Our purpose in life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment.
Dalai LamaWe may now have reached a point where this gap in our make-up has become unsustainable; partly because what in the past would have counted as material plenty has become the norm for the majority in much of the world; and partly because the slow retreat of religion that coincided with the spread of a capitalist economy has left a gaping hole in millions of people's lives. (Geoff Mulgan)
Dalai LamaIf one's cause is supported by sound reasoning, there is no point in using violence. It is those who have no motive other than selfish desire and who cannot achieve their goal through logical reasoning who rely on force.
Dalai LamaIn some cases, in order to protect global issues some sacrifice for national interest is worth it in the long run. Global warming, these things, they suffer everybody.
Dalai LamaAll suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction.
Dalai LamaGiving up attachment to the world does not mean that you set yourself apart from it. Generating a desire for others to be happy increases your humanity. As you become less attached to the world, you become more humane. As the very purpose of spiritual practice is to help others, you must remain in society.
Dalai LamaI feel that we should not only maintain gentle, peaceful relations with our fellow human beings bur also that is very important to extend the same kind of attitude toward the natural environment.
Dalai LamaThe practicing of loving kindness toward one's enemy is the ultimate test of one's own spiritual attainment.
Dalai LamaFrom the viewpoint of absolute truth, what we feel and experience in our ordinary daily life is all delusion. Of all the various delusions, the sense of discrimination between oneself and others is the worst form, as it creates nothing but unpleasantness for both sides. If we can realize and meditate on ultimate truth, it will cleanse our impurities of mind and thus eradicate the sense of discrimination. This will help to create true love for one another. The search for ultimate truth is, therefore, vitally important.
Dalai LamaHarmony can not thrive in a climate of mistrust, cheating, bullying; mean-spirited competition.
Dalai LamaCompassion and love constitute non-violence in action. They are the source of all spiritual qualities: forgiveness, tolerance, all the virtues. They give meaning to our activities and makes them constructive. There is nothing amazing about being rich or highly educated; only when the individual has a warm heart do these attributes become worthwhile.
Dalai LamaMore fundamental than religion is our basic human spirituality. We have a basic human disposition towards love, kindness and affection, irrespective of whether we have a religious framework or not. When we nurture this most basic human resource - when we set about cultivating those basic inner values which we all appreciate in others, then we start to live spiritually.
Dalai LamaThere are two kinds of happiness - the temporary pleasure derived primarily from material comfort alone and another more enduring comfort that results from the thorough transformation and development of the mind. We can see in our own lives that the latter form of happiness is superior because when our mental state is calm and happy, we can easily put up with minor pains and physical discomforts. On the other hand, when our mind is restless and upset, the most comfortable physical facilities do not make us happy.
Dalai LamaI have found a much greater appreciation of Buddhism because I couldn't take it for granted here in exile.
Dalai LamaWe must have a pure, honest, and warm-hearted motivation, and on top of that, determination, optimism, hope, and the ability not to be discouraged. The whole of humanity depends on this motivation.
Dalai LamaThe death penalty fulfills a preventive function, but it is also very clearly a form of revenge. It is an especially severe form of punishment because it is so final. The human life is ended and the executed person is deprived of the opportunity to change, to restore the harm done or compensate for it.
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 LamaSome people get the impression that Buddhism talks too much about suffering. In order to become prosperous, a person must initially work very hard, so he or she has to sacrifice a lot of leisure time. Similarly, the Buddhist is willing to sacrifice immediate comfort so that he or she can achieve lasting happiness.
Dalai LamaFor Tibetans, the real strength of our struggle is truth - not size, money, or expertise.
Dalai LamaThose who have little interest in spirituality shouldn’t think that human inner values don’t apply to you. The inner peace of an alert and calm mind are the source of real happiness and good health. Our human intelligence tells us which of our emotions are positive and helpful and which are damaging and to be restrained or avoided.
Dalai LamaCompassion is one of the principal things that make our lives meaningful. It is the source of all lasting happiness and joy.
Dalai LamaThe 20th century was the century of war and blood. The 21st century is the century of dialogue.
Dalai LamaAlthough attempting to bring about world peace through the internal transformation of individuals is difficult, it is the only way.
Dalai LamaEach of us must learn to work not just for one self, one's own family or one's nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.
Dalai LamaReason well from the beginning and then there will never be any need to look back with confusion and doubt.
Dalai LamaThe most important thing is transforming our minds, for a new way of thinking, a new outlook: we should strive to develop a new inner world.
Dalai LamaAll good qualities must be sown and cultivated. We can’t expect to change overnight from an ordinary person into one with high realizations.
Dalai LamaWhat is the relationship between spirituality and ethical practice? Since love and compassion and similar qualities all, by definition, presume some level of concern for others' well-being, they presume ethical restraint. We cannot be loving and compassionate unless at the same time we curb our own harmful impulses and desires.
Dalai LamaReal affection comes from the face. Those political leaders, when they meet, they are always hugging, but not very genuine. Deep, sincerity comes from face and eye.
Dalai LamaWomen have the capacity to lead us to a more peaceful world with compassion, affection, and kindness.
Dalai LamaIf you are mindful of death, it will not come as a surprise-you will not be anxious. You will feel that death is merely like changing clothes. Consequently, at that point you will be able to maintain your calmness of mind.
Dalai LamaCalm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health.
Dalai LamaPhysical comforts cannot subdue mental suffering, and if we look closely, we can see that those who have many possessions are not necessarily happy. In fact, being wealthy often brings even more anxiety.
Dalai LamaThrough constant familiarity, we can definitely establish new behavior patterns, using our tendency to form habits to our advantage. If we make a steady effort, I think we can overcome any form of negative conditioning and make positive changes in our lives. But we need to remember that genuine change doesn't happen overnight.
Dalai LamaIt is lack of love for ourselves that inhibits our compassion toward others. If we make friends with ourselves, then there is no obstacle to opening our hearts and minds to others.
Dalai Lama