Dalai Lama XIV Quotes

“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.”

“A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.”

“All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction.”

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

“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.”

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”

“I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.”

“If you feel 'burnout' setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself.”

“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.”

“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

“Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.”

“Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.”

“Love is the absence of judgement.”

“Man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”

“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day.”

“Open your arms to change but don't let go of your values.”

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.”

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”

“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.”

“Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.”

“Silence is sometimes the best answer.”

“Sleep is the best meditation.”

“Someone else's action should not determine your response.”

“Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.”

“The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.”

“The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.”

“The way to change others' minds is with affection, and not anger.”

“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.”