Sometimes in life, all that is needed to change our entire perspective on how we’re living is a few words from an influential individual, which is why Dalai Lama quotes are so widely sought after all over the world. Though there is much natural wonder and beauty in our world, it also cannot be denied that life can be pretty testing and troubling at times and we’ll all go through times of struggle and hardship at some point in our time here on earth. Whether we’re suffering personal issues, personal demons, a lack of motivation and self-discipline, or whether we simply need a swift metaphorical kick up the rear end, inspirational and motivational life-changing quotes can actually prove to be a pretty viable solution to our troubles. Quotes made by the Dalai Lama are especially influential due to his status and position in this world which is why we’ve compiled this list of Dalai Lama quotes for you to reflect upon, enjoy, and hopefully improve your lives for the better.
Who is the Dalai Lama? – The Dalai Lama is a head monk of Buddhism in Tibet and has been in charge of governing Tibet up until 1959. Buddhists believe that the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, who is the 14th Dalai Lama, is actually the reincarnation of a previous Dalai Lama, who chose to be born again in order to carry on with his important duties. Dalai Lamas can choose to be continually reborn and these are referred to as a Tulku. The current Dalai Lama actually won the Nobel peace prize back in 1989 as a result of maintaining a non-violent relationship with the Chinese government. He is charismatic, highly intelligent, and extremely friendly and this has garnered a great deal of interest in Buddhism, his work, and Tibet in general.
How can his quotes help improve your life? – As mentioned, the Dalai Lama is extremely intelligent and is highly knowledgeable in a variety of different subjects. His quotes are now legendary and many individuals all over the world, including non-Buddhists, and even non-religious individuals have credited his quotes and his mantras on life for improving their own or in some cases for quite literally saving their own.
Dalai Lama Quotes On Life
“The very purpose of our life is to seek happiness.”
– Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Life picture
“I believe the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in that religion or this religion, we are all seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
– Dalai Lama XIV
“There is only one important point you must keep in your mind and let it be your guide. No matter what people call you, you are just who you are. Keep to this truth. You must ask yourself how is it you want to live your life. We live and we die, this is the truth that we can only face alone. No one can help us, not even the Buddha. So consider carefully, what prevents you from living the way you want to live your life?”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Compassion
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Compassion picture
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
– Dalai Lama XIV
“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. I’m not talking about the short-term gratification of pleasures like sex, drugs or gambling (though I’m not knocking them), but something that will bring true and lasting happiness. The kind that sticks.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Compassion is the radicalism of our time.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Every single being, even those who are hostile to us, is just as afraid of suffering as we are, and seeks happiness in the same way we do. Every person has the same right as we do to be happy and not to suffer. So let’s take care of others wholeheartedly, of both our friends and our enemies. This is the basis for true compassion.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It is the ultimate source of success in life.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Love And Relationship
“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Life picture
“Love is the absence of judgment.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“The more you are motivated by Love,
The more Fearless & Free your action will be.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“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
Dalai Lama Quotes On Forgiveness
“Forgiveness doesn’t mean forget what happened. … If something is serious and it is necessary to take counter-measures, you have to take counter-measures.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“If we think only of ourselves, forget about other people, then our minds occupy very small area. Inside that small area, even tiny problem appears very big. But the moment you develop a sense of concern for others, you realize that, just like ourselves, they also want happiness; they also want satisfaction. When you have this sense of concern, your mind automatically widens. At this point, your own problems, even big problems, will not be so significant. The result? Big increase in peace of mind. So, if you think only of yourself, only your own happiness, the result is actually less happiness. You get more anxiety, more fear.”
― Dalai Lama XIV, The Wisdom of Forgiveness
Dalai Lama Quotes On Happiness
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Whether our action is wholesome or unwholesome depends on whether that action or deed arises from a disciplined or undisciplined state of mind. It is felt that a disciplined mind leads to happiness and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering, and in fact it is said that bringing about discipline within one’s mind is the essence of the Buddha’s teaching.”
― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness
“We need to learn how to want what we have NOT to have what we want in order to get steady and stable Happiness”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, ‘Oh yes — I already have everything that I really need.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“I don’t know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“If I am only happy for myself, many fewer chances for happiness. If I am happy when good things happen to other people, billions more chances to be happy!”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Hope
“There is a saying in Tibetan, ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.’
No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Kindness
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“This is my simple religion. No need for temples. No need for complicated philosophy. Your own mind, your own heart is the temple. Your philosophy is simple kindness.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Never Give Up
“Never give up No matter what is going on Never give up Develop the heart Too much energy in your country is spent Developing the mind instead of the heart. Be compassionate not just to your friends but to everyone Be compassionate. Work for peace in your heart and in the world. Work for peace and I say again Never give up. No matter what is happening, No matter what is going on around you, Never give up.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Peace
“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility…without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed, or unhappy because of circumstances.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Rules
“Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Inspirational Dalai Lama Quotes
“Silence is sometimes the best answer”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Anger is the ultimate destroyer of your own peace of mind”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Every day, 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. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Time passes unhindered. When we make mistakes, we cannot turn the clock back and try again. All we can do is use the present well.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Look at children. Of course they may quarrel, but generally speaking they do not harbor ill feelings as much or as long as adults do. Most adults have the advantage of education over children, but what is the use of an education if they show a big smile while hiding negative feelings deep inside? Children dont usually act in such a manner. If they feel angry with someone, they express it, and then it is finished. They can still play with that person the following day.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways–either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience and understanding.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Those 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 Lama XIV
“All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Hard times build determination and inner strength. Through them we can also come to appreciate the uselessness of anger. Instead of getting angry nurture a deep caring and respect for troublemakers because by creating such trying circumstances they provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals the secret of some hidden treasure.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“The way to change others’ minds is with affection, and not anger.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“To be kind, honest and have positive thoughts; to forgive those who harm us and treat everyone as a friend; to help those who are suffering and never to consider ourselves superior to anyone else: even if this advice seems rather simplistic, make the effort of seeing whether by following it you can find greater happiness.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. This is not just a dream, but a necessity.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Sleep is the best meditation.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“We are visitors on this planet. We are here for one hundred years at the very most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives. if you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true meaning of life.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or nonbelieving, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“A genuine, affectionate smile is very important in our day-to-day lives.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Although you may not always be able to avoid difficult situations,you can modify the extent to which you can suffer by how you choose to respond to the situation.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Instead of wondering WHY this is happening to you, consider why this is happening to YOU.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“The enemy is the necessary condition for practicing patience.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Like a lamp, dispelling the darkness of ignorance”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Funny Inspirational Dalai Lama Quotes
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“An eye for an eye….we are all blind”
― Dalai Lama XIV, How to See Yourself As You Really Are
Dalai Lama Quotes On Religion
“We can reject everything else: religion, ideology, all received
wisdom. But we cannot escape the necessity of love and compassion….
This, then, is my true religion, my simple faith. In this sense, there is no need
for temple or church, for mosque or synagogue, 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: ultimately these are all we need.
So long as we practice these in our daily lives, then no matter if we are
learned or unlearned, whether we believe in Buddha or God, or follow some
other religion or none at all, as long as we have compassion for others and
conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense of responsibility, there is
no doubt we will be happy.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“The purpose of all the major religious traditions is not to construct big temples on the outside, but to create temples of goodness and compassion inside, in our hearts.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Dalai Lama Quotes On Worry
“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“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 there is no solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Back to www.bmabh.com Homepage