Lama Quotes

It is natural that we face obstacles in pursuit of our goals. But if we remain passive, making no effort to solve the problems we meet, conflicts will arise and hindrances will grow. Transforming these obstacles into opportunities is a challenge to our human ingenuity. ~ Dalai Lama

The mind must be developed by you alone. There is no way for others to do the work and for you to reap the results. Reading someone else's blueprint of mental progress will not transfer its realizations to you. You have to develop them yourself. ~ Dalai Lama

I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in relgion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we all are seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is toward happiness ... ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Happiness is determined more by one's state of mind than by external events. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Of course, there are different truths on different levels. Things are true relative to other things; "long" and "short" relate to each other, "high" and "low," and so on. But is there any absolute truth? Something self-sufficient, independently true in itself? I don't think so. ~ Dalai Lama

If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

If I say, "I am a monk." or "I am a Buddhist," these are, in comparison to my nature as a human being, temporary. To be human is basic. ~ Dalai Lama

It is clear that something is seriously lacking in the way we humans are going about things. But what is it that we lack? The fundamental problem, I believe, is that at every level we are giving too much attention to the external, material aspects of life while neglecting moral ethics and inner values. By inner values, I mean the qualities that we all appreciate in others, and toward which we all have a natural instinct, bequeathed by our biological nature as animals that survive and thrive only in an environment of concern, affection, and warm-heartedness-or in a single word, compassion. The essence of compassion is a desire to alleviate the suffering of others and to promote their well-being. This is the spiritual principle from which all other positive inner value emerge. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

The main cause of suffering is egoistic desire for one's own comfort and happiness. ~ Dalai Lama

The more you think about your own self, the more self-centred you are, the more trouble even small problems can create in your mind. The stronger your sense of 'I', the narrower the scope of your thinking becomes; then even small obstacles become unbearable. On the other hand, if you concern yourself mainly with others, the broader your thinking becomes, and life's inevitable difficulties disturb you less. ~ Dalai Lama

I believe that at every level of society the key to a happier world is the growth of compassion. We do not need to become religious, nor do we need to believe in an ideology. All that is necessary is for each of us to develop our good human qualities. ~ Dalai Lama

Love, compassion and concern for others are real sources of happiness. If you have these in abundance, you will not be disturbed even by the most uncomfortable circumstances. If you nurse hatred, however, you will not be happy even in the lap of luxury. Thus, if we really want happiness, we must widen the sphere of love. This is both religious thinking and basic common sense. ~ Dalai Lama

Our individual well-being is intimately connected both with that of all others and with the environment within which we live ... Our every action, our every deed, word, and thought, no matter how slight or inconsequential it may seem, has an implication not only for ourselves, but for all others, too. ~ Dalai Lama

There are various positive side effects of enhancing one's feeling of compassion. One of them is that the greater the force of your compassion, the greater your resilience in confronting hardships and your ability to transform them into more positive conditions. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

In identifying one's mental state as the prime factor in achieving happiness, of course that doesn't deny that our basic physical needs for food, clothing, and shelter must be met. But once these basic needs are met, the message is clear: we don't need more money, we don't need greater success or fame, we don't need the perfect body or even the perfect mate - right now, at this very moment, we have a mind, which is all the basic equipment we need to achieve complete happiness. In ~ Dalai Lama XIV

So our future is in our own hands. What greater free will do we need? ~ Dalai Lama

Happiness is a state of mind. With physical comforts if your mind is still in a state of confusion and agitation, it is not happiness. Happiness means calmness of mind. ~ Dalai Lama

On every level - as individuals, and as members of a family, a community, a nation, and a planet - the most mischievous troublemakers we face are anger and egoism. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

To just be--to be--amidst all doings, achievings, and becomings. This is the natural state of mind, or original, most fundamental state of being. This is unadulterated Buddha-nature. This is like finding our balance. ~ Lama Surya Das

I remain convinced that most human conflicts can be solved through genuine dialogue conducted with a spirit of openness and reconciliation. ~ Dalai Lama

