Whenever we think of the spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his wise words and his advocacy for peace comes to mind. He is renowned worldwide for his teachings on compassion, kindness and mindfulness. The Dalai Lama has inspired millions of individuals with his deep insight on things that concern humanity. His quotes often speak directly to one’s soul, offering guidance, comfort and a deeper understanding of life.
Join us as we explore some of the Dalai Lama’s most touching and thought-provoking quotes.
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
If there is one thing we all seem to lack or have less of in today’s world is compassion. In our fast-paced lives, we often become so focussed on our own needs, that we fail to notice the suffering of others. The Dalai Lama addresses this issue with this quote — he stresses on the importance of compassion not only for the wellbeing of others but also for our own. By showing empathy to people around us, we can help reduce their suffering and spread joy, thereby feeling good ourselves. Practising compassion is indeed a wonderful way to create a happier world.
“Although you may not always be able to avoid difficult situations, you can modify the extent to which you can suffer by how you choose to respond to the situation.”
As human beings, we are bound to go through difficult times. Whether it’s personal loss, professional setbacks or emotional struggles, each one of us has to face hardships. Although we may not always be able to avoid difficult situations, the extent of our suffering can be managed by how we choose to respond. In this quote, the Dalai Lama suggests that while pain and challenges are part of life, our reaction to them can alter our experience for the better. By choosing to face challenges with a positive attitude, we can reduce the impact of our suffering and may even emerge stronger from it.
“We need to learn how to want what we have, not to have what we want in order to get steady and stable happiness.”
We often think that acquiring the next big thing will bring us happiness. However, this nagging thought leaves us feeling dissatisfied and longing for more. In this quote, the Dalai Lama encourages us to appreciate what we possess, rather than always striving for or wanting more. By valuing our blessings like our relationships, good health and simple pleasures, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude. And it is this mindset that can help us achieve a steady and stable form of happiness.
“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”
We’ve all wished for things that seemed perfect to us at that given moment. For instance, maybe we wanted to buy a new car only to hear later from a friend that the particular car model had a lot of technical issues. Or maybe we desperately wanted a particular job, only to be rejected and hear later from a friend that the workplace environment was terrible. These yearnings can be a lot to handle but they often come with unexpected blessings and protection. The Dalai Lama’s quote reminds us that life has a way of taking us to what’s best for us, even if it doesn’t feel that way initially.
“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”
This one is a fairly simple one. Here, the Dalai Lama reminds us of the power of our mindset. By choosing to see the brighter side of things, we can uplift our spirits and navigate challenges with a lighter heart. Being positive not only improves our mood but also helps us face difficulties with hope.
“Happiness is determined more by one’s state of mind than by external events.”
Many of us believe that by achieving certain goals and acquiring specific material things, we can invite everlasting joy and happiness. However, the Dalai Lama states otherwise. He highlights the importance of our mindset in shaping our happiness by stating that although external events can influence our mood, true and lasting happiness can only come from within. This quote emphasises on the power of one’s mental and emotional wellbeing in leading a more joyful life.
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
Here the Dalai Lama humorously highlights the idea that even the smallest of people or actions can have a significant impact. Just like a mosquito can disrupt our sleep with its presence, each individual has the potential to create change and make a difference in the world. It’s a reminder that every effort, no matter how small, can contribute to the greater good.
“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.”
In life, we all encounter people who may not have our best interests at heart or who may even try to bring us down. Instead of seeing them as enemies, the Dalai Lama suggests that we see them as teachers. Their presence and dealing with them teaches us a plethora of qualities like tolerance, patience and understanding.
“Within all beings there is the seed of perfection. However, compassion is required in order to activate that seed which is inherent in our hearts and minds….”
It’s a universal truth that all of us have potential that is waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Yet, our temporary failings often make us overlook it. In this quote, the Dalai Lama reminds us of the power of compassion; he states that within every individual, lies the seed of perfection, and it is through compassion, that we can unlock this potential and cultivate purpose in our lives.
“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.”
Often, we find ourselves dwelling on our past, thinking about missed opportunities or past mistakes. Or we are stuck being anxious about what our future holds. In this quote, the Dalai Lama shows the futility of analysing one’s past or future and urges one to embrace the gift of today. He asks us to live fully, cherish each moment and seize the opportunities that today presents.
“What is the meaning of life? To be happy and useful.”
Here, the Dalai Lama succinctly explains the meaning of our lives — it is to be happy and useful. It’s about finding joy in what we do and making a positive impact on the world around us. He states that happiness isn’t just about satisfaction; it’s also about spreading kindness, lending a helping hand and making the world a better place for everyone.
“It is our basic right to be a happy person, happy family, and eventually a happy world. That should be our goal.”
In this quote, the Dalai Lama talks about how happiness is a fundamental right of every individual, family and the world. He stresses on the importance of prioritising happiness as a collective goal. When we strive for happiness within ourselves and spread joy to our loved ones, it creates a ripple effect that leads to a happier world.
In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, the Dalai Lama’s quotes on happiness give us hope. Let’s keep these teachings close to our heart and try to live by them every day. By doing so, we can make the world a better, kinder place for everyone.
FAQs
What do the Dalai Lama’s sayings and quotes focus on?
The Dalai Lama’s sayings and quotes focus on topics like compassion, nonviolence and promotion of human values.
How does the Dalai Lama promote world peace?
The Dalai Lama promotes world peace through his teachings, advocacy and engagement with leaders around the world.
What is the significance of the Dalai Lama?
The Dalai Lama is not only the spiritual leader of Tibet, but is also considered a symbol of peace and compassion across the world.
How does the Dalai Lama define happiness?
The Dalai Lama states that true happiness comes from cultivating positive qualities such as compassion and kindness within ourselves.