This feature article accumulates Dalai Lama Quotes on Living,  Family, Education, Kindness, Happiness, Loneliness and Isolation, Fear, War, Love, Compassion, and Meditation.

Dalai Lama Quotes

The Dalai Lama is the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th Dalai Lama lives in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, in northern Indian. The Dalai Lama’s quotes highlight love, kindness, happiness, compassion, meditation, education, and a meaningful life.

He also provides motivational quotes for employees, students, politicians, educators, family members, pilgrims, and many more. In this content, the author collected significant quotes of the Dalai Lama from different books, including 365 Dalai Lama- Daily Advice from the Heart and the Good Heart. These quotes are also known as the Dalai Lama meditation. 

Dalai Lama Quotes & Meditation on Living

Common sense shows that human life is short-lived and that it is best to make of our brief sojourn on this Earth something that is useful to oneself and others.

As humans, we all have the same potential, unless there is some sort of lazy brain function. The wonderful human brain is the source of our strength and the source of our future, provided we utilize it in the right direction. If we use the brilliant human mind in the wrong way, it really is a disaster.

I think human beings are the superior sentient beings on this planet. Humans have the potential not only to create happy lives for themselves but also to help other beings. We have a natural creative ability, and it is very important to realize this.

We do not usually know how to distinguish between what is essential and what is secondary. However, we spend our lives running about here and there after pleasures that are forever eluding us and leaving us unsatisfied. We try to be happy come what may without wondering whether we are causing anyone to suffer in the process. Finally, we are prepared to do anything to amass and defend our possessions, which are neither lasting nor true sources of happiness.

We cannot be useful to ourselves unless we are also useful to others. Whether we like it or not, we are all connected, and it is unthinkable to be happy all by oneself. Anyone who is only concerned with his own well-being will suffer eventually. Anyone who is only concerned with the well-being of others takes care of himself without even thinking about it. Even if we decide to remain selfish, let us be intelligently selfish – let us help others!

Let’s use our human intelligence wisely. Otherwise, how are we superior to animals?

If we really want to make our lives meaningful and happy, we should begin by thinking sanely. We should cultivate the human qualities we all possess but which we bury under a heap of confused thinking and conflicting emotions.

Let us cultivate love and compassion, both of which give true meaning to life. This is the religion I preach, more so than Buddhism itself. It is simple. Its temple is the heart. Additionally, its teaching is love and compassion. Its moral values are loving and respecting others, whoever they may be. Whether one is a layperson or a monastic, we have no other option if we wish to survive in this world.

To be kind, honest, and have positive thoughts; to forgive those who harm us and treat everyone as a friend; to help those who are suffering and never to consider ourselves superior to anyone else: even if this advice seems rather simplistic, make the effort of seeing whether, by following it, you can find greater happiness.

We do not need to reflect too long before we realize that all beings spontaneously look for happiness and try to avoid suffering. You will not find even a single insect that will not do everything in its power to escape suffering and to feel good. Human beings have the additional capacity to think. So we should make good use of our intelligence.

Pleasure and suffering are based on sensory perceptions and inner satisfaction. For us, inner satisfaction is the more important of these. It is special to human beings. With a few exceptions, animals are not able to experience this.

Satisfaction is characterized by inner peace. It arises from generosity, honesty, and what I call ethical conduct, that is, a way of behaving that respects the right of others to happiness.

An open heart is an open mind- Dalai Lama

A great deal of our suffering comes from having too many thoughts. And, at the same time, the way we think is not sane. We are only concerned with our immediate satisfaction and forget to measure its long-term advantages and
disadvantages, either for ourselves or for others. But such an attitude always goes against us in the end. There is no doubt that by changing our way of seeing things, we could reduce our current difficulties and avoid creating new ones.

There are certain types of suffering, such as the suffering associated with birth, sickness, old age, and death, that cannot be avoided. The only thing we can do is reduce the fear they instill in us. But many other problems in the world could ranging from marital quarrels to the most devastating wars, could be avoided if only we adopted a sane and healthy attitude.

If we do not think through things well, if our vision is only short-term and our methods only superficial, and if we do not consider things with an open and relaxed outlook, then we turn what started as minor problems into major difficulties. In other words, we ourselves create a great deal of our own suffering.

Dalai Lama Quotes on Love

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.

Someone else’s action should not determine your response.

I find hope in the darkest days, and focus in the brightest.

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

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity
cannot survive.

Love is the absence of judgment

The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless & free your actions will be.

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message: love, compassion, and forgiveness. The important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.”

Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.

Through violence, you may ‘solve’ one problem, but you sow the seeds for
another.

It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.

