100+ Dalai Lama Quotes: Inspiring Words to Guide Us Through Life

Dalai Lama quotes offer a unique blend of spiritual insight and practical wisdom that can inspire and guide us on our journey through life. This article showcases some of the best thought-provoking quotes by the Dalai Lama.

82 Dalai Lama Quotes on Compassion, Love, Life, and Happiness

• Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.
• Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sleep is the best meditation.
• Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant of an impression by remaining silent.
• Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
• We begin with 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Love and Compassion are the true religions to me. But to develop this, we do not need to believe in any religion.
• Someone else’s action should not determine your response.
• I find hope in the darkest days and focus on the brightest.
• 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.
• Our ancient experience confirms at every point that everything is linked together, everything is inseparable.
• Anger is the ultimate destroyer of your own peace of mind.
• 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. 
• We are the controller of technology. If we become slaves to technology, then that’s not good.
• Compassion naturally creates a positive atmosphere, and as a result, you feel peaceful and content.
• An open heart is an open mind.
• 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.
• Those who have little interest in spirituality shouldn’t think that human inner values don’t apply to them. 
• I will not propose to you that my way is best. The decision is up to you. If you find some point that may be suitable for you, then you can carry out experiments for yourself. If you find that it is of no use, then you can discard it.
• 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.
• 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 material, you may still be worried, disturbed, or unhappy because of circumstances.
• 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.
• 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.
• Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; dialogue, education, knowledge; and humane ways.
• 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.
• I want to be just a pure spiritual leader.
• If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.
• Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.
• Irrespective of whether we are believers or agnostics, whether we believe in God or karma, moral ethics is a code that everyone is able to pursue.
• Never give up. No matter what is going on. Never give up.
• Optimism leads to success; pessimism leads to defeat.
• 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.
• Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.
• Smile if you want a smile from another face.
• I believe the ultimate source of blessings is within us.
• Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.
• Instead of wondering WHY this is happening to you, consider why this is happening to YOU.
• An eye for an eye… we are all blind.
• A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.
• 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.
• In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• In order to become prosperous, a person must initially work very hard, so he or she has to sacrifice a lot of leisure time.
• There are two kinds of compassion. The first comes from a natural concern for friends and family who are close to us. This has a 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.
• Neither a space station nor an enlightened mind can be realized in a day.
• Action is more important than meditation.
• Old friends pass away, and new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, and a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.
• 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.
• 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.
• All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, which is love, compassion, and forgiveness. The important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.
• 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.
• 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.
• When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
• 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.
• Home is where you feel at home and are treated well.
• 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.
• We all have to live together, so we might as well live together happily.
• The important thing is that men should have a purpose in life. It should be something useful, something good.
• As individuals, we can influence our own families. Our families can influence our communities and our communities can influence our nations.
• 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 friendships?
• The remedy is to look deeper and recognize that we human beings are physically, mentally, and emotionally the same.
• A calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, that’s very important for good health.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Friendship depends on trust, not money, not power, not mere education or knowledge. Only if there is trust will there be friendship.
• The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.
• Even when we have physical hardships, we can be very happy.

5 Inner Strength Dalai Lama Quotes

These inner strength Dalai Lama quotes inspire and motivate us to tap into our own inner resources to overcome challenges and find peace within ourselves:

• 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 creating such trying circumstances provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience.
• 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 the strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.
• 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.
• 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.
• Anger and hatred are signs of weakness, while compassion is a sure sign of strength.

4 Positive Thinking Dalai Lama Quotes

Inspire your mind and heart with these uplifting Dalai Lama quotes on the power of positive thinking:

• Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.
• In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.
• 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.
• Because motivation pervades all action, it is important that we have positive motivation.

5 Happiness Dalai Lama Quotes

Discover the wisdom and joy in these happiness Dalai Lama quotes as we explore the path to true inner contentment and fulfillment:

• 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.
• People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.
• The inner peace of an alert and calm mind are the source of real happiness and good health.
• Happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.

5 Life Quotes by Dalai Lama

Find inspiration and wisdom in these life quotes by Dalai Lama to guide you on your journey through life:

• Every day, think as you wake up: Today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, and I am not going to waste it.
• Carefully consider, what prevents you from living the way you want to live your life.
• Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.
• You must ask yourself how is it you want to live your life. We live and we die, this is the truth that we can only face alone.
• For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities – warmth, kindness, and compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful – happier.

