The XIVth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the Tibetan spiritual and once-political leader.
Born in Taktser, Tibet, he was recognized as the 13th Dalai Lama’s reincarnation at age two.
His education began at six, culminating in a Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy by 25. Due to Chinese threats, he assumed Tibet’s political leadership at 16.
As Tibetan-Chinese relations deteriorated, he fled to Dharamsala, India in 1959.
He approached the UN about Tibet, resulting in three resolutions and a draft Tibetan constitution emphasizing democracy.
In 1987, he presented the Five-Point Peace Plan, advocating for Tibetan autonomy while acknowledging China.
He’s uniquely engaged with the West, promoting interfaith dialogue.
Recognized since the 1970s for his peace initiatives, his teachings underscore compassion, interconnectedness and global responsibility.
Here are a few of his memorable quotes to motivate you.
Dalai Lama Quotes on Life, Love, Travel & Positivity
1. “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
2. “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
3. “Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
4. “The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
5. “Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
6. “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
7. “The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
8. “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
9. “Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
10. “Sleep is the best meditation.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
11. “Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
12. “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).
13. “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
14. “Love is the absence of judgment.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
15. “An open heart is an open mind.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
16. “A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
17. “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).
18. “I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
19. “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
20. “If a problem can be solved it will be. If it can not be solved there is no use worrying about it.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
21. “The very purpose of our life is to seek happiness.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
22. “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
Top Dalai Lama Quotes
23. “When you talk you are only repeating something you already know. But, if you listen you may learn something new.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
24. “Compassion is the wish to see others free from suffering.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
25. “Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
26. “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
27. “Happiness is determined more by one’s state of mind than by external events.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
28. “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
29. “Nothing is permanent.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
30. “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).
31. “Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance, or my kindness for weakness. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
32. “My religion is kindness.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
33. “Happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
34. “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
35. “Silence is sometimes the best answer.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
36. “Follow the three R’s: – Respect for self. – Respect for others. – Responsibility for all your actions.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
37. “Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
38. “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).
39. “When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
40. “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).
41. “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).
Famous Dalai Lama Quotes
42. “True change is within. Leave the outside as it is.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
43. “Determination, with an optimistic attitude, is the key to success.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
44. “Once a year go somewhere you have never been before.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
45. “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).
46. “A heart full of love and compassion is the main source of inner strength, willpower, happiness, and mental tranquility.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
47. “Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
48. “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.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
49. “When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
50. “Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
51. “A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
52. “If scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
53. “Dangerous consequences will follow when politicians and rulers forget moral principles. Whether we believe in God or karma, ethics is the foundation of every religion.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
54. “Man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
55. “Never give up. No matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, never give up.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
56. “Do something that scares you every day. You have nothing to lose but fear itself.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
57. “Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
58. “Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
59. “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.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
Short Dalai Lama Quotes
60. “Happiness is the highest form of health.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
61. “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
62. “What is the meaning of life? To be happy and useful.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
63. “The world will be saved by the western woman.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
64. “Mutual respect is the foundation of genuine harmony.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
65. “It is worth remembering that the time of greatest gain in terms of wisdom and inner strength is often that of greatest difficulty.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
66. “If every 8 years old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
67. “If you can do something about a situation, why worry? And if you can’t do something about a situation, why worry?” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
68. “To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetime is largely irrelevant. What we must do therefore is to strive and persevere and never give up.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
69. “With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
70. “The only way to fail is to quit.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
71. “Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
72. “In dealing with those who are undergoing great suffering, 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. The point is to have a long-term perspective.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
73. “The root of happiness is altruism – the wish to be of service to others.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
74. “If there is a solution to a problem, there is no need to worry. And if there is no solution, there is no need to worry.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
75. “Women have the capacity to lead us to a more peaceful world with compassion, affection, and kindness.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
76. “The essence of all religions is love, compassion, and tolerance. Kindness is my true religion. The clear proof of a person’s love of God is if that person genuinely shows love to fellow human beings.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
77. “Everything you do has some effect, some impact.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
78. “Today, as we wish each other a Happy New Year, let us determine to be more sincere, compassionate, warm-hearted human beings, trying to make our world a more equal place. That way we’ll actually make it a happy year.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
79. “You’re happy when you help others become happy.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
80. “It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
81. “Without technology humanity has no future, but we have to be careful that we don’t become so mechanised that we lose our human feelings.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
82. “Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
83. “If we have a positive mental attitude, then even when surrounded by hostility, we shall not lack inner peace.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
84. “See the positive side, the potential, and make an effort.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
85. “Altruism is the best source of happiness. There is no doubt about that.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
86. “The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticize others.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
87. “As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breathe out, cherish all Beings.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
88. “I’d rather be kind than right. You can always be kind.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
Inspiring Dalai Lama Quotes
89. “The period of greatest gain in knowledge and experience is the most difficult period in one’s life.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
90. “You are so anxious about the future that you do not enjoy the present. You, therefore, do not live in the present or the future. You live as if you are never going to die, and then die having never really lived.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
91. “A zero itself is nothing, but without a zero, you cannot count anything; therefore, a zero is something, yet zero.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
92. “It is very rare or almost impossible that an event can be negative from all points of view.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
93. “A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
94. “There is soul music, soul food, and soul love…” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
95. “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.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
96. “I believe in justice and truth, without which there would be no basis for human hope.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
97. “We share the earth not only with our fellow human beings, but with all the other creatures.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
98. “The enemy is a very good teacher.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
99. “Death means change our clothes. Clothes become old, then time to come change. So this body become old, and then time come, take young body.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
100. “The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
101. “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).
