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Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

88 quotes

“From my own limited experience 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 our own sense of well-being becomes. Cultivating a close, warm-hearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. This helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the ultimate source of success in life.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Ultimately, the reason why love and compassion bring the greatest happiness is simply that our nature cherishes them above all else. The need for love lies at the very foundation of human existence. It results from the profound interdependence we all share with one another.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I believe that at every level of society - familial, tribal, national and international - the key to a happier and more successful 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. I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend. This gives me a genuine feeling of happiness. It is the practice of compassion.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My true religion is Kindness.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1984 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Kindness, Clarity, and Insight (1984)
“It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1984 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Kindness, Clarity, and Insight (1984).
“There is a saying in Tibetan that “at the door of the miserable rich man sleeps the contented beggar”. The point of this saying is not that poverty is a virtue, but that happiness does not come with wealth, but from setting limits to one’s desires, and living within those limits with satisfaction.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Religion does not mean just precepts, a temple, monastery, or other external signs, for these as well as hearing and thinking are subsidiary factors in taming the mind. When the mind becomes the practices, one is a practitioner of religion, and when the mind does not become the practices one is not.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1987 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Deity Yoga (1987)
“Great wealth can only be obtained through deception and corruption.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1974 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva, teaching at Bodhgaya (January 1974).
“I feel that the essence of spiritual practice is your attitude toward others. When you have a pure, sincere motivation, then you have right attitude toward others based on kindness, compassion, love and respect. Practice brings the clear realisation of the oneness of all human beings and the importance of others benefiting by your actions.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1988 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Answering the question "Your Holiness, there are many people in the West who want to combine their spiritual practice with social and political responsibility. Do you feel that these two aspects are connected?" in an in…
“It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the virtues of compassion and tolerance.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1989 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Ocean of Wisdom: Guidelines for Living (1989)
“I am a simple Buddhist monk — no more, no less.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1991 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Nobel Prize Winners (1991) by Lisa F. Dewitt.
“Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a true Bodhisatva. His humility brought tears to my eyes.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1991 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama (1991).
“Don't compare me with Jesus. He is a great master, a great master...”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1993 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview in The New York Times (28 November 1993).
“I believe that in the 20th century, humanity has learned from many, many experiences. Some positive, and many negative. What misery, what destruction! The greatest number of human beings were killed in the two world wars of this century. But human nature is such that when we face a tremendous critical situation, the human mind can wake up and find some other alternative. That is a human capacity.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1993 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview in The New York Times (28 November 1993).
“Reason well from the beginning and then there will never be any need to look back with confusion and doubt.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1994 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Path to Enlightenment (1994)
“Human happiness and human satisfaction must ultimately come from within oneself. It is wrong to expect some final satisfaction to come from money or from a computer.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1998 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Path to Tranquility: Daily Wisdom (1998) edited by Renuka Singh
“Bodhicitta is the medicine which revives and gives life to every sentient being who even hears of it. When you engage in fulfilling the needs of others, your own needs are fulfilled as a by-product.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1998 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Path to Tranquility: Daily Wisdom (1998) edited by Renuka Singh
“It is also possible within this lifetime to enhance the power of the mind, enabling one to reaccess memories from previous lives. Such recollection tends to be more accessible during meditative experiences in the dream state. Once one has accessed memories of previous lives in the dream state, one gradually recalls them in the waking state.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 1999 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Consciousness at the Crossroads: Conversations with The Dalai Lama on Brain Science and Buddhism (1999)
“If there is love, there is hope that one may have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace. If the love within your mind is lost and you see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education or material comfort you have, only suffering and confusion will ensue”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2000 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Little Book of Buddhism (2000)
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2000 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Meditations for Living In Balance: Daily Solutions for People Who Do Too Much (2000) by Anne Wilson Schaef, p. 11.
“Within the body there are billions of different particles. Similarly, there are many different thoughts and a variety of states of mind. It is wise to take a close look into the world of your mind and to make the distinction between beneficial and harmful states of mind. Once you can recognize the value of good states of mind, you can increase or foster them.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2000 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Dalai Lama's Book of Wisdom (2000).
“Compassion without attachment is possible. Therefore, we need to clarify the distinctions between compassion and attachment. True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively. Genuine compassion is based not on our own projections and expectations, but rather on the needs of the other...”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Compassionate Life (2001), Ch. 2 "How to Develop Compassion" p. 21
“According to Buddhism, individuals are masters of their own destiny. And all living beings are believed to possess the nature of the Primordial Buddha Samantabhadra, the potential or seed of enlightenment, within them. So our future is in our own hands. What greater free will do we need?”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Answering the question: "Do sentient beings have free will?" in Dzogchen : The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection (2001), p. 168, .
“We need a little more compassion, and if we cannot have it then no politician or even a magician can save the planet.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Words Of Wisdom: Selected Quotes by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2001) edited by Margaret Gee, p. 49.
“Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Words Of Wisdom: Selected Quotes by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2001) edited by Margaret Gee, p. 71.
“In non-theistic traditions, such as Buddhism, everything is due to its own causes. Karma may come from this lifetime, but it may even come from previous lifetimes. From the Buddhist point of view, we must make forceful positive karma, which can be stronger than the previous negative karma. This can reduce or even eliminate the previous negative karma. So look forward. Lead some kind of new life, full of determination. Lead your life in an honest way, a truthful way. By truthful acts, by compassionate acts, increase positive karma.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in The Transformation of Pain (5 November 2011)
“Each of us has the potential to contribute … You have a great opportunity to make a new shape of the world.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in "Dalai Lama urges students to shape world" in The Seattle Times (15 May 2001).
