Dalai Lama Flashcards
(154 cards)
1
Q
Give the ones you love the wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.
A
Inspiring Dalai Lama quotes on life, love, and a healthy mind
2
Q
We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.
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Dalai Lama
3
Q
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
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Dalai Lama
4
Q
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.
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Dalai Lama
5
Q
Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.
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Dalai Lama
6
Q
Time passes unhindered. When we make mistakes, we cannot turn the clock back and try again. All we can do is use the present well.
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Dalai Lama
7
Q
An open heart is an open mind.
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Dalai Lama
8
Q
The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.
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Dalai Lama
9
Q
An eye for an eye….we are all blind.
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Dalai Lama
10
Q
Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
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Dalai Lama
11
Q
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
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Dalai Lama
12
Q
The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation.
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Dalai Lama
13
Q
Silence is sometimes the best answer.
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Dalai Lama
14
Q
In our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.
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Dalai Lama
15
Q
Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.
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Dalai Lama
16
Q
Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.
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Dalai Lama
17
Q
Love is the absence of judgement.
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Dalai Lama
18
Q
The ultimate source of happiness is not money and power, but warm-heartedness.
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Dalai Lama
19
Q
Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
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Dalai Lama
20
Q
It is very rare or almost impossible that an event can be negative from all points of view.
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Dalai Lama
21
Q
People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.
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Dalai Lama
22
Q
The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness.
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Dalai Lama
23
Q
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
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Dalai Lama
24
Q
Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.
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Dalai Lama
25
Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
Dalai Lama
26
The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual’s own reason and critical analysis.
Dalai Lama
27
Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
Dalai Lama
28
When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Dalai Lama
29
Love and compassion are necessities not luxuries. Without them humanities cannot survive.
Dalai Lama
30
Let us try to recognize the precious nature of each day.
Dalai Lama
31
World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.
Dalai Lama
32
All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction.
Dalai Lama
33
The creatures that inhabit this earth-be they human beings or animals-are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.
Dalai Lama
34
A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.
Dalai Lama
35
Compassion is the radicalism of our times.
Dalai Lama
36
The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless & free your action will be.
Dalai Lama
37
Neither a space station nor an enlightened mind can be realized in a day.
Dalai Lama
38
To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.
Dalai Lama
39
A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals the secret of some hidden treasure.
Dalai Lama
40
The way to change others’ minds is with affection, and not anger.
Dalai Lama
41
Happy people build their inner world; unhappy people blame their outer world.
Dalai Lama
42
A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.
Dalai Lama
43
In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.
Dalai Lama
44
Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. This is not just a dream, but a necessity.
Dalai Lama
45
Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.
Dalai Lama
46
Irrespective of whether we are believers or agnostics, whether we believe in God or karma, moral ethics is a code which everyone is able to pursue.
Dalai Lama
47
Remember sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.
Dalai Lama
48
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. If you can’t help them at least don’t hurt them.
Dalai Lama
49
Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.
Dalai Lama
50
Anger is the ultimate destroyer of your own peace of mind.
Dalai Lama
51
Compassion naturally creates a positive atmosphere, and as a result you feel peaceful and content.
Dalai Lama
52
It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.
Dalai Lama
53
The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.
Dalai Lama
54
Through violence, you may ‘solve’ one problem, but you sow the seeds for another.
Dalai Lama
55
I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.
Dalai Lama
56
Our ancient experience confirms at every point that everything is linked together, everything is inseparable.
Dalai Lama
57
Love and Compassion are the true religions to me. But to develop this, we do not need to believe in any religion.
Dalai Lama
58
Someone else’s action should not determine your response.
Dalai Lama
59
We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.
Dalai Lama
60
Happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.
Dalai Lama
61
We need to learn how to want what we have NOT to have what we want in order to get steady and stable Happiness
Dalai Lama
62
When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways – either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength.
Dalai Lama
63
My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.
Dalai Lama
64
The topic of compassion is not at all religious business; it is important to know it is human business, it is a question of human survival.
