Dalai Lama Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Dalai Lama quotes, Dalai Lama sayings, and Dalai Lama proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

Mutual respect is the foundation of genuine harmony. Dalai Lama
I remain convinced that most human conflicts can be solved through genuine dialogue conducted with a spirit of openness and reconciliation. Dalai Lama
True compassion is universal in scope. It is accompanied by a feeling of responsibility. Dalai Lama
Just as rust, which arose from the iron itself, wears out the iron, likewise, performing an action without examination would destroy us by projecting us into a negative state of existence. Dalai Lama
In pluralistic, democratic societies, there is the freedom to adopt the religion of your choice. This is good. This lets curious people like you run around on the loose! Dalai Lama
Encountering sufferings will definitely contribute to the elevation of your spiritual practice, provided you are able to transform calamity and misfortune into the path. Dalai Lama
The more contact we have with one another and the more we come to understand each other's values, the greater will be our mutual respect. Dalai Lama
The basic condition of human life is happiness. Dalai Lama
Open your arms to change but don't let go of your values. Dalai Lama
It is not enough simply to wish that love and compassion should increase in us. We need to make a sustained effort, again and again, to cultivate the positive aspects within us - and the key here is constant familiarity. The nature of human thoughts and emotions is such that the more you engage in them, the more you consciously develop them, the more powerful they become. Dalai Lama
Through constant familiarity, we can definitely establish new behavior patterns, using our tendency to form habits to our advantage. If we make a steady effort, I think we can overcome any form of negative conditioning and make positive changes in our lives. But we need to remember that genuine change doesn't happen overnight. Dalai Lama
Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects. Dalai Lama
Indulgence in resentment and vengeance will only further increase miseries to oneself and others in this life and in lives to come. Dalai Lama
If at the beginning and end of our lives we depend upon the kindness of others, why in the middle of our lives should we not act kindly toward them? It is the pragmatic choice. Dalai Lama
If we are in a good mood when we get up in the morning, if there is a warm-hearted feeling within, automatically our inner door is opened for that day. Dalai Lama
If your mind is scattered, it is quite powerless. Dalai Lama
Anger cannot coexist with inner peace, which is the principal characteristic of happiness. Dalai Lama
Whether we are rich or poor, educated or uneducated, whatever our nationality, colour, social status or ideology may be, the purpose of our lives is to be happy. Dalai Lama
I always say that people should not rush to change religions. There is real value in finding the spiritual resources you need in your home religion. Dalai Lama
Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace. Dalai Lama
Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay. Dalai Lama
Dangerous consequences will follow when politicians and rulers forget moral principles. Dalai Lama
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
We share the earth not only with our fellow human beings, but with all the other creatures. Dalai Lama
A tree with strong roots can withstand the most violent storm, but the tree can’t grow roots just as the storm appears on the horizon. Dalai Lama
We live very close together. So, our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. Dalai Lama
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
A calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health. Dalai Lama
If you harbor hatred or ill feelings toward (a) person, the feeling does not hurt the enemy. It only harms your own peace of mind and eventually your own health. Dalai Lama
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