Quotes from Dalai Lama

I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warmheartedness we take for granted.

If some people have the belief or view that the Dalai Lama has some miracle power, that's totally nonsense.

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.

A new way of thinking has become the necessary condition for responsible living and acting. If we maintain obsolete values and beliefs, a fragmented consciousness and self-centered spirit, we will continue to hold onto outdated goals and behaviors.

We have global communication and yet confrontation is more common than dialogue.

Developing concern for others, thinking of them as part of us, brings self-confidence , reduces our sense of suspicion and mistrust, and enables us to develop a calm mind.

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

We must generate courage equal to the size of the difficulties we face.

Too strong a media emphasis on death and violence can lead to despair.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

It is necessary to help others, not only in our prayers, but in our daily lives. If we find we cannot help others, the least we can do is to desist from harming them.

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

Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.

I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in religion 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 towards happinessÖ

The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.

In Buddhism we have relative truth and absolute truth.

If a person's basic state of mind is serene and calm, then it is possible for this inner peace to overwhelm a painful physical experience. On the other hand, if someone is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any form of emotional distress, then even if he or she happens to be enjoying physical comforts, he will not really be able to experience the happiness that these could bring.

Whatever forms of meditation you practice, the most important point is to apply mindfulness continuously, and make a sustained effort. It is unrealistic to expect results from meditation within a short period of time. What is required is continuous sustained effort.

If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.

To seek solitude like a wild animal. That is my only ambition.

The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis.

Be a good human being, a warm-hearted affectionate person. That is my fundamental belief. Having a sense of caring, a feeling of compassion will bring happiness of peace of mind to oneself and automatically create a positive atmosphere.

We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.

If you have a particular faith or religion, that is good. But you can survive without it.