Dalai Lama
65
Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent
Dalai Lama
66
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
67
Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.
Dalai Lama
68
When we feel love and kindness towards others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it also helps us to develop inner happiness and peace.
Dalai Lama
69
Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or non-believing, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference.
Dalai Lama
70
As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breathe out, cherish all beings.
Dalai Lama
71
Sleep is the best meditation.
Dalai Lama
72
As people alive today, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is, therefore, part of our responsibility toward others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy, if not healthier than we found it.
Dalai Lama
73
We begin from the recognition that all beings cherish happiness and do not want to suffer. It then becomes both morally wrong and pragmatically unwise to pursue only one’s own happiness oblivious to the feelings and aspirations of all others who surround us as members of the same human family. The wiser course is to think of others when pursuing our own happiness.
Dalai Lama
74
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.
Dalai Lama
75
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.
Dalai Lama
76
I find hope in the darkest days, and focus in the brightest.
Dalai Lama
77
When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.
Dalai Lama
78
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 you want to live your life. We live and we die, this is the truth that we can only face alone. No one can help us, not even the Buddha. So consider carefully, what prevents you from living the way you want to live your life?
Dalai Lama
79
We are the controller of technology. If we become slaves to technology, then that’s not good.
Dalai Lama
80
Those who have little interest in spirituality shouldn’t think that human inner values don’t apply to you. The inner peace of an alert and calm mind are the source of real happiness and good health. Our human intelligence tells us which of our emotions are positive and helpful and which are damaging and to be restrained or avoided.
Dalai Lama
81
I will not propose to you that my way is best. The decision is up to you. If you find some point which may be suitable to you, then you can carry out experiments for yourself. If you find that it is of no use, then you can discard it.
Dalai Lama
82
In order to carry out a positive action we must develop a positive vision.
Dalai Lama
83
Most people prefer a smile to a frown. It’s human nature. Even dogs respond with wagging tails to a smile and other shows of affection.
Dalai Lama
84
Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility…without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed, or unhappy because of circumstances.
Dalai Lama
85
We all have the power of thought—so what are you lacking? If you have willpower, then you can change anything.
Dalai Lama
86
You must not hate those who do wrong or harmful things; but with compassion, you must do what you can to stop them — for they are harming themselves, as well as those who suffer from their actions.
Dalai Lama
87
Optimism doesn’t mean that you are blind to the reality of the situation. It means that you remain motivated to seek a solution to whatever problems arise.
Dalai Lama
88
Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways.
Dalai Lama
89
Hard times build determination and inner strength. Through them, we can also come to appreciate the uselessness of anger. Instead of getting angry, nurture a deep caring and respect for troublemakers because by creating such trying circumstances they provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience.
Dalai Lama
90
When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.
Dalai Lama
91
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.
Dalai Lama
92
Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.
Dalai Lama
93
“Compassion is the radicalism of our time.”
Dalai Lama
94
If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.
Dalai Lama
95
Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.
Dalai Lama
96
Irrespective of whether we are believers or agnostics, whether we believe in God or karma, moral ethics is a code which everyone is able to pursue.
Dalai Lama
97
Never give up. No matter what is going on. Never give up.
Dalai Lama
98
Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance or my kindness for weakness. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.
Dalai Lama
99
Optimism leads to success; pessimism leads to defeat.
Dalai Lama
100
When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.
Dalai Lama
101
If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry.
Dalai Lama
102
Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.
Dalai Lama
103
An open heart is an open mind.
Dalai Lama
104
Smile if you want a smile from another face.
Dalai Lama
105
I believe the ultimate source of blessings is within us.
Dalai Lama
106
Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.
Dalai Lama
107
Instead of wondering WHY this is happening to you, consider why this is happening to YOU.
Dalai Lama
108
An eye for an eye… we are all blind.
Dalai Lama
109
A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.
Dalai Lama
110
I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warmheartedness we take for granted.
Dalai Lama
111
In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.