Can there be a completely different set of laws of physics in a different universe, or do the laws of physics as we understand them hold true in all possible universes? If the answer is that a different set of laws can operate in a different universe system, this would suggest (from a Buddhist perspective) that even the laws of physics are entangled with the karma of the sentient beings that will arise in that universe. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Whether or not we follow any particular spiritual tradition, the benefits of love and kindness are obvious to anyone. ~ Dalai Lama

Compassion can be roughly defined in terms of a state of mind that is nonviolent, nonharming, and nonaggressive. It is a mental attitude based on the wish for others to be free of their suffering and is associated with a sense of commitment, responsibility, and respect towards others. ~ Dalai Lama

I truly believe that compassion provides the basis of human survival. ~ Dalai Lama

It also becomes apparent that our every action, our every deed, word, and thought, no matter how slight or inconsequential it may seem, has an implication not only for ourselves but for all others, too. Furthermore, ~ Dalai Lama XIV

We can see that there are many ways in which we actively contribute to our own experience of mental unrest and suffering. Although, in general, mental and emotional afflictions themselves can come naturally, often it is our own reinforcement of those negative emotions that makes them so much worse. For instance when we have anger or hatred towards a person, there is less likelihood of its developing to a very intense degree if we leave it unattended.


However, if we think about the projected injustices done to us, the ways in which we have been unfairly treated, and we keep on thinking about them over and over, then that feeds the hatred. It makes the hatred very powerful and intense. Of course, the same can apply to when we have an attachment towards a particular person; we can feed that by thinking about how beautiful he or she is, and as we keep thinking about the projected qualities that we see in the person, the attachment becomes more and more intense. But this shows how through constant familiarity and thinking, we ourselves can make our emotions more intense and powerful. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

If we lose our human values by having everything mechanied, then machines will dictate our lives. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

What unites all beings is their desire for happiness. ~ Dalai Lama

One of the things that people sense is that you are not doing this for self-glorification, you are doing it for the sake of others. The Dalai Lama has been in exile for so many years, yet the Chinese are running scared of him. ~ Desmond Tutu

Black Power If the motive is good, and there are no other possibilities, then seen most deeply it [violence] is nonviolence, because its aim is to help others. ~ Dalai Lama

My faith helps me overcome such negative emotions and find my equilibrium. ~ Dalai Lama

Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Compassion suits our physical condition, whereas anger, fear and distrust are harmful to our well-being. Therefore, just as we learn the importance of physical hygiene to physical health, to ensure healthy minds, we need to learn some kind of emotional hygiene. ~ Dalai Lama

A zero itself is nothing, but without a zero you cannot count anything; therefore, a zero is something, yet zero. ~ Dalai Lama

Go back to the Dalai Lama. He says, I think technology has really increased human ability. But technology cannot produce compassion. ~ Amy Poehler

I really feel that some people neglect and overlook compassion because they associate it with religion. Of course, everyone is free to choose whether they pay religion any regard, but to neglect compassion is a mistake because it is the source of our own well-being. ~ Dalai Lama

Love and Compassion are the true religions to me. But to develop this, we do not need to believe in any religion. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

I am like a wounded animal in a remote isolated place - How wonderful! - How happy! ~ Dalai Lama

Compassion instills a sense of calm, inner strength, and a deep confidence and satisfaction ~ Dalai Lama

Even when a person has all of life's comforts - good food, good shelter, a companion - he or she can still become unhappy when encountering a tragic situation. ~ Dalai Lama

I find that because of modern technological evolution and our global economy, and as a result of the great increase in population, our world has greatly changed: it has become much smaller. However, our perceptions have not evolved at the same pace; we continue to cling to old national demarcations and the old feelings of "us" and "them. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Up to now my involvement in the Tibetan freedom struggle has been part of my spiritual practice, because the issues of the survival of the Buddha Teaching and the freedom of Tibet are very much related. In this particular struggle, there is no problem with many monks and nuns, including myself, joining. ~ Dalai Lama

