In light of recent events around the world; considering the state of the planet and our humanity; when we think about all the suffering inflicted on the innocent by the tyranny of a few; now more than ever, we need to consider what it means to be compassionate. It really isn’t that complicated to reflect on what we all want as individuals; peace, safety, security, shelter, nutrition, love; and to want that for all humanity and living creatures. If everyone acted with intent to fulfill the needs of all living things equally and behaved with compassion as the primary driving force of all action, we could eradicate suffering in a very short time. The Dalai Lama’s words of wisdom are indeed powerful, yet very simple.
He has written many books and given countless talks about the nature of humanity, happiness, death, compassion and living well. In the book the Dalai Lama’s Book of Wisdom he gives advice on four main areas: 1. Dealing with Anger and Emotion, 2. Joy and Living Well, 3. Facing Death and Dying, and 4. Giving and Receiving.
Here are 20 Dalai Lama quotes to change the way you think; five from each category respectively.
I consider hatred to be the ultimate enemy.
The ultimate source of my mental happiness is my peace of mind. Nothing can destroy this except my own anger.
Dissatisfaction is the seed of anger.
Only an enemy gives us the opportunity to practice patience.
My attitude towards other people is to always look at them from the human level.
Humans have the potential not only to create happy lives for themselves, but also to help other beings.
There are always extremes, but the middle way is the proper way.
Contentment is the key.
Much depends on our own attitude.
Good conduct is the way in which life becomes more meaningful, more constructive and more peaceful.
Illness happens. When illness happens, it is better to accept it.
Death is a part of all our lives.
The unfortunate event can be a source of inner strength.
Some suffering can be a good lesson for life.
Looking at problems from different angles actually lessons the mental burden.
Compassion is the most wonderful and precious thing.
With genuine compassion you view others as more important than yourself.
Just as you have the instinctive natural desire to be happy and overcome suffering, so do all sentient beings; just as you have the right to fulfil this innate aspiration, so do all sentient beings. So on what exact grounds do you discriminate?
The only option is to live and work together harmoniously and keep in our minds the interest of the whole of humanity. That is the only outlook and way we must adopt for our survival.
A true friendship develops on the basis of human affection, not money or power.