When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.

I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.

Choose to be optimistic; it feels better.

Our ancient experience confirms at every point that everything is linked together, everything is inseparable.

Someone else’s action should not determine your response.

Anger is the ultimate destroyer of your own peace of mind.

Dalai Lama Quotes on Life

Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.

The topic of compassion is not at all religious business; it is important to know it is a human business, it is a question of human survival.

Let us try to recognize the precious nature of each day.

I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. I’m not talking about the short-term gratification of pleasures like sex, drugs, or gambling (though I’m not knocking them), but something that will bring true and lasting happiness. The kind that sticks.

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

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principal source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.

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.

The true hero conquers his own anger and hatred.

Love and Compassion are the true religions to me. But to develop this, we do not need to believe in any religion.

Dalai Lama Quotes on Family

The family is the most fundamental unit in society. If it is ruled by peace and human values, then not only will parents live happily and free of tension, but their children and grandchildren will too, and even generations after that. If they have a religious faith. Their children will naturally be drawn to this. If they speak politely to each other and behave ethically, love each other and have mutual respect, and if they help those in need and show concern for the world around them, their children will likely follow suit and become responsible people.

On the other hand, if the mother and father are continuously fighting and insulting each other, if they just do whatever comes into their heads without thinking of others, then not only will they never be happy themselves, but their children will inevitably fall victim to their influence.

Our family influences another, and then ten, a hundred, and a thousand, and thus the whole of society will be better off.

As a Buddhist, I often tell Tibetans that if there is one area where they should make a real effort to re-establish and develop the Buddha’s teaching, it is within their own families. That is where parents should express their faith, teach their children, and truly become spiritual guides. They should not be content with simply showing their children pictures and explaining that they represent such and such a deity: they should fully explain that this deity symbolizes compassion, and that deity represents supreme wisdom, and so forth. The more parents understand the Buddhist teaching, the more they will be able to influence their children in a positive way. And this principle is, of course, valid for other spiritual or religious traditions too.

Dalai Lama Quotes on Education

l am convinced that the progress or decline of humanity rests very largely with educators and teachers, who therefore have a tremendous responsibility.

Do not limit yourself to words; set your students an example. Then they will remember what you tell them better. Be responsible for your students’ future in all its guises.

If you are a teacher, try not to merely transmit knowledge. But try at the same time to awaken your students’ minds to basic human qualities such as kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. Do not communicate these as though they were the reserve of ethics or religion. Show them that these qualities are indispensable for the happiness and survival of everyone.

Teach students to debate and to resolve conflicts in a non-violent way, and as soon as there is a disagreement, teach them to take an interest in what the other person thinks. Teach them not to view things in a narrow-minded way; not to think only of themselves, their community, their country, or
their race, but to realize that all beings have the same rights and the same needs. Make them aware of our universal responsibility; show them that whatever we do matters, and that everything affects the rest of the world.

Teach students to debate and to resolve conflicts in a non-violent way, and as soon as there is a disagreement, teach them to take an interest in what the other person thinks. Teach them not to view things in a narrow-minded way; not to think only of themselves, their community, their country, or their race, but to realize that all beings have the same rights and the same needs. Make them aware of our universal responsibility; show them that whatever we do matters, and that everything affects the rest of the world

Dalai Lama Quotes on Happiness

I think that every human being has an innate sense of I. We cannot explain why that feeling is there, but it is. Along with it comes a desire for happiness and a wish to overcome suffering. This is quite justified: we have a natural right to achieve as much happiness as possible, and we also have a right to overcome suffering. The whole of human history has developed based on this feeling.

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Happiness is not something readymade; it comes from your own actions.

I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. I’m not talking about the short-term gratification of pleasures like sex, drugs, or gambling (though I’m not knocking them), but something that will bring true and lasting happiness. The kind that sticks.

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

Happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.

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.

Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it also helps us to develop inner happiness and peace.

There are several ways of being happy. Some people are slightly disturbed and in a perpetual state of mindless enjoyment. They always think everything is fine. That is not the kind of happiness we are dealing with here. Others base their happiness on the possession of material goods and the satisfaction of the senses. We have already noted how fragile such happiness is. Even when you think you are really happy, if you take that happiness for granted, you will doubly suffer when circumstances are no longer in your favor. Yet others believe that their happiness is due to moral attitudes and behavior. This is the kind of happiness we need, because it is based on profound causes and does not depend on circumstance.

A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.

If your attitude is not right, then even if you are surrounded by good friends and the best facilities, you cannot be happy. This is why mental attitude is more important than external conditions. Despite this, it seems to me that many people are more concerned about their external conditions and neglect the inner attitude of mind. I suggest that we should pay more attention to our inner qualities.

