Dalai Lama Quotes

Dalai Lama

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

Dalai Lama
(The Dalai Lama: A Policy of Kindness, 1990)
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I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.

Dalai Lama

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.

Dalai Lama

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

Dalai Lama (Kindness, Clarity and Insight, 1984)

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

Dalai Lama

Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.

Dalai Lama

In our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.

Dalai Lama

In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.

Dalai Lama



Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

Dalai Lama

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

Dalai Lama

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

Dalai Lama

The root of happiness is altruism - the wish to be of service to others.

Dalai Lama (Lecture in Harvard, 1988)

The ultimate source of happiness is our mental attitude.

Dalai Lama

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

Dalai Lama

If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.

Dalai Lama

Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

Dalai Lama

Sleep is the best meditation.

Dalai Lama

To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.

Dalai Lama

Today, we are truly a global family. What happens in one part of the world may affect us all.

Dalai Lama (Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 1989)

Once you try to control or discipline your anger, then eventually even big events will not cause anger.

Dalai Lama

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

Dalai Lama

With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.

Dalai Lama

True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.

Dalai Lama

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

Through money or power you cannot solve all problems. The problem in the human heart must be solved first.

Dalai Lama

I am convinced that everyone can develop a good heart and a sense of universal responsibility with or without religion.

Dalai Lama (Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 1989)

Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility.

Dalai Lama (Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 1989)

A spoon cannot taste of the food it carries. Likewise, a foolish man cannot understand the wise man´s wisdom even if he associates with a sage.

Dalai Lama

Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.

Dalai Lama

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.

Dalai Lama (Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 1989)

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Dalai Lama Biography

Born: July 6, 1935

The Dalai Lama is the general description of the 14th Buddhist leader, Tenzin Gyatso. He has won a Nobel Peace Prize and is also known for his advocacy for Tibetans.

Notable Works

Kindness, Clarity and Insight (1984)
A Policy of Kindness (1990)
Freedom in Exile (1991)
The Art of Happiness (1998)
An Open Heart (2002)
How to See Yourself As You Really Are
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