Just as we take for granted the need to acquire proficiency in the basic academic subjects, I am hopeful that a time will come when we can take it for granted that children will learn, as part of the curriculum, the indispensability of inner values: love, compassion, justice, and forgiveness.
Dalai LamaAn important distinction can be made between religion and spirituality. Religion [is] concerned with faith in the claims to salvation of one faith tradition... Spirituality is concerned with qualities of the human spirit, love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, a sense of responsibility, a sense of harmony, that bring happiness both to self.
Dalai LamaThe highest happiness is when one reaches the stage of liberation, at which there is no more suffering.
Dalai LamaWhen we encounter suffering, it is important to respond w/ compassion rather than to question the politics of those we help.
Dalai LamaI think that ethical behaviour is another feature of the kind of inner discipline that leads to a happier existence.
Dalai LamaAffection is important because it counters anger, hatred and suspicion that can prevent our minds from functioning clearly.
Dalai LamaIt is our basic right to be a happy person, happy family, and eventually a happy world. That should be our goal.
Dalai LamaGenuine happiness consists in those spiritual qualities of love, compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness and so on. For it is these which provide both for our happiness and others happiness.
Dalai LamaWhen the days become longer and there is more sunshine, the grass becomes fresh and, consequently, we feel very happy. On the other hand, in autumn, one leaf falls down and another leaf falls down. The beautiful plants become as if dead and we do not feel very happy. Why? I think it is because deep down our human nature likes construction, and does not like destruction. Naturally, every action which is destructive is against human nature. Constructiveness is the human way. Therefore, I think that in terms of basic human feeling, violence is not good. Non-violence is the only way.
Dalai LamaIf you develop a pure and sincere motivation, if you are motivated by a wish to help on the basis of kindness, compassion, and respect, then you can carry on any kind of work, in any field, and function more effectively.
Dalai LamaToday we face many problems. Some are created essentially by ourselves based on divisions due to ideology, religion, race, economic status, or other factors. Therefore, the time has come for us to think on a deeper level, on the human level, and from that level we should appreciate and respect the sameness of others as human beings.
Dalai LamaLearning is the first step in making positive changes within yourself. Other factors are conviction, determination, action & effort. Learning & education help develop conviction about the need to change & increase your commitment. Conviction then develops into determination. Next, strong determination leads to action: a sustained effort to implement the changes. This final factor of effort is critical.
Dalai LamaIf we had to accept the idea of an independent creator, the explanations given in [several Buddhist texts] which completely refutes the existence per se of all phenomena, would be negated.
Dalai LamaAs human beings we have the same experience of destructive and constructive emotions. We also have a human mind capable of developing wisdom. We all have the same Buddha nature.
Dalai LamaAlthough under particular circumstances, the violence method - any method - can be justified, nevertheless once you commit violence, then counterviolence will be returned.
Dalai LamaWhether you believe in God or not does not matter much, whether you believe in Buddha or not does not matter so much; as a Buddhist, whether you believe in reincarnation or not does not matter so much. You must lead a good life.
Dalai LamaWe need to make material progress, but we need inner development too ... remember that the real development we seek is not in the buildings but in our hearts and minds.
Dalai LamaThe realization that we are all basically the same human beings who seek happiness and try to avoid suffering is very helpful in developing a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood; a warm feeling of love and compassion for others.
Dalai LamaA genuine transformation that results from sustained concerted effort is long lasting because it has a firm foundation.
Dalai LamaIf we can manage to refrain from harming others in our everyday actions and words, we can start to give more serious attention to actively doing good, and this can be a source of great joy and inner confidence. We can benefit others through our actions by being warm and generous toward them, by being charitable, and by helping those in need.
Dalai LamaDemocratic institutions are necessary and very important, and if I remained at the head of government, it could be an obstacle to democratic practice. Also, if I were to remain, then I would have to join one of the parties. If the Dalai Lama joins one party, then that makes it hard for the system to work.
Dalai LamaWhat acts as a far more effective circumstance for generating compassion and what, in fact, rouses us from our comfortable meditation seat is actually seeing or hearing others - encountering others directly, not just conceptually in our imagination.
Dalai LamaThe planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.
Dalai LamaIt is important to pray for peace. . . But you must also take actions to make that happen. Every single day.
Dalai LamaWe can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.
Dalai LamaEveryday, 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.
Dalai LamaWhen I meet people from other cultures I know that they too want happiness and do not want suffering, this allows me to see them as brothers and sisters.
Dalai LamaWhenever I visit a market and see the chickens crowded together in tiny cages that give them no room to move around and spread their wings and the fish slowly drowning in the air, my heart goes out to them. People have to learn to think about animals in a different way, as sentient beings who love life and fear death. I urge everyone who can to adopt a compassionate vegetarian diet.
Dalai LamaIf there were really serious consequences if I did not accept, then of course I would do whatever was necessary. But in general I really prefer some freedom.
Dalai LamaMost of our problems are related to the mind, so we have to work to reduce our destructive emotions.
Dalai LamaWhether or not we follow any particular spiritual tradition, the benefits of love and kindness are obvious to anyone.
Dalai LamaIt is important that when pursing our own self-interest we should be 'wise selfish' and not 'foolish selfish'. Being foolish selfish means pursuing our own interests in a narrow, shortsighted way. Being wise selfish means taking a broader view and recognizing that our own long-term individual interest lies in the welfare of everyone. Being wise selfish means being compassionate.
Dalai LamaInstead of wondering WHY this is happening to you, consider why this is happening to YOU.
Dalai LamaEvery noble work is bound to face problems and obstacles. It is important to check your goal and motivation thoroughly. One should be very truthful, honest, and reasonable. One's actions should be good for others, and for oneself as well. Once a positive goal is chosen, you should decide to pursue it all the way to the end. Even if it is not realized, at least there will be no regret.
Dalai LamaWe must each lead a way of life with self-awareness and compassion, to do as much as we can. Then, whatever happens we will have no regrets.
Dalai Lama