Dalai Lama Quotes

“I describe myself as a simple Buddhist monk. No more, no less.”

“Sleep is the best meditation.”

“Too much self-centred attitude brings isolation. Result: loneliness, fear, anger. The extreme self-centred attitude is the source of suffering.”

“Of course, when I say that human nature is gentleness, it is not 100 percent so. Every human being has that nature, but there are many people acting against their nature.”

“Even an animal, if you show genuine affection, gradually trust develops. If you always show a bad face, how can you develop friendship?”

“I am sometimes sad when I hear the personal stories of refugees who have suffered. Some irritation, some anger comes. But it never lasts long. I always try to think at a deeper level, to find ways to console.”

“Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.”

“All religions try to benefit people, with the same basic message of the need for love and compassion, for justice and honesty, for contentment.”

“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.”

“My faith helps me overcome negative emotions and find my equilibrium.”

“Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important. Self-discipline with awareness of consequences.”

“The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis.”

“If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change.”

“I have done one thing that I think is a contribution: I helped Buddhist science and modern science combine. Since my childhood, I have a keen interest.”

“I think technology really increased human ability. But technology cannot produce compassion.”

“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.”

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

“Because of lack of moral principle, human life becomes worthless. Moral principle, truthfulness, is a key factor. If we lose that, then there is no future.”

“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”

“The best way to resolve any problem in the human world is for all sides to sit down and talk.”

“Out of 6 billion humans, the troublemakers are just a handful.”

“World belongs to humanity, not this leader, that leader or that king or prince or religious leader. World belongs to humanity.”

“The basic Buddhist stand on the question of equality between the genders is age-old. You must respect women: every woman.”

“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.”

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