Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

The essence of spiritual practice is your attitude toward others.

When you have a pure, sincere motivation, then you have right
attitude toward others based on kindness, compassion, love and
respect.

His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

(born 6 July 1935) Head of state and spiritual leader The Great Vehicle path requires the vast motivation of a
of the people of Tibet; Awarded the 1989 Nobel Peace Bodhisattva, who, not seeking just his or her welfare, takes on
Prize; born Lhamo Dhondrub, renamed Jetsun Jam- the burden of bringing about the welfare of all sentient beings.
phel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (Holy
Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate, Defender of the
It is very important to generate a good attitude,
Faith, Ocean of Wisdom) upon being ocially recoga good heart, as much as possible. From this, hapnized as the Dalai Lama. Tibetans often refer to him as
piness in both the short term and the long term for
Yeshe Norbu, the Wishfullling Gem or just Kundun
both yourself and others will come.
- The Presence.
Kindness, Clarity, and Insight (1984).

Quotes

There is a saying in Tibetan that at the door

of the miserable rich man sleeps the contented
beggar. The point of this saying is not that poverty
is a virtue, but that happiness does not come with
wealth, but from setting limits to ones desires, and
living within those limits with satisfaction.

My true religion is Kindness.

Kindness, Clarity, and Insight (1984)
Variant: My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

In Rubin, Gary (April 2013). Your Emotional

Fitness: Everything You Need to Know to Live
a Life of Abundance. Balboa Press. pp. 173.
ISBN 978-1-4525-7059-4..

As quoted in Tibet, a Guide to the Land

of Fascination (1988) by Trilok Chandra
Majupuria and Indra Majupuria.
1

QUOTES

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want

to be happy, practice compassion.

Religion does not mean just precepts, a temple,

monastery, or other external signs, for these as I am a simple Buddhist monk no more, no less.
well as hearing and thinking are subsidiary factors in taming the mind. When the mind becomes
sincere motivation, then you have right attitude tothe practices, one is a practitioner of religion, and
ward others based on kindness, compassion, love
when the mind does not become the practices one is
and respect. Practice brings the clear realisation of
not.
the oneness of all human beings and the importance
Deity Yoga (1987) ISBN 0937938505
of others beneting by your actions.
What is the Great Vehicle? What is the mode of procedure of the Bodhisattva path? We begin with the
topic of the altruistic intention to achieve enlightenment in which one values others more than oneself.
The Great Vehicle path requires the vast motivation of a Bodhisattva, who, not seeking just his
or her welfare, takes on the burden of bringing
about the welfare of all sentient beings. When a
person generate this attitude, they enter within the
Great Vehicle, and as long as it has not been generated, one cannot be counted among those of the
Great Vehicle. This attitude really has great power;
it, of course, is helpful for people practicing religion,
but it also is helpful for those who are just concerned
with the aairs of this lifetime. The root of happiness is altruism the wish to be of service to
others.
The Dalai Lama at Harvard: Lectures on the
Buddhist Path to Peace (1988) by Jerey Hopkins.
I feel that the essence of spiritual practice is your
attitude toward others. When you have a pure,

Answering the question Your Holiness, there

are many people in the West who want to combine their spiritual practice with social and political responsibility. Do you feel that these
two aspects are connected?" in an interview
with Catherine Ingram, Dharamsala, India (2
November 1988).
It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the
virtues of compassion and tolerance.
Ocean of Wisdom: Guidelines for Living
(1989) ISBN 094066609X
Unsourced variant: In the practice of tolerance, ones enemy is the best teacher.
I am a simple Buddhist monk no more, no
less.
As quoted in Nobel Prize Winners (1991) by
Lisa F. Dewitt.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a true Bodhisatva. His
humility brought tears to my eyes.

3
Interview in The New York Times (28 November 1993).
Reason well from the beginning and then there
will never be any need to look back with confusion and doubt.
The Path to Enlightenment (1994)

ISBN

1559390328

Human happiness and human satisfaction must

ultimately come from within oneself. It is wrong
to expect some nal satisfaction to come from
money or from a computer.
I believe that in the 20th century, humanity has learned from
many, many experiences. Some positive, and many negative...

Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the

Dalai Lama (1991).

The Path to Tranquility: Daily Wisdom (1998)

edited by Renuka Singh
Bodhicitta is the medicine which revives and
gives life to every sentient being who even hears
of it. When you engage in fullling the needs of
others, your own needs are fullled as a by-product.
The Path to Tranquility: Daily Wisdom (1998)
edited by Renuka Singh
It is also possible within this lifetime to enhance the
power of the mind, enabling one to reaccess memories from previous lives. Such recollection tends to
be more accessible during meditative experiences in
the dream state. Once one has accessed memories
of previous lives in the dream state, one gradually
recalls them in the waking state.
Consciousness at the Crossroads: Conversations with The Dalai Lama on Brain Science
and Buddhism (1999) ISBN 1559391278

Bodhicitta is the medicine which revives and gives life to every

sentient being who even hears of it.

Don't compare me with Jesus. He is a great master, a great master...

Interview in The New York Times (28 November 1993).
I believe that in the 20th century, humanity has
learned from many, many experiences. Some
positive, and many negative. What misery, what
destruction! The greatest number of human beings were killed in the two world wars of this century. But human nature is such that when we face
a tremendous critical situation, the human mind can
wake up and nd some other alternative. That is a
human capacity.

If there is love, there is hope that one may have

real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real
peace. If the love within your mind is lost and you
see other beings as enemies, then no matter how
much knowledge or education or material comfort
you have, only suering and confusion will ensue
The Little Book of Buddhism (2000) ISBN
0712602402

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
As quoted in Meditations for Living In Balance: Daily Solutions for People Who Do Too
Much (2000) by Anne Wilson Schaef, p. 11.
Within the body there are billions of dierent
particles. Similarly, there are many dierent
thoughts and a variety of states of mind. It is

QUOTES

wise to take a close look into the world of your mind

and to make the distinction between benecial and
harmful states of mind. Once you can recognize
the value of good states of mind, you can increase or foster them.
The Dalai Lamas Book of Wisdom (2000).

All living beings are believed to possess the nature of the Primordial Buddha Samantabhadra, the potential or seed of enlightenment, within them.

True compassion is not just an emotional response but a rm

commitment founded on reason...

Compassion without attachment is possible.

Therefore, we need to clarify the distinctions between compassion and attachment. True compassion is not just an emotional response but a
rm commitment founded on reason. Therefore,
a truly compassionate attitude towards others does
not change even if they behave negatively. Genuine
compassion is based not on our own projections and
expectations, but rather on the needs of the other...
The Compassionate Life (2001), Ch. 2 How
to Develop Compassion p. 21

From the moment of birth every human being wants happiness and freedom and wants to
avoid suering. In this we are all the same;
and the more we care for the happiness of others the greater our own sense of each other becomes. Many of our problems are created by ourselves based on divisions due to ideology, religion,
race, resources, economic status or other factors.
The time has come to think on a deeper, more human level and appreciate and respect our sameness
as human beings. And to have a respect for endangered cultures that share these principles. We are
at the dawn of an age in which many people feel

that extreme political concepts should cease to dominate human aairs. We should use this opportunity to replace them with universal human and spiritual values and ensure that these values become the
ber of the global family that is emerging. It is not
possible to nd peace with anger, hatred, jealousy
or greed. At every level of society, familial, tribal,
national and international, the key to a happier and
more peaceful and successful world is the growth of
compassion. We do not necessarily need to become
religious, nor even believe in an ideology. We need
only to develop our good human qualities and know
that love and compassion are the most essential concepts for human survival. So long as human beings
live and suer, the only world open to our present
knowledge, the brotherhood of man will seem an
unattainable principle. In order for us to achieve real
lasting peace among one another, the eort to realize that noblest and most satisfactory moral value
must be occupation of every individual intelligence.
The Compassionate Life (2001) Ch. 3 Global
Compassion.
According to Buddhism, individuals are masters of
their own destiny. And all living beings are believed to possess the nature of the Primordial Buddha Samantabhadra, the potential or seed of enlightenment, within them. So our future is in our own
hands. What greater free will do we need?
Answering the question: Do sentient beings
have free will?" in Dzogchen : The Heart

5
Essence of the Great Perfection (2001) ISBN
155939157X

If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong,

then Buddhism will have to change. In my view, science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and
for understanding reality. By learning from science
about aspects of reality where its understanding may
be more advanced, I believe that Buddhism enriches
its own worldview.
The New York Times (12 November 2005).