True happiness comes from having a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved by cultivating altruism, love and compassion, and by eliminating anger, selfishness and greed. ~ Dalai Lama

When our mind is calm, we're better able to find peace of mind and live a joyful life. ~ Dalai Lama

If you become more concerned for the welfare of others, you will experience a sense of calm, inner-strength, and self confidence. ~ Dalai Lama

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion. ~ Dalai Lama

From the Buddhist point of view, all living beings -- that is, beings with feelings, experiences, and sensations -- are considered equal. Human beings can live without eating meat. As human beings, I think that deep down our nature tends towards vegetarianism and leads us to do everything in our power to prevent harming other species. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

According
to my own experience, the highest level of inner calm comes from the
development of love and compassion. The more concerned we are with the
happiness of others, the more we increase our own well-being.
Friendliness and warmth towards others allow us to relax and help us to
dispel any sense of fear or insecurity so we can overcome whatever
obstacles we face. ~ Dalai Lama

No one can afford to assume that someone else will solve their problems. ~ Dalai Lama

We all have minds that are capable of knowledge; therefore, if you work at it, eventually knowledge can be gained. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

It 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

Human beings will continue to deceive and overpower one another. Basically, everyone exists in the very nature of suffering, so to abuse or mistreat each other is futile. The foundation of all spiritual practice is love. That you practice this well is my only request. ~ Dalai Lama

Eating, working, and making money are meaningless in themselves. However, even a small act of compassion grants meaning and purpose to our lives. P ~ Dalai Lama XIV

I really do not want to carry some kind of party function. ~ Dalai Lama

When you begin to see that this assignment of extreme virtue or evil to a person or object is what makes them an object of lust or hatred, the emotion built on that exaggeration backs off; we ~ Dalai Lama XIV

My message is always the same: to cultivate and practice love, kindness, compassion and tolerance. ~ Dalai Lama

If some people have the belief or view that the Dalai Lama has some miracle power, that's totally nonsense. I am just one human being. ~ Dalai Lama

There 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 Lama

There are going to be frustrations in life. The question is not: How do I escape? It is: How can I use this as something positive? ~ Dalai Lama XIV

We can only transform humanity and create a happier more compassionate world through education. ~ Dalai Lama

My true religion, my simple faith is in love and compassion. There is no need for complicated philosophy, doctrine, or dogma. Our own heart, our own mind, is the temple. The doctrine is compassion. Love for others and respect for their rights and dignity, no matter who or what they are - these are ultimately all we need. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

How we fare in any given situation depends on the conduct of our body, speech, and mind. Since mind is the chief, a disciplined mind is essential. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

We need material development, but we need to understand that by itself it doesn't bring peace of mind. ~ Dalai Lama

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

When we talk about global crisis, or a crisis of humanity, we cannot blame a few politicians, a few fanatics, or a few troublemakers. The whole of humanity has a responsibility because it is our business, human business. I call this a sense of universal responsibility. That is a crucial point. ~ Dalai Lama

Real love is not based on attachment, but on altruism. In this case, your compassion will remain as a humane response to suffering as long as beings continue to suffer. ~ Dalai Lama

Every human should have the idea of taking care of the environment, of nature, of water. So using too much or wasting water should have some kind of feeling or sense of concern. Some sort of responsibility and with that, a sense of discipline. ~ Dalai Lama

At the beginning when the child is coming, people worry the child may be deformed. When a healthy boy or child comes, people are very happy for a short moment. ~ Dalai Lama

The mind is key. If anything should be considered a god, so to speak, it is the mind, not money. A healthy positive mind is the utmost priority. But if we were to reverse the order of these priorities, what would happen? I find it hard to imagine how a person with great wealth, bad health, no friends, and no peace of mind could feel even slightly happy. ~ Dalai Lama

Like and dislike, gain and loss, praise and blame, fame and disgrace: these are the eight mundane concerns which condition our existence. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Peace does not come through prayer, we human beings must create peace. ~ Dalai Lama