Dalai Lama
112
To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetime is largely irrelevant. What we must do therefore is to strive and persevere and never give up.
Dalai Lama
113
Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. This is not just a dream, but a necessity.
Dalai Lama
114
I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one’s own family, or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.
Dalai Lama
115
Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival.
Dalai Lama
116
The creation of a more peaceful and happier society has to begin from the level of the individual, and from there it can expand to one’s family, to one’s neighborhood, to one’s community and so on.
Dalai Lama
117
In order to become prosperous, a person must initially work very hard, so he or she has to sacrifice a lot of leisure time.
Dalai Lama
118
There are two kinds of compassion. The first comes from a natural concern for friends and family who are close to us. This has limited range but can be the seed for something bigger. We can also learn to extend a genuine concern for others’ well-being, whoever they are. That is real compassion, and only human beings are capable of developing it.
Dalai Lama
119
Neither a space station nor an enlightened mind can be realized in a day.
Dalai Lama
120
Action is more important than meditation.
Dalai Lama
121
Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.
Dalai Lama
122
Virtually all of us have benefited from our mother’s affection at the start of our lives. When someone is on their deathbed if he or she is surrounded by loved ones they can pass away peacefully. From birth to death we all need affection.
Dalai Lama
123
I don’t know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars, and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness.
Dalai Lama
124
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.
Dalai Lama
125
Human potential is the same for all. Your feeling, “I am of no value”, is wrong. Absolutely wrong. You are deceiving yourself. We all have the power of thought – so what are you lacking? If you have willpower, then you can change anything. It is usually said that you are your own master.
Dalai Lama
126
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.
Dalai Lama
127
A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.
Dalai Lama
128
If a problem can be solved it will be. If it can not be solved there is no use worrying about it.
Dalai Lama
129
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
Dalai Lama
130
If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry.
Dalai Lama
131
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.
Dalai Lama
132
Because motivation pervades all action, it is important that we have a positive motivation. Whatever we are involved in, whether it’s politics, education, medicine, law, engineering, science, business or industry, the nature of our motivation determines the character of our work.
Dalai Lama
133
When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Dalai Lama
134
Proper utilization of time is so important. While we have this body, and especially this amazing human brain, I think every minute is something precious.
Dalai Lama
135
Let us try to recognize the precious nature of each day.
Dalai Lama
136
Home is where you feel at home and are treated well.
Dalai Lama
137
World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just the mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.
Dalai Lama
138
We all have to live together, so we might as well live together happily.
Dalai Lama
139
Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.
Dalai Lama
140
The important thing is that men should have a purpose in life. It should be something useful, something good.
Dalai Lama
141
When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways–either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits or by using the challenge to find our inner strength.
Dalai Lama
142
As individuals, we can influence our own families. Our families can influence our communities and our communities can influence our nations.
Dalai Lama
143
Even an animal, if you show genuine affection, gradually trust develops… If you are always showing a bad face and beating, how can you develop friendship?
Dalai Lama
144
The remedy is to look deeper and recognize that we human beings are physically, mentally, and emotionally the same.
Dalai Lama
145
Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.
Dalai Lama
146
Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.
Dalai Lama
147
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.
Dalai Lama
148
If we are sincere in taking care of others, if we protect their lives and respect their rights, we’ll be able to conduct our lives transparently and that is the basis of trust, which in turn is the basis of friendship.
Dalai Lama
149
Be honest, truthful, and altruistic. If you concern yourself with taking care of others, there’ll be no room for lies, bullying, and cheating. If you’re truthful you can live transparently, which will enable you to establish trust, the basis for making friends.
Dalai Lama
150
It’s good to remember that other human beings are like us. We are born the same way; we die the same way. While we’re alive it’s better to be able to trust each other as friends.
Dalai Lama
151
Friendship depends on trust, not money, not power, not mere education or knowledge. Only if there is trust will there be friendship.
Dalai Lama
152
The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.
Dalai Lama
153
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.
Dalai Lama
154
Even when we have physical hardships, we can be very happy.
Dalai Lama