5 Dalai Lama Quotes in Hindi

Check out the thought-provoking Dalai Lama quotes in Hindi:

• सभी मुख्य धर्मो का उद्देश्य सिर्फ बड़े से बड़े बाहरी मंदिर बनाना नही है, बल्कि दिल में दयालुता और सहानुभूति का आंतरिक मंदिर बनाने से है।
• गुस्सा आपके दिमाग की आंतरिक शांति को नष्ट करने के सबसे सरल उपाय है।
• एक छोटे से विवाद से किसी रिश्ते को टूटने मत देना।
• आप आकर्षण से ही दुसरे के दिमाग को बदल सकते हो गुस्से से नही।
• हम धर्म और चिंतन के बिना भी रह सकते है लेकिन मानवीयता के बिना हम नही रह सकते।

4 Dalai Lama Quotes on Love

Find inspiration and enlightenment in these Dalai Lama quotes on love:

• Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.
• The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be.
• Love is the absence of judgment.
• We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.

5 Dalai Lama Birthday Quotes

Here are some Dalai Lama birthday quotes to make this day even more memorable and special:

• Wishing you a birthday filled with peace, love, and happiness, dear Dalai Lama.
• May your birthday be as enlightening and uplifting as your teachings. Happy birthday, Dalai Lama!
• Happy birthday to the most compassionate and wise leader the world has ever known. Many happy returns, Dalai Lama!
• May your special day be as bright and warm as your radiant spirit. Happy birthday, Dalai Lama!
• On this day, we celebrate your life, teachings, and unwavering dedication to spreading love and compassion worldwide. Happy birthday, Dalai Lama!

5 Kindness Dalai Lama Quotes

Check these Dalai Lama quotes on kindness that remind us to be kind regardless of circumstances:

• My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.
• Kindness and a good heart are the foundation for success in this life, progress on the spiritual path, and the fulfillment of our aspirations.
• Through your kindness to others, your mind and heart will open to peace.
• If we remember that others too are human beings like us, we can extend a sense of kindness even toward those we think of as enemies.
• Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

5 Compassion Quotes Dalai Lama

Discover the wisdom and kindness of Dalai Lama through these powerful compassion quotes:

• Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.
• If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
• Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.
• A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.
• Compassion is the radicalism of our time.

5 Dalai Lama Quotes on Humanity

Here are some beautiful Dalai Lama quotes on humanity to guide you through the road of compassion and kindness:

• What surprises me most is Man because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he doesn’t enjoy the present. The result is he doesn’t live in the present or the future. He lives as if he’s never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived.
• We must recognize that the suffering of one person or one nation is the suffering of humanity.
• It’s unrealistic to think that the future of humanity can be achieved only on the basis of prayer; what we need is to take action.
• If we can cultivate a concern for others, keeping in mind the oneness of humanity, we can build a more compassionate world.
• Love and kindness are the very basis of society. If we lose these feelings, society will face tremendous difficulties; the survival of humanity will be endangered.

3 Gratitude Dalai Lama Quotes

Find a new perspective with these beautiful gratitude Dalai Lama quotes:

• Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.
• In order to be happy we must first possess inner contentment, and inner contentment doesn’t come from having all we want; but rather from wanting and appreciating being grateful for all we have.
• When we develop the right attitude of compassion and gratitude, we take a giant step toward solving our personal and international problems.

5 Dalai Lama Motivational Quotes

These Dalai Lama motivational quotes inspire and guide for a meaningful life:

• If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
• If a problem can be solved it will be. If it can not be solved there is no use worrying about it.
• Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.
• It is very rare or almost impossible that an event can be negative from all points of view.
• There is a saying in Tibetan, ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.’ No matter what sort of difficulties, or how painful the experience is, if we lose hope, that’s our real disaster.

5 Dalai Lama Quotes on War

Read these Dalai Lama quotes on war to understand his perspective on the devastating effects of war:

• Peace, in the sense of the absence of war, is of little value to someone who is dying of hunger or cold.
• The source of war is not the existence of nuclear weapons or other arms. It is the minds of human beings who decide to push the button and use those arms out of hatred, anger, or greed.
• All forms of violence, especially war, are totally unacceptable as means to settle disputes between and among nations, groups, and persons.
• War is out of date, obsolete.
• Our planet is blessed with vast natural treasures. If we use them wisely, beginning with the elimination of militarism and war, every human being will be able to live a healthy, prosperous existence.

4 Dalai Lama Inspirational Quotes

These Dalai Lama inspirational quotes will help you keep going:

• The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.
• As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breathe out, cherish all beings.
• Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
• Happiness is the highest form of health.

Dalai Lama Quote on the Environment

Here’s a famous Dalai lama quote on the environment: 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.

3 Dalai Lama Good Morning Quotes

Here are some Dalai Lama good morning quotes to start your day on a positive note:

• Good morning! Today is a new day, a new beginning. Embrace it with a positive attitude and the wisdom of the Dalai Lama.
• Let us try to recognize the precious nature of each day. Good morning!
• Good morning! Remember, “The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.” Have a beautiful day!

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