If we choose an external marker as the measure of our inner worth, whether it is the amount of money we make, or others' opinion of us, or the success of some project we're involved in, sooner or later we're bound to be battered by life's inevitable changes. After all, money comes and goes, and thus is an unstable source of self-esteem, an unreliable foundation upon which to build our identity.
Dalai LamaNot so long ago people believed in ideologies, systems, and institutions to save all societies. Today, they have given up such hopes and have returned to relying on the individual, on individual freedom, individual initiative, individual creativity.
Dalai LamaThrough money or power you cannot solve all problems. The problem in the human heart must be solved first.
Dalai LamaAccording to Buddhist psychology most of our troubles stem from attachment to things that we mistakenly see as permanent.
Dalai LamaA truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.
Dalai LamaIt is not just a person's physical constitution, their intellegence, their education, or even their social conditioning that enables them to withstand hardship. Much more significant is their inner development. And while some may be able to survive through sheer willpower, the ones who suffer the least are those who have a high degree of patience and courage in the face of adversity.
Dalai Lama