It seems that for some people the idea of compassion entails a complete disregard for or even a sacrifice of their own interests. This is not the case. In fact, you first of all have to have a wish to be happy yourself - if you don't love yourself like that, how can you love others?
Dalai LamaAt a fundamental level, as human beings, we are all the same; each one of us aspires to happiness and each one of us does not wish to suffer. This is why, whenever I have the opportunity, I try to draw people's attention to what as members of the human family we have in common and the deeply interconnected nature of our existence and welfare.
Dalai LamaA lot of problems we are facing, essentially, man made problem. Own creation. Not due to lack of intelligence.
Dalai LamaWe often add to our pain and suffering by being overly sensitive, over-reacting to minor things, and sometimes taking things too personally.
Dalai Lama