Tag: Dalai Lama

If you practice compassion, whether you believe in a religion or not, you will come to realize the value of compassion for your own peace of mind. Even a small act of compassion grants meaning and purpose to our lives.

We must continually consider the oneness of humanity, remembering that we all want to be happy. And indeed, everyone has a right to a happy life. We may face problems, but we must not lose hope. We must keep up our determination without being impatient to achieve quick results.

The real source of peace of mind is love and compassion; not the love we feel for those who are close and already affectionate towards us, but an unlimited sense of altruism, a love that can be extended to all beings, including your enemy, which only human beings are capable of.

The fact that inner peace is the principal characteristic of happiness, explains the paradox that while we can all think of people who remain dissatisfied, despite having every material advantage, there are others who remain happy, despite the most difficult circumstances

That the air we breathe, the water we drink, the forests and oceans which sustain countless life forms, and the climatic patterns that govern our weather systems all transcend national boundaries is a source of hope — no country can afford not to take action in this context.

Warm-heartedness leads to a healthy mind. Peace of mind allows us to sleep soundly. I’m not talking about the benefits of the next life or of finding God, but of being a peaceful person with a calm mind and a warm heart here and now.

Giving is recognized as a virtue in every major religion and in every civilized society, and it clearly benefits both the giver and the receiver. The one who receives is relieved from the pangs of want. The one who gives can take comfort from the joy their gift brings to others.

Compassion is to have a sense of concern for others and the community. Look at today’s world—we are interdependent. We can’t think only of my nation’s interests. We have to take the whole world into account. Let us live happily together, helping each other rather than fighting.

Times change and reality changes. In the past, social customs and cultural tradition may have held women back, but modern times favor equality and education has brought equality of opportunity. Now is the time to change our old ways of thinking—gender, color, no difference.

One of the commitments that guide my life is to promoting human values based on common sense and scientific findings. What we need is more self-confidence, which comes from concern for others’ well-being. The real source of inner strength and self-confidence is warm-heartedness.