The Dalai Lama is a title given to the spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism, who are believed to be the manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The Dalai Lama serves as both the spiritual and political leader of Tibet, traditionally residing in the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The title was first bestowed in the 15th century, and the current Dalai Lama is the 14th in the line.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born on July 6, 1935. He was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two and was formally enthroned in 1950. However, his political role was significantly impacted by the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950, leading to his exile in India in 1959.

The Dalai Lama is known for his teachings on compassion, nonviolence, and the promotion of human values. He has been a prominent figure on the world stage, advocating for the autonomy of Tibet and human rights. His efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, environmental sustainability, and global peace have earned him international recognition.

Dalai Lama Quotes

1. “I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

2. “I find hope in the darkest of days and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

3. “Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

4. “Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

5. “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

6. “When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

7. “Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

8. “In the practice of tolerance, our enemy is the best teacher.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

9. “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

10. “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

11. “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.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

12. “If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience, and understanding.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

13. “We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

14. “If a problem is fixable if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

15. “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.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

16. “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 XIV

17. “The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

18. “Sometimes when I meet old friends, it reminds me how quickly time passes. And it makes me wonder if we’ve utilized our time properly or not. 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. Our day-to-day existence is very much alive with hope, although there is no guarantee of our future. There is no guarantee that tomorrow at this time we will be here. But we are working for that purely on the basis of hope. So, we need to make the best use of our time. I believe that the proper utilization of time is this: if you can, serve other people, other sentient beings. If not, at least refrain from harming them. I think that is the whole basis of my philosophy. So, let us reflect what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that. The purpose of our life needs to be positive. We weren’t born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities—warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful—happier.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

19. “I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It is the ultimate source of success in life.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

20. “Happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

21. “When life becomes too complicated and we feel overwhelmed, it’s often useful just to stand back and remind ourselves of our overall purpose, our overall goal. When faced with a feeling of stagnation and confusion, it may be helpful to take an hour, an afternoon, or even several days to simply reflect on what it is that will truly bring us happiness, and then reset our priorities on the basis of that. This can put our life back in proper context, allow a fresh perspective, and enable us to see which direction to take.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

22. “In general, if we carefully examine any given situation in a very unbiased and honest way, we will realize that to a large extent we are also responsible for the unfolding of events.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

23. “Is this what you have in mind,’ I asked the Dalai Lama, ‘when you say in teachings that the buddhas and bodhisattvas of the world are the most selfish beings of all, that by cultivating altruism they actually achieve ultimate happiness for themselves?’ Yes. That’s wise selfish,’ he replied. ‘Helping others not means we do this at our own expense. Not like this. Buddhas and bodhisattvas, these people very wise. All their lives they only want one thing: to achieve ultimate happiness. How to do this? By cultivating compassion, by cultivating altruism.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

24. “unless the direction of science is guided by a consciously ethical motivation, especially compassion, its effects may fail to bring benefit. They may indeed cause great harm.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

25. “So let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that. The purpose of our life needs to be positive. We weren’t born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities-warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful-happier.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

26. “Every human being has the same potential. Whatever makes you feel “I am worthless” is wrong. Absolutely wrong. You are deceiving yourself. We all have the power of thought, so what could you possibly be lacking? If you have the willpower, then you can do anything.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

27. “The world has also learned that economic growth, by itself, cannot close the gap between rich and poor.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

28. “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 XIV

29. “Ultimately humanity is one, and this small planet is our only home. If we’re to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism and compassion.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

30. “If we analyze or dissect a flower, looking for the flower among its parts, we shall not find it … And yet, we cannot deny the existence of flowers and of their sweet scent.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

31. “We discover that all human beings are just like us, so we are able to relate to them more easily. That generates a spirit of friendship in which there is less need to hide what we feel or what we are doing.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

32. “This is my simple religion. No need for temples. No need for complicated philosophy. Your own mind, your own heart is the temple. Your philosophy is simple kindness.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

33. “It is lack of love for ourselves that inhibits our compassion toward others. If we make friends with ourselves, then there is no obstacle to opening our hearts and minds to others.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

34. “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 XIV

35. “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

36. “Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

37. “If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience and understanding.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

38. “The planet does not need more ‘successful people’. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds. It needs people to live well in their places. It needs people with moral courage willing to join the struggle to make the world habitable and humane and these qualities have little to do with success as our culture is the set.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

39. “ONE GREAT QUESTION underlies our experience, whether we think about it consciously or not: What is the purpose of life? I have considered this question and would like to share my thoughts in the hope that they may be of direct, practical benefit to those who read them. I believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. From the moment of birth, every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affect this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. 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.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

40. “Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

41. “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

42. “We need to learn to want what we have, not to have what we want, in order to get stable and steady happiness.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

43. “You have to start giving first and expect absolutely nothing.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

44. “Never give up. No matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, never give up.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

45. “Whether one believes in a religion or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

46. “Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

47. “Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

48. “Love and compassion are the pillars of world peace.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

49. “Life can be pleasant or miserable. To lead a fruitful life, and to make it positive, practice analytical meditation.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

50. “Certain desires are positive: a desire for happiness; for peace; for a more harmonious and friendlier world.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

51. “The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual’s own reason and critical analysis.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

52. “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.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

53. “Let us try to recognize the precious nature of each day.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

54. “The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

55. “The creatures that inhabit this earth-be they human beings or animals-are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

56. “An open heart is an open mind.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

57. “The way to change others’ minds is with affection, and not anger.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

58. “As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breathe out, cherish all Beings.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

59. “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.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

60. “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

61. “Love is the absence of judgment.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

62. “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

63. “Silence is sometimes the best answer.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

64. “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

65. “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

66. “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

67. “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

68. “Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

69. “All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

70. “When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

71. “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

72. “A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

73. “Compassion is the radicalism of our time.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

74. “Love and Compassion are the true religions to me. But to develop this, we do not need to believe in any religion.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

75. “Someone else’s action should not determine your response.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

76. “Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

77. “Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

78. “Compassion is the wish to see others free from suffering.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

79. “A simple smile. That’s the start of opening your heart and being compassionate to others.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

80. “Compassion is a mind wishing that sentient beings be free from suffering, and loving-kindness is a mind wishing that they meet with happiness.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

81. “The first step in restoring faith among those you lead is to inspire them with a sense of purpose—just.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

82. “Every day, think as you wake up: Today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

83. “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

84. 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.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

85. “When you talk you are only repeating something you already know. But, if you listen you may learn something new.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

86. “The question is not to know what is the meaning of life, but what meaning I can give to my life.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

87. “If it can be solved, there’s no need to worry, and if it can’t be solved, worry is of no use.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

88. “When you think everything is someone else’s fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realize that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

89. “Don’t be a person of success, be a person of value.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

90. “Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

91. “Forget the failures. Keep the lessons.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

92. “Fear, hatred, and suspicion narrow your mind – compassion opens it.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

93. “Through difficult experiences, life sometimes becomes more meaningful”
— Dalai Lama XIV

94. “In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

95. ‘If someone does not smile at you, be generous and offer your own smile. Nobody needs a smile more than the one that cannot smile to others.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

96. “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 XIV

97. “A positive state of mind is not merely good for you, it benefits everyone with whom you come into contact, literally changing the world.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

98. “We are all here on this planet, as it were, as tourists. None of us can live here forever. The longest we might live is a hundred years. So while we are here we should try to have a good heart and to make something positive and useful of our lives.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

99. “Anger cannot be overcome by anger. If someone is angry with you, and you show anger in return, the result is a disaster.”
— Dalai Lama XIV

100. “Women have the capacity to lead us to a more peaceful world with compassion, affection, and kindness.”
— Dalai Lama XIV