co-operation, help and kindness of other fellow humans.

We must openly accept all ideologies and systems as a means of solving humanity's problems. One country, one nation, one ideology, one system is not sufficient.

Contemplating the suffering which is unbearable to us, and is unbearable to others, too, can produce awake mind, which arises from the compassion that wishes to free all living beings from suffering.

We must work to resolve conflicts in a spirit of reconciliation and always keep in mind the interests of others. We cannot destroy our neighours! We cannot ignore their interests!

Meditation may also be thought of as a technique by which we diminish the force of old thought habits and develop new ones.

Through training there is knowledge. You can produce compassion, love, forgiveness. you can change yourself.

I always believed in love, compassion and a sense of universal respect. Every human being has that potential.

The basic condition of human life is happiness.

If I had not been a monk, I would have become an engineer.

We believe in self creation. That's why Buddhists believe in the Four Noble Truths.

On a daily basis, you must take more care of your mind than just money, money, money!

Through meditative techniques, one can free the mind of delusions and attain what we call enlightenment.

We have to adopt a wider perspective, and always find common things between the people of north, east, south, and west. Conflict comes from the basis of differencs.

When a problem first arises, try to remain humble and maintain a sincere attitude, and be concerned that the outcome is fair.

Ignorance is the source of hatred, and the way to get rid of ignorance is realization.

All religions are essentially the same in their goal of developing a good human heart so that we may become better human beings.

Humans are not machines-we are something more. We have feeling and experience. Material comforts are not sufficient to satisfy us. We need something deeper-human affection.

Infinite altruism is the basis of peace and happiness. If you want altruism, you must control hate and you must practice patience. The main teachers of patience are our enemies.

If you are showing love to your fellow human beings, you are showing love to your God.

Firstly, as a Buddhist monk, I hold that violence is not good. Secondly, I am a firm believer in the Gandian ethic of passive resistance. And thirdly, in reality, violence is not our strength.

Just as compassion is the wish that all sentient beings be free of suffering, loving-kindness is the wish that all may enjoy happiness.

Under no circumstances should you lose hope.

Basically, therefore, we should approach others openly, recognizing each person as another human being just like ourselves. There is not much difference between us all.

Love is wanting others to be happy.

A mind wishing to benefit other people and other sentient beings is the very basis of peace and happiness.

Forming a new world religion is difficult and not particularly desirable. However, in that love is essential to all religions, one could speak of the universal religion of love.

The earth is not just our environment. The earth is our mother.

My main concern is meeting with public because my main commitment, main interest is promotion of human value, human affection, compassion and religious harmony.

Kindness is the key to peace and harmony in family life.

I do not understand men. They spend their lives to use their health to make money and then they spend their money to restore their health.

I am confident I will set foot again in Tibet in my lifetime.

I consider myself as a free spokesman for the people.

I think there's every reason this 21st century will be much happier.

I think really, China, Chinese, I think they really have a long history of civilization, rich culture.

As long as I am alive, I am fully committed to amity between Tibetans and Chinese. Otherwise there's no use.

I never dreamt, in my dream, I'm Dalai Lama.

Chinese people themselves, they really want change.

Many Tibetans sacrifice their lives.

Despite all philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create good human beings.

unless the direction of science is guided by a consciously ethical motivation, especially compassion, its effects may fail to bring benefit. They may indeed cause great harm.

The essence of any religion is good heart. Sometimes I call love and compassion a universal religion. This is my religion.

The Laws of Reasoning consist of the ground, the path, and the result. ...Suffering is in the mind. How we perceive happiness determines our suffering or not.

So long as space remains So long as sentient beings' Suffering remains I will remain In order to help, In order to serve.

Developing love and compassion and reducing anger and spite is a universal activity which requires no faith in any religion whatsoever

Today we understand that the future of humanity very much depends on our planet, and that the future of the planet very much depends on humanity.

Artists have the responsibility to serve humanity give people hope.

I request you to try to be warm-hearted. I ask this of you because these mental attitudes actually bring us happiness.

In the Buddha's life story we see the three stages of practice: Morality comes first, then concentrated meditation, and then wisdom. And we see that the path takes time.

Happiness that depends mainly on physical pleasure is unstable; one day it's there, the next day it may not be.