102. “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).
103. “All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
104. “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).
105. “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).
106. “The past is past, and the future is yet to come. That means the future is in your hands – the future entirely depends on the present. That realization gives you a great responsibility.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
107. “You need self-confidence and determination: feeling depressed and losing hope will never really help to correct any situation.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
108. “It’s not enough to be compassionate. You must act.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
109. “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).
Dalai Lama Quotes for Motivation
110. “Smile if you want a smile from another face.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
111. “In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
112. “Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
113. “I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
114. “Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
115. “In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
116. “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).
117. “Change only takes place through action, not through meditation and prayer.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
118. “Spend some time alone every day.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
119. “The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
120. “Hard times build determination and inner strength. Through them we can also come to appreciate the uselessness of anger.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
121. “Compassion is the radicalism of our time.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
122. “The way to overcome negative thoughts and destructive emotions is to develop opposing, positive emotions that are stronger and more powerful.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
123. “According to Buddhist psychology most of our troubles stem from attachment to things that we mistakenly see as permanent.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
124. “Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness .” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
125. “It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
126. “A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
127. “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).
128. “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).
129. “If you want to be wisely selfish, care for others.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
130. “By setting our motivation strongly in the morning when our mind is fresh and clear, we are much more likely to remember it during the day and act with that intention.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
131. “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 XIV).
132. “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).
133. “A thousand candles can be lit from one candle, however the life of the original candle is not shortened in the least.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
134. “Overcoming negative tendencies and enhancing positive potential are the very essence of the spiritual path.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
135. “The most important thing is to have a sense of responsibility, commitment, and concern for each of our fellow human beings.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
136. “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).
137. “Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
138. “In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
139. “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).
140. “If one assumes a humble attitude, one’s own good qualities will increase. Whereas if one is proud, one will become jealous of others, one will look down on others, and due to that there will be unhappiness in society.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
141. “True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one’s own self being fully realized.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
142. “The essence of all religions is love, compassion and tolerance. Kindness is my true religion. No matter whether you are learned or not, whether you believe in the next life or not, whether you believe in God or Buddha or some other religion or not, in day-to-day life you must be a kind person.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
143. “Anger may bring extra energy, but it eclipses the best part of our brain: its rationality. The energy of anger is almost always unreliable.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
144. “Like the lotus which thrives in mud, the potential for realization grows in the rich soil of everyday life.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
145. “With genuine love and compassion, another person’s appearance or behavior has no effect on your attitude.”
146. “The creatures that inhabit this earth – be they human beings or animals – are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
147. “Attachment constrains our vision so that we are not able to see things from a wider perspective.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
148. “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).
149. “We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
150. “Irrespective of whether we are believers or agnostics, whether we believe in God or karma, moral ethics is a code which everyone is able to pursue.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
151. “Education is the way to achieve far-reaching results, it is the proper way to promote compassion and tolerance in society.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
152. “Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
153. “The greater the level of calmness of our mind, the greater our peace of mind, the greater our ability to enjoy a happy and joyful life.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
154. “The challenge today is to convince people of the value of truth, honesty, compassion and a concern for others.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
155. “Anger is the ultimate destroyer of your own peace of mind.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
156. “If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
157. “Pain can change you, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a bad change. Take that pain and turn it into wisdom.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
158. “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).