In both the global community and the family, human beings need harmony and cooperation, which comes through mutual respect. Altruism is the most crucial factor. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Sometimes religion becomes yet another source for more division and even open conflict. Because of that situation, I feel the different religious traditions have a great responsibility to provide peace of mind and a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among humanity. ~ Dalai Lama

If others are happy, we will be happy. If others suffer, ultimately we all suffer. ~ Dalai Lama

A calm mind helps our human intelligence to assess the situation realistically. ~ Dalai Lama

Enemies provide us some of the best opportunities to practice patience, tolerance, and compassion. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

A Compassionate state of mind brings inner peace, and therefore a healthier body. ~ Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama can claim the sanction of the Buddha, who is said to have altered his teachings in order to reach a diverse audience. ~ Pankaj Mishra

In some cases is keeping your mouth shut the best answer. ~ Dalai Lama

My message is the practice of compassion, love and kindness. ~ Dalai Lama

What we call a person is a concept attached to a stream of consciousness. This stream, just like the person, is without beginning or end. It is a question of an ephemeral continuum that depends on changing causes and conditions. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Peace is the Only Way for the survival of Humanity ~ Dalai Lama

On the whole, I think the Darwinian theory of evolution, at least with the additional insights of modern genetics, gives us a fairly coherent account of the evolution of human life on earth. At the same time, I believe that karma can have a central role in understanding the origination of what Buddhism calls "sentience," through the media of energy and consciousness. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

When we ground ourselves in the present moment, we spontaneously connect better with others. We become more responsive and less reactive, listening more deeply and speaking with greater clarity. ~ Lama Surya Das

One has to try to develop one's inner feelings, which can be done simply by training one's mind. This is a priceless human asset and one you don't have to pay income tax on! ~ Dalai Lama

Or recite this mantra: om mani padme hum (pronounced "om mani padmay hum"). ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Media people should have long noses like an elephant to smell out politicians, mayors, prime ministers and businessmen. We need to know the reality, the good and the bad, not just the appearance. ~ Dalai Lama

As long as space endures, as long as sentient beings remain, until then, may I too remain and dispel the miseries of the world. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Even more important than the warmth and affection we receive, is the warmth and affection we give. It is by giving warmth and affection, by having a genuine sense of concern for others, in other words through compassion, that we gain the conditions for genuine happiness. More important than being loved, therefore, is to love. ~ Dalai Lama

Whenever 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 Lama

When people ask the Dalai Lama, "Is Buddhism a religion?" he answers, "Yes, it is." Then they ask, "What kind of religion is it?" He responds, "My religion is kindness." You might think, "Everyone's is." Everyone's is. That's true. It's not complicated to describe the goal of a spiritual life. It's easier than you think to explain it. It's more difficult than you can imagine to do it. ~ Sylvia Boorstein

War is out of date, obsolete. ~ Dalai Lama

My overriding belief is that it is always possible for criminals to improve and that by its very finality the death penalty contradicts this. ~ Dalai Lama

as we Tibetans lived quite happily for many centuries behind our wall of mountains - the ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. ~ Dalai Lama

If it can be solved, there's no need to worry, and if it can't be solved, worry is of no use. ~ Dalai Lama

One of the chief reasons desire and hatred arise is that we are overly attached to the current flow of life. We have a sense that it will last forever, and with that sort of attitude we become fixated on superficialities - material possessions and temporary friends and situations. To overcome this ignorance, you need to reflect on the fact that a day is coming when you will not be here. Even though there is no certainty that you will die tonight, when you cultivate an awareness of death, you appreciate that you could die tonight. With this attitude, if there is something you can do that will help in both this life and the next, you will give it precedence over something that would help only this life in a superficial way. ~ Dalai Lama XIV

Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost. ~ Dalai Lama

Peace isn't the mere absence of violence; peace must come from inner peace. And inner peace comes from taking others' interests into account. ~ Dalai Lama