Temples of Goodness and Compassion ~ 14th Dalai Lama
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. 14th Dalai Lama
Quote Archives: 14th Dalai Lama
On human intelligence ~ 14th Dalai Lama
Human intelligence is the source of our problems. But it would be foolish to think that the solution is to reduce intelligence. There is only one way out: we must not let our intelligence be guided by negative and harmful emotions. It must be guided only by proper and positive motivation if it is to […]
Learning to open our hearts ~ 14th Dalai Lama
Recognizing our shared humanity and our biological nature as beings whose happiness is dependent on others, we learn to open our hearts, and in so doing we gain a sense of purpose and a sense of connection with those around us. 14th Dalai Lama
Spontaneity ~ 14th Dalai Lama
I feel much better when I am spontaneous, because it comes from the heart. 14th Dalai Lama
Blaming others ~ 14th Dalai Lama
When you think everything is someone else’s fault, you will suffer a lot. 14th Dalai Lama
The deeply interconnected nature of our existence ~ 14th Dalai Lama
At a fundamental level, as human beings, we are all the same; each one of us aspires to happiness and each one of us does not wish to suffer. This is why, whenever I have the opportunity, I try to draw people’s attention to what as members of the human family we have in common […]
Angry peace fighter ~ 14th Dalai Lama
If we ourselves remain angry and then sing world peace, it has little meaning. First, our individual self must learn peace. This we can practice. Then we can teach the rest of the world. 14th Dalai Lama
A good heart is needed ~ 14th Dalai Lama
We are not lacking in terms of the development of science and technology; still, we lack something here in the heart — a real inner warm feeling. A good heart is needed. 14th Dalai Lama
Living the way you want to live your life ~ 14th Dalai Lama
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 […]
Starting to try seeing the nature of our mind ~ 14th Dalai Lama
If the first true fact is that life in general is not easy, we should certainly not expect that seeing the nature of our mind will be simple. The actual nature of mind, on any level, is not very obvious. Even to identify and recognize correctly what is mind is extremely difficult. Just to start […]
Patience ~ 14th Dalai Lama
Patience guards us against losing our presence of mind so we can remain undisturbed, even when the situation is really difficult. 14th Dalai Lama
Emptiness and non-existence ~ 14th Dalai Lama
The doctrines of emptiness and selflessness do not imply the non-existence of things. Things do exist. When we say that all phenomena are void of self-existence, it does not mean that we are advocating non-existence, that we are repudiating that things exist. Then what is it we are negating? We are negating, or denying, that […]
The very purpose of religion ~ 14th Dalai Lama
If you really take an interest in Buddhism, then the most important thing is implementation-practice. To study Buddhism and then use it as a weapon in order to criticize others’ theories or ideologies is wrong. The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticize others. Rather, we must criticize ourselves. How much […]
Removing the obstructions to omniscience ~ 14th Dalai Lama
A consciousness that conceives of inherent existence does not have a valid foundation. A wise consciousness, grounded in reality, understands that living beings and other phenomena—minds, bodies, buildings, and so forth—do not inherently exist. This is the wisdom of emptiness. Understanding reality exactly opposite to the misconception of inherent existence, wisdom gradually overcomes ignorance. Remove […]
Kindness and compassion ~ 14th Dalai Lama
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion. 14th Dalai Lama
Concern for our whole environment ~ 14th Dalai Lama
I feel that we should not only maintain gentle, peaceful relations with our fellow human beings but also that is very important to extend the same kind of attitude toward the natural environment. Morally speaking, we should be concerned for our whole environment. 14th Dalai Lama
When the mind becomes the practices ~ 14th Dalai Lama
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. 14th Dalai Lama
The doctrine is compassion ~ 14th Dalai Lama
My true religion, my simple faith is in love and compassion. There is 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 – these are ultimately […]
The importance of a good heart ~ 14th Dalai Lama
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. 14th Dalai Lama
Leading A Good Life ~ 14th Dalai Lama
Whether you believe in God or not does not matter so much, whether you believe in Buddha or not does not matter so much; as a Buddhist, whether you believe in reincarnation or not does not matter so much. You must lead a good life. And a good life does not mean just good food, […]