As in science so in Buddhism, understanding the nature of reality

is pursued by means of critical investigation...

We need a little more compassion, and if we cannot have it then no politician or even a magician
can save the planet.
As quoted in Words Of Wisdom: Selected
Quotes by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2001) All major religious traditions carry basically the same message,
edited by Margaret Gee, p. 49.
that is love, compassion and forgiveness... the important thing is
they should be part of our daily lives.

Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of

weakness, but a sign of strength.
As quoted in Words Of Wisdom: Selected
Quotes by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2001)
edited by Margaret Gee, p. 71.
Each of us has the potential to contribute You
have a great opportunity to make a new shape of the
world.
As quoted in Dalai Lama urges students to
shape world in The Seattle Times (15 May
2001).
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.
As quoted in A Small Drop of Ink: A Collection
of Inspirational and Moving Quotations of the
Ages (2003) by Linda Pendleton.
My condence in venturing into science lies in
my basic belief that as in science so in Buddhism,
understanding the nature of reality is pursued
by means of critical investigation: if scientic
analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain
claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept
the ndings of science and abandon those claims.
The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality (2005).

All major religious traditions carry basically the

same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be
part of our daily lives.
As quoted in Especially for Christians: Powerful Thought-provoking Words from the Past
(2005) by Mark Alton Rose, p. 19

His Holiness Pope John Paul II was a man I held in

high regard. His experience in Poland and my own
diculties with communists gave us an immediate
ground.
The Pope was very sympathetic to the Tibetan problem. Of course, as the head of an institution trying
to establish good relations with China and seriously
concerned about the status of millions of Christians
in china he could not express this publicly or ocially. But right from the start of our friendship he
revealed to me privately that he had a clear understanding of the Tibetan problem because of his own
experience of communism in Poland. This gave me
great personal encouragement.
I am a simple Buddhist monk: Dalai Lama
in The Times of India (6 July 2006).
Media people should have long noses like an elephant to smell out politicians, mayors, prime

QUOTES

The time has come to educate people, to cease all quarrels in the
name of religion, culture, countries, dierent political or economic systems...

ministers and businessmen. We need to know

the reality, the good and the bad, not just the
appearance.
News conference in Vancouver, B.C. as quoted
in The Globe and Mail. (8 September 2006).
On my part, I remain committed to contribute my eorts for the

The time has come to educate people, to cease all welfare of all human beings, and in particular the poor and the
quarrels in the name of religion, culture, coun- weak to the best of my ability without any distinction based on
tries, dierent political or economic systems. national boundaries.
Fighting is useless. Suicide.
News conference in Vancouver, B.C. as quoted
in The Globe and Mail. (8 September 2006).
Forgiveness doesn't mean forget what happened.
If something is serious and it is necessary to take counter-measures, you have to take
counter-measures.
On the killing of al-Queda terrorist leader
Osama bin Laden by US military forces,
as quoted in Dalai Lama suggests Osama
bin Ladens death was justied by Mitchell
Landsberg, in The Los Angeles Times (4 May
2011).