In order to have lasting happiness, we first need to acknowledge the reality of suffering. This may be depressing to begin with, but it works in the long run. Although some people prefer to avoid facing reality by taking drugs, by seeking false states of bliss through directionless spiritual paths, or by living life in the fast lane so they have no time to think deeply, they only experience a short reprieve. When their problems come back in force, they find themselves at sea and fill the land with lamentations, as we say in Tibet. Anger or despair takes them over, compounding their initial difficulty with pointless suffering.

Try to understand where our suffering comes from. Like everything else, it is the result of a countless number of causes and conditions. If our feelings depended on one cause alone, we would only have to meet one cause of happiness for happiness to arise systematically. But we know very well that this is not how things work. So let’s give up the idea that there is always one thing that is responsible for our unhappiness, and that if we could identify it, we would not suffer.

We need to recognize that suffering is part of life or, in Buddhist terms, of samsara, the cycle of conditioned existence. If we regard suffering as negative and abnormal, and consider ourselves its victims, then life becomes a misery. Our attitude is the problem. Happiness is possible only when what we call suffering no longer causes us distress.

According to Buddhism, reflecting on the reality of suffering never induces either pessimism or despair. It leads to the discovery of the root causes of our plight: desire, hatred, and ignorance, and to a way of freeing ourselves from them. By ignorance, we mean not understanding the true nature of people and things. It gives rise to the other two poisons. When ignorance dissolves, desire and hatred have no foundation, and the source of our suffering has dried up. As a result, we experience a happiness that is spontaneously altruistic and that is no longer at the mercy of negative emotions.

Dalai Lama Quotes on Unhappiness

In industrialized countries, one sees many unhappy people. They have everything they need, enjoy all the conditions required for a comfortable life, and yet they are not content with their lot. They make themselves unhappy through jealousy or for all sorts of other reasons. Certain people are continually on the alert for a cataclysm, while others believe the end of the world is nigh. Such people manufacture their own suffering because they are unable to think sanely. If only they changed their way of seeing things, their torment would disappear.

Many people have real reasons to suffer. who are really ill, for example, on the breadline, disaster victims, or abused. And yet, here again, they often have the power to remedy this. Practically speaking, they can and should take care of themselves, speak out against their abusers, and take them to court demanding damages, or again, they can work extremely hard if they do not have enough food or clothes. And mentally, they can adopt a positive attitude.

It is our mental attitude that determines the degree mt the only useful reaction sis suffering. If one is sick, for example, one is to do whatever is possible to get better: see a doctor. a treatment, do certain exercises, but generally. We complicate our situation by worrying about it, adding more anguish to our physical suffering.

Even if you lose someone very close, such as your father, or should reason with yourself. After a certain mother, you age, life naturally draws to an end. When you were small, your parents did their utmost to bring you up. Now you have nothing to regret. Of course, if they die prematurely in a road accident, for example, the sadness is much greater.

Dalai Lama Quotes on Loneliness and Isolation

Learned from a recent poll that a majority of Americans admit that they suffer from loneliness and isolation. One quarter of adults admitted that they had felt deeply lonely during the previous fortnight, and this phenomenon appears to be very widespread. There are thousands of people on city streets, and yet not one of them looks at each other. If their eyes cross, they do not smile unless they are meeting formally. People sit next to each other in trains for hours, talking to each other. Isn’t this strange?

Another cause behind the experience of isolation, in my view, is that in modern society, we are all terribly busy. If we talk to someone, even if only to say How are you? We feel we are losing two precious seconds of our lives. We have hardly finished working before we dive into the newspaper. Let’s see what the news is. Discussing things with a friend is a waste of time.

People who live in cities usually know quite a few people. One has to say hello. As there is a risk that one will be drawn into conversation with everyone, this isn’t practical. So we avoid contact, and if someone speaks to you, it feels like an intrusion.

When people in a big town or city feel lonely, this does not mean that they lack human companionship, but rather that they lack human affection. As a result of this, their mental health eventually becomes very poor. On the other hand, those people who grow up in an atmosphere of human affection have a much more positive and gentle development of their bodies, their minds, and their behaviors.

Too much self-centered attitude, you see, brings, you see, isolation. Result: loneliness, fear, anger. The extreme self-centered attitude is the source of suffering.

Society is becoming less and less humane, and our lives are growing mechanical. Each morning, we go out to work. When work is finished, we distract ourselves in a nightclub or similar. We get drunk, go home late, and sleep for a few hours. And the next day, half asleep and in a daze, we go out to work again. Don’t many people in cities spend much of their lives like this? And as each person has become rather like a cog in a machine, they follow the herd whether they feel like it or not. After a while, this lifestyle becomes hard to sustain, and we close up in indifference.