159. “The nature of our motivation determines the character of our work.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
160. “The ultimate source of my mental happiness is my peace of mind. Nothing can destroy this except my own anger.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
161. “If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
162. “Forget the failures. Keep the lessons.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
163. “Peace is the Only Way for the survival of Humanity.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
164. “Without freedom, creativity cannot flourish. The right to freedom is crucial to progress in any society; and the context is having a sense of global responsibility.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
165. “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 XIV).
166. “Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
167. “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).
168. “Always embrace the common humanity that lies at the heart of us all.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
169. “When our mind is calm, we’re better able to find peace of mind and live a joyful life.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
170. “Values are related to our emotions, just as we practice physical hygiene to preserve our physical health, we need to observe emotional hygiene to preserve a healthy mind and attitudes.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
171. “Human potential is the same for all. If you have willpower, then you can change anything.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
172. “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).
173. “A tree with strong roots can withstand the most violent storm, but the tree can’t grow roots just as the storm appears on the horizon.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
174. “If you are honest, truthful, and transparent, people trust you. If people trust you, you have no grounds for fear, suspicion or jealousy.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
175. “Kindness is the key to peace and harmony in family life.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
176. “Mental happiness is more important than physical comfort. Physical comfort comes from the material. But material facilities cannot provide you with peace of mind.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
177. “The universe is a single atom: the convergence of science and spirituality.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
178. “The purpose of our lives is to be happy. We live in hope, which means looking forward to something good. And there are increasing scientific findings that both our physical and mental well-being depend on our peace of mind.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
179. “Our purpose in life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
180. “Peace? starts within each one of us. When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
181. “Even a small act of compassion grants meaning and purpose to our lives.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
182. “The real destroyer of inner peace is fear and distrust. Fear develops frustration, frustration develops anger, anger develops violence.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
183. “One of the most effective ways to overcome anxiety is to try to shift the focus of attention away from self and toward others.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
184. “Learning to forgive is much more useful than merely picking up a stone and throwing it at the object of one’s anger, the more so when the provocation is extreme. For it is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
185. “If you want to change the world, first try to improve and bring about change within yourself. That will help change your family. From there it just gets bigger and bigger. Everything we do has some effect, some impact.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
186. “The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
187. “Don’t use Buddhism to become a Buddhist. Use Buddhism to become better at whatever else in your life you are doing already.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
188. “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).
189. “A positive state of mind is not merely good for you, it benefits everyone with whom you come into contact, literally changing the world.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
190. “To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
191. “I am open to the guidance of synchronicity, and do not let expectations hinder my path.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
192. “We can change society, change humanity by changing ourselves as individuals. By cultivating inner values, we can change our own lives and those of our families. This is how we can create a more peaceful world.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
193. “All beings want to live in peace and happiness, undisturbed. Therefore the concept of human rights is universal.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
194. “A truly peaceful mind is very sensitive, very aware.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
195. “There is nothing I can’t live without. I learned this attitude when I was a child.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
196. “We all have the potential to be better than we are.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
197. “Most of our troubles are due to our passionate desire for and attachment to things that we misapprehend as enduring entities.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
198. “Anger, jealousy, impatience, and hatred are the real troublemakers, with them problems cannot be solved.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
199. “Don’t compare me with Jesus. He is a great master, a great master…” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
200. “I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
201. “Happiness does not come about only due to external circumstances; it mainly derives from inner attitudes.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
202. “Humans are not machines-we are something more. We have feeling and experience. Material comforts are not sufficient to satisfy us. We need something deeper-human affection.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
203. “Human use, population, and technology have reached that certain stage where mother Earth no longer accepts our presence with silence.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
204. “To be aware of a single shortcoming in oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in someone else.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
205. “When you are warm-hearted, there is no room for anger, jealousy or insecurity.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
206. “If the mind is tranquil and occupied with positive thoughts, the body will not easily fall prey to disease.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
207. “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).
