*Editors’ Note: A few of the below quotes are of indeterminate origin. Whether or not they certainly came from the Dalai Lama, we believe they are of benefit—enjoy!
~
If anyone knows about love, it’s the Dalai Lama.
The spiritual leader’s renowned tenderness toward others has taught not only the Tibetan people, but our whole world how to better accept and hold one another—even those we might otherwise consider foes.
Buddhists acknowledge the Dalai Lama as the most recent reincarnation of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
So, why don’t we pause, take a moment, and allow the love in these quotes to sink in? And maybe we can share them with our dear ones and spread the light, too.
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
~
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
~
“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.”
~
“A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.”
~
“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”
~
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
~
“The time has come to think, to try to find a solution through dialogue based on mutual respect.”
~
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
~
“I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.”
~
“Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.”
~
“Cultivating a close, warm-hearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease.”
~
“The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be.”
~
“All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction.”
~
“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.”
~
“World peace must develop from inner peace…Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.”
~
“We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.”
~
“Love is the absence of judgement.”
~
“The way to change others’ minds is with affection, and not anger.”
~
“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.”
~
“Love and Compassion are the true religions to me. But to develop this, we do not need to believe in any religion.”
~
“Silence is sometimes the best answer.”
~
“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.”
~
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
~
“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.”
~
“I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.”
~
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
~
“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.”
~
“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”
~
“If the love within your mind is lost, if you continue to see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education you have, no matter how much material progress is made, only suffering and confusion will ensue.”
~
“Compassion is the radicalism of our time.”
~
“I am open to the guidance of synchronicity, and do not let expectations hinder my path.”
~
“To be aware of a single shortcoming within oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in somebody else.”
~
“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”
~
“A good spark would spread all over.”
~
“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.”
~
This Valentine’s Day let’s send each other notes steeped with mindful compassion, because our world needs it. Let’s share this wisdom from the Dalai Lama that shoots directly to our hearts.
~
Author: Sarah Norrad
Image: João Silas/Unsplash
Editor: Toby Israel
~
Read 7 Comments and Reply
Read 7 comments and reply