“Conflicts do not arise out of the blue. They occur as a result of causes and conditions, many of which are within the antagonists’ control. This is where leadership is important. Terrorism cannot be overcome by the use of force because it does not address the underlying problems. In fact the use of force may not only fail to solve the problems, it may exacerbate them, and frequently leaves destruction and suffering in its wake.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: :Dalai Lama in his “Commemoration of the First Anniversary of September 11, 2001
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2003 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in A Small Drop of Ink: A Collection of Inspirational and Moving Quotations of the Ages (2003) by Linda Pendleton.
“My confidence in venturing into science lies in my basic belief that as in science so in Buddhism, understanding the nature of reality is pursued by means of critical investigation: 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.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality (2005).
“If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change. In my view, science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and for understanding reality. By learning from science about aspects of reality where its understanding may be more advanced, I believe that Buddhism enriches its own worldview.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The New York Times (12 November 2005).
“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness … the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Especially for Christians: Powerful Thought-provoking Words from the Past (2005) by Mark Alton Rose, p. 19
“[Tibetan Buddhism is] not just for Tibetans: it can do good for billions of people in our modern world.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The Tibetan state is located between two of the world's great powers, India and China. Good relations between these powers are crucial for world peace. Tibet has an important role to play.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2006 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Dalai Lama honours Tintin and Tutu, BBC (Friday, 2 June 2006)
“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.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2006 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: News conference in Vancouver, B.C. as quoted in The Globe and Mail. (8 September 2006).
“The time has come to educate people, to cease all quarrels in the name of religion, culture, countries, different political or economic systems. Fighting is useless. Suicide.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2006 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: News conference in Vancouver, B.C. as quoted in The Globe and Mail. (8 September 2006).
“If a woman reveals herself as more useful the lama could very well be reincarnated in this form.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2007 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: News conference in Italy, as quoted in "Dalai Lama says successor could be a woman" in Telegraph (07 Dec 2007)
“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.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On the killing of al-Queda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden by US military forces, as quoted in "Dalai Lama suggests Osama bin Laden's death was justified" by Mitchell Landsberg, in The Los Angeles Times (4 May 2011).
“To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetimes is largely irrelevant. What we must do, therefore, is to strive and persevere and never give up.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World, Ch. 7 (2011)
“When we look into the face of every single refugee, especially the children and women, we can feel their suffering. A human being who is a bit more fortunate has the duty to help them. On the other hand, there are too many now. Europe, for example Germany, cannot become an Arab country. Germany is Germany. There are so many that in practice it becomes difficult. [F]rom a moral point of view too, I think that the refugees should only be admitted temporarily. The goal should be that they return and help rebuild their countries.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in "Dalai Lama says 'too many' refugees in Europe", The Times of India (31 May 2016)
“I think Europe belongs to the Europeans”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in Dalai Lama says 'Europe belongs to Europeans', Business Times, Singapore 13 September 2018
“Time is always moving on; nothing can stop it. We can’t change the past, but we can shape the future. The more compassionate you are, the more you will find inner peace.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2019 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Official twitter page of the Office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Tweet from 8. April 2019 11:30 am. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022 and January 9, 2024.
“According to today’s reality, thinking in terms of ‘my self, my family, my nation’ has become unrealistic. An individual’s future is now linked to the entire humanity and planet, to a happier humanity and a healthier world... it’s an encouraging sign that young people like Thunberg are genuinely concerned for the future of the planet.... Eventually Tibet may become a desert, some scientists say.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2021 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Dalai Lama, Thunberg interaction: ‘Need to educate ourselves on global processes linked to climate crisis’, The Indian Express, report on the livestream event. (10 January 2021)
“first here, then I think finally here also. And suck my tongue”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: February 2023 speaking to young boy in Dharamshala, reported 10 April 2023 by CNN in Dalai Lama apologizes after video asking child to ‘suck’ his tongue sparks outcry
“It is regrettable that some Tibetan officials, who lack the wisdom and competence required for promoting basic human happiness and the short and long term welfare of their own people, indulge in flattering Chinese officials and, collaborate with these Chinese officials who know nothing about Tibetans and work simply for their temporary fame indulging in fabricating impressive reports. In reality, the Tibetan people have not only undergone immeasurable sufferings, but large numbers have also unnecessarily lost their lives.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“On the political front, we have always pursued the path of truth and justice in our struggle for the legitimate rights of the Tibetan people. We have never indulged in distortions, exaggerations and criticism of the Chinese people. Neither have we harboured any ill will towards them. Above all, we have always held to our position of truth and justice without siding with any of the international political power blocks.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As we enter the final decade of this century I am optimistic that the ancient values that have sustained mankind are today reaffirming themselves to prepare us for a kinder, happier twenty-first century. I pray for all of us, oppressor and friend, that together we succeed in building a better world through human understanding and love, and that in doing so we may reduce the pain and suffering of all sentient beings.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When I meet people in different parts of the world, I am always reminded that we are all basically alike: we are all human beings. Maybe we have different clothes, our skin is of a different colour, or we speak different languages. That is on the surface. But basically, we are the same human beings. That is what binds us to each other. That is what makes it possible for us to understand each other and to develop friendship and closeness.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Because we all share this small planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a necessity. We are dependent on each other in so many ways, that we can no longer live in isolated communities and ignore what is happening outside those communities, and we must share the good fortune that we enjoy.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I speak not with a feeling of anger or hatred towards those who are responsible for the immense suffering of our people and the destruction of our land, homes and culture. They too are human beings who struggle to find happiness and deserve our compassion. I speak to inform you of the sad situation in my country today and of the aspirations of my people, because in our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source