208. “It does not matter whether you are a theist or atheist, what matters is sincerity, forgiveness, and compassion.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
209. “The best way to resolve any problem in the human world is for all sides to sit down and talk.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
210. “Conservation is not merely a question of morality, but a question of our own survival.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
211. “If you are showing love to your fellow human beings, you are showing love to your God.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
212. “Compassion, forgiveness, these are the real, ultimate sources of power for peace and success in life.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
213. “There can be no peace as long as there is grinding poverty, social injustice, inequality, oppression, environmental degradation, and as long as the weak and small continue to be trodden by the mighty and powerful.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
214. “Ultimately, the decision to save the environment must come from the human heart. The key point is a call for a genuine sense of universal responsibility that is based on love, compassion and clear awareness.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
215. “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 XIV).
216. “Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free. True peace with oneself and with the world around us can only be achieved through the development of mental peace.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
217. “We are the creators of our own happiness and suffering, for everything originates in the mind.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
218. “Be gentle with the earth.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
219. “Happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
220. “The key point is kindness. With kindness one will have inner peace. Through inner peace, world peace can one day be a reality.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
221. “Anger is the real destroyer of our good human qualities; an enemy with a weapon cannot destroy these qualities, but anger can. Anger is our real enemy.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
222. “More often than not, anger is actually an indication of weakness
223. “For material progress and physical wellbeing, peace of mind is of utmost importance.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
224. “If you shift your focus from yourself to others, extend your concern to others, and cultivate the thought of caring for the wellbeing of others, then this will have the immediate effect of opening up your life and helping you to reach out.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
225. “It’s unrealistic to think that the future of humanity can be achieved only on the basis of prayer; what we need is to take action.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
226. “You must not procrastinate. Rather, you should make preparations so that even if you did die tonight, you would have no regrets. If you develop an appreciation for the uncertainty and imminence of death, your sense of the importance of using your time wisely will get stronger and stronger.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
227. “You have to start giving first and expect absolutely nothing.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
228. “Anger and hatred lead to fear; compassion and concern for others allow us to develop self-confidence, which breeds trust and friendship.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
229. “All human beings have an innate desire to overcome suffering, to find happiness. Training the mind to think differently, through meditation, is one important way to avoid suffering and be happy.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
230. “In the Buddha’s life story we see the three stages of practice: Morality comes first, then concentrated meditation, and then wisdom. And we see that the path takes time.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
231. “A generous heart and wholesome actions lead to greater peace.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
232. “If you want change, create the causes.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
233. “Friends, genuine friends, are attracted by a warm heart, not money, not power. A genuine friend considers you as just another human being, as a brother or sister, and shows affection on that level, regardless of whether you are rich or poor, or in a high position; that is a genuine friend.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
234. “I believe that constant effort, tireless effort, pursuing clear goals with sincere effort is the only way.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
235. “As people alive today, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore part of our responsibility toward others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy, if not healthier, than we found it.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
236. “As our own peace of mind grows, so the atmosphere around us becomes more peaceful.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
237. “In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
238. “The colors of light are infinite through refraction, yet they all come from the same source. Thus I cannot detach myself from the wickedest soul, nor fail to identify with the most virtuous.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
239. “Love is wanting others to be happy.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
240. “Freedom is the real source of human happiness and creativity. Irrespective of whether you are a believer or nonbeliever, whether Buddhist, Christian, or Jew, the important thing is to be a good human being.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
241. “If you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true meaning of life. The key point is to have a genuine sense of universal responsibility.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
242. “Through difficult experiences, life sometimes becomes more meaningful.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
243. “The only clear thing is that we humans are the only species with the power to destroy the earth as we know it. The birds have no such power, nor do the insects, nor does any mammal. Yet if we have the capacity to destroy the earth, so, too, do we have the capacity to protect it.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
244. “Awareness of death is the very bedrock of the entire path. Until you have developed this awareness, all other practices are obstructed.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
245. “Limitless like the ocean are your excellent qualities.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
246. “Genuine 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 Lama XIV).
247. “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
248. “For change to happen in any community, the initiative must come from the individual.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
249. “To seek solitude like a wild animal. That is my only ambition.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
250. “Just as compassion is the wish that all sentient beings be free of suffering, loving-kindness is the wish that all may enjoy happiness.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
251. “Brute force, no matter how strongly applied, can never subdue the basic human desire for freedom.” ~ (Dalai Lama XIV).
So these are the some of the most popular quotes by Dalai Lama.
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Short Description Dalai Lama
The title “Dalai Lama” denotes the chief spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism’s Gelug, or “Yellow Hat” school, the preeminent sect among Tibet’s four major Buddhist schools.
The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, resides as a refugee in India and is regarded as the latest reincarnation of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
| Residence | McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, India |
| Formation | 1391 |
| First holder | Gendün Drubpa, 1st Dalai Lama, posthumously awarded after 1578. |
| Website | dalailama.com |
Historically, the Dalai Lama unified Tibet, transcending sectarian lines and symbolizing Buddhist values.
Since the 17th century, the Dalai Lama or their appointees led Tibet’s government, which was under the protection of Mongol and later Qing rulers until 1951.
Short Biography of 14th Dalai Lama
Born on July 6, 1935, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, emerged from a farming family in Taktser, Amdo, now part of Qinghai, China.
Recognized as the successor to the 13th Dalai Lama in 1939 without the traditional Golden Urn process, he was formally enthroned in Lhasa in 1940.
| Full Name | Lhamo Thondup |
| Born | 6 July 1935 (age 88) Taktser, Amdo, Tibet |
| Father | Choekyong Tsering |
| Mother | Diki Tsering |
| Religion | Tibetan Buddhism (Gelug school) |
| Reign | 22 February 1940 – present |
| Predecessor | Thubten Gyatso |
| Regent | 5th Reting Rinpoche (1934–1941), 3rd Taktra Rinpoche (1941–1950) |
Assuming full political duties by 1950, he led Tibet until his 1959 escape to India during an uprising against Chinese control.
In exile, he established a Tibetan government in Dharamshala, India, stepping down as its political leader in 2011 to support a democratic administration.
Quick Facts about Dalai Lama
- The Dalai Lama is a title meaning “Ocean of Wisdom.”
- He is considered the spiritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Born on July 6, 1935, in Taktser, Qinghai.
- His birth name was Lhamo Thondup.
- He is known as the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.
- He believed to be the reincarnation of his predecessor.
- He was recognized as the Dalai Lama at the age of 4.
- He assumed full political duties in Tibet at age 15, in 1950.
- He escaped to India during the 1959 Tibetan uprising.
- He lives in exile in Dharamshala, India since 1960.
- Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
- Advocates for the Middle Way Approach for Tibet’s autonomy.
- Promotes universal values of compassion and non-violence.
- Advocates for environmental conservation.
- The longest-serving Dalai Lama in history.
- Fluent in Tibetan, English, Hindi, and Chinese.
- Embraces modern technology and social media.
- Has authored numerous books on spirituality and ethics.
- He retired from political duties in 2011.
- Encourages interfaith dialogue and universal responsibility.
- His teachings emphasize the interconnectedness of all beings.
- Promotes secular ethics beyond religious boundaries.
- He is recognized globally as a symbol of peace.
- Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism inspire his teachings.
- He is known for his charismatic, infectious smile.
- Attends and speaks at international conferences.
- Advocates for women’s rights and economic issues.
- His family had other recognized reincarnated Rinpoches.
- Encourages compassionate treatment of animals.
- His early life included recognition through a traditional search process involving omens and artifacts.
Top Questions about Dalai Lama
A: The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be a reincarnation in a long line of spiritual leaders. He plays a significant role in Tibetan culture as both a spiritual and a political figure.
A: The selection of the Dalai Lama involves identifying children who show signs of being his reincarnation. This process includes rituals and tests conducted by senior monks.
A: Since 1959, following his exile, the Dalai Lama has lived in Dharamshala, India, where he established the Tibetan government-in-exile.
A: The Dalai Lama promotes messages of compassion, peace, and understanding. He stresses the importance of inner peace and cultivating a compassionate nature to foster global harmony.
A: As a pivotal figure, the Dalai Lama guides the spiritual direction of Tibetans and champions their quest for cultural preservation and autonomy.
A: Yes, among various accolades, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his dedication to the non-violent liberation of Tibet from Chinese rule.
A: He advocates for resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding, emphasizing compassion, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace.
A: The Dalai Lama is accessible to the public, frequently meeting people from diverse backgrounds. However, those interested should check his schedule due to his numerous engagements.
A: He is a proponent of environmental conservation, emphasizing the need for responsible stewardship of the earth due to the interconnectedness of all life.
A: He advocates for a peaceful, non-violent approach to political disputes, promoting dialogue and compromise as a means to achieve resolution and harmony.
A: Yes, his teachings on kindness, compassion, and inner peace are designed to be practical for personal growth and fostering peaceful, meaningful relationships in daily life.