Spend Some Time Alone Every Day- Dalai Lama.

Don’t go out and drink too much in the evening. Once your working day is over, it would be better to go home. Take your time to eat, have a cup of tea or something, read a book, relax, and go to bed. Get up early next morning. If you go to work with a fresh and open mind, I think your life will be quite different.

Everyone knows that feeling isolated is neither useful nor pleasant. Each one of us has to struggle against it. But as it arises from a great number of causes and conditions, it is important to tackle it in the early stages. The family, that fundamental unit of society, should become a place where one feels happy and where one can develop in an atmosphere of love and affection.

Children are brought up in a warm and caring environment, both at home and at school. Once they are adults and socially engaged, they will be capable of helping others. When they meet someone for the first time, they will feel at ease and won’t be afraid to speak to them. They will contribute to the creation of a new atmosphere in which the feeling of isolation will be much less common.

Dalai Lama Quotes on Fear

Even from the moment they wake up, some people are full of inexplicable fear and anguish. This feeling can have many causes. Sometimes, the person has been badly treated by their parents or brothers and sisters when they were small. Others have been sexually abused. They have been assaulted, and they have difficulty talking about it.

Gradually, a kind of fear establishes itself, and they feel uneasy in themselves. When they manage to express what they have experienced. t there is someone who can help them to understand that it 5 all over, that the past is past, then they may have a chance is that to close that chapter of their life. In Tibet, we say the only way to unblock a conch shell is by blowing into it.

When I was young, I was always afraid of the dark. As time went by, the fear went. Also, about meeting people, the more your mind is closed, the greater the possibility of developing fear or feeling uncomfortable. The more open you are, the less uncomfortable you will feel. That is my experience. If I meet anyone, whether a great man, a beggar, or just an ordinary person, to me there is no difference. The most important thing is to smile and show a genuine human face.

If you are afraid because you have no self-confidence and feel that nothing you do will ever succeed, stop a while to think it over. Try to see why you imagine you are a loser before you have even started. You won’t find any really valid reason. The problem stems from your way of thinking, not from a real ineptitude.

Dalai Lama Quotes on War

In every human society, there are people who cause many problems, and it is necessary to put effective measures in place to prevent them from causing harm. When there is no other alternative, one may well have to decide to use armed force. For me, an army should not serve to propagate a doctrine or invade another country, but only as a last resort to put an end to the actions of those who destroy the well-being of humanity and sow the seeds of chaos. The only acceptable goal of any war is the happiness of everyone involved, not personal interests. War is therefore a last resort.

History shows us that violence only engenders more violence and rarely solves problems. On the other hand, it certainly creates unfathomable suffering. It is also apparent that even when war seems wise and logical as a means to end a conflict, we can never know for sure whether by putting out a fire we are in fact lighting a furnace.

As soon as men have weapons, they tend to use them. My view is that there should no longer be any national armies. The world should be demilitarized, apart from a multinational force that would intervene only when certain elements were threatening the peace of a particular region.

Everyone talks about peace, but peace is impossible to bring about externally if one harbors anger or hatred within. Neither can the wish for peace be reconciled with the arms race. Nuclear weapons are considered a deterrent, but in the long term, this does not seem to me to be a very sensible or effective strategy.

Certain countries spend colossal sums on developing arms. So much money, energy, and talent are wasted, while the threat of things going wrong only produces more and more fear.

Dalai Lama Quotes on Jealousy

Jealousy is absurd because a society’s well-being depends on all the individuals that belong to it. If some prosper, society itself benefits, and therefore, to some extent, we do too. When we see someone who is wealthy, rather than feeling irritated, we should realize that their wealth also benefits us.- (Dalai Lama Quotes No-250 Book 365 Dalai Lama Daily Advice from the Heart)

The person who makes us jealous is a dependent, or if someone we love, we can only rejoice in their success. If we do not have much respect for the person, but their success is good for society, that is another reason to rejoice. We would be incapable of making our country prosperous by ourselves. It requires the concerted efforts and talent of many people. Since this person is one of these capable people, that is good news.- (Dalai Lama Quotes No-251 Book 365 Dalai Lama Daily Advice from the Heart)

If those who are richer or more intelligent than us only use their success for their own benefit, what can we gain by suffocating ourselves through jealousy? Why shouldn’t other people have the right to have what we ourselves wish we had?-(Dalai Lama Quotes No-252 Book 365 Dalai Lama Daily Advice from the Heart)