On his 88th birthday, we reflect on 12 valuable insights from the Dalai Lama that can inspire and guide us.
These words of wisdom from the Dalai Lama remind us of the importance of compassion, inner peace, mindfulness, and the pursuit of happiness.
By incorporating these principles into our lives, we can make a positive difference in ourselves and the world around us.
Wisdom from the Dalai Lama
- Be kind: “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” The Dalai Lama emphasises the importance of compassion and treating others with kindness and respect.
- Cultivate inner peace: “Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility.”
- Practice forgiveness: “Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.”
- Live in the present moment: “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do, and mostly, live.”
- Seek happiness within: “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”
- Foster a sense of global responsibility: “The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.”
- Embrace diversity and promote harmony: “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”
- Practice empathy: “Empathy is the most precious human quality.”
- Cultivate gratitude: “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.”
- Be mindful of your actions: “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
- Nurture a positive outlook: “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”
- Emphasise education and knowledge: “The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be.”
88 years young
The 14th Dalai Lama, whose birth name is Lhamo Thondup, was born on July 6, 1935, in the small village of Taktser in northeastern Tibet.
Taktser is located in the Amdo region, which is now part of the Qinghai Province of China. The Dalai Lama was recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor and was formally enthroned as the spiritual leader of Tibet at the age of five.