1.1

Letter to Deng Xiaoping (1981)

Letter to Deng Xiaoping (23 March 1981) Full text
online

I agree with and believe in the Communist ideology which seeks the well being of human beings

in general and the proletariat in particular, and

in Lenin's policy of the equality of nationalities.
Similarly, I was pleased with the discussions I had
with Chairman Mao on ideology and the policy towards nationalities.
If that same ideology and policy were implemented it would have brought much admiration
and happiness. However, if one is to make a general comment on the developments during the
past two decades, there has been a lapse in economic and educational progress, the basis of human happiness. Moreover, on account of the hardships caused by the unbearable disruptions, there
has been a loss of trust between the Party and the
masses, between the ocials and the masses, among
the ocials themselves, and also among the masses
themselves.
By deceiving one another through false assumptions and misrepresentations there has been, in
reality, a great lapse and delay in achieving the
real goals.
It is regrettable that some Tibetan ocials, who lack

1.2

Nobel acceptance speech (1989)

the wisdom and competence required for promoting basic human happiness and the short and long
term welfare of their own people, indulge in attering Chinese ocials and, collaborate with these
Chinese ocials who know nothing about Tibetans
and work simply for their temporary fame indulging
in fabricating impressive reports. In reality, the Tibetan people have not only undergone immeasurable
suerings, but large numbers have also unnecessarily lost their lives.

On the political front, we have always pursued the

path of truth and justice in our struggle for the legitimate rights of the Tibetan people. We have never
indulged in distortions, exaggerations and criticism
of the Chinese people. Neither have we harboured
any ill will towards them. Above all, we have always held to our position of truth and justice without
siding with any of the international political power
blocks.
We must improve the relationship between China
and Tibet as well as between Tibetans in and outside Tibet. With truth and equality as our foundation, we must try to develop friendship between Tibetans and Chinese through better understanding in
the future. The time has come to apply our common
wisdom in a spirit of tolerance and broadmindedness
to achieve genuine happiness for the Tibetan people
with a sense of urgency.
On my part, I remain committed to contribute
my eorts for the welfare of all human beings,
and in particular the poor and the weak to the
best of my ability without any distinction based
on national boundaries.

1.2

Nobel acceptance speech (1989)

Nobel acceptance speech (10 December 1989) Full
text online

I am convinced that everyone can develop a good heart and a

sense of universal responsibility with or without religion.

7
I believe all suering is caused by ignorance.
People inict pain on others in the selsh pursuit of
their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness
comes from a sense of inner peace and contentment,
which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion and elimination of ignorance, selshness and greed.
The problems we face today, violent conicts, destruction of nature, poverty, hunger, and so on,
are human-created problems which can be resolved
through human eort, understanding and the development of a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood.
We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for
one another and the planet we share. Although I
have found my own Buddhist religion helpful in generating love and compassion, even for those we consider our enemies, I am convinced that everyone
can develop a good heart and a sense of universal
responsibility with or without religion.

I am optimistic that the ancient values that have sustained

mankind are today rearming themselves to prepare us for a
kinder, happier twenty-rst century.

With the ever-growing impact of science on our

lives, religion and spirituality have a greater role
to play by reminding us of our humanity. There
is no contradiction between the two. Each gives
us valuable insights into the other. Both science and
the teachings of the Buddha tell us of the fundamental unity of all things. This understanding is crucial
if we are to take positive and decisive action on the
pressing global concern with the environment. I believe all religions pursue the same goals, that of cultivating human goodness and bringing happiness to
all human beings. Though the means might appear
dierent the ends are the same.
As we enter the nal decade of this century I
am optimistic that the ancient values that have
sustained mankind are today rearming themselves to prepare us for a kinder, happier twentyrst century.

QUOTES

I pray for all of us, oppressor and friend, that together we succeed in building a better world through
human understanding and love, and that in doing so
we may reduce the pain and suering of all sentient
beings.

1.3

Nobel lecture (1989)

Nobel lecture (11 December 1989) Full text online

Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not aect your deep sense of peace and tranquility.

country today and of the aspirations of my people,

because in our struggle for freedom, truth is the only
weapon we possess.

We have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other

and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a necessity.

When I meet people in dierent parts of the world,

I am always reminded that we are all basically alike:
we are all human beings. Maybe we have dierent
clothes, our skin is of a dierent colour, or we speak
dierent languages. That is on the surface. But basically, we are the same human beings. That is what
binds us to each other. That is what makes it possible for us to understand each other and to develop
friendship and closeness.
Because we all share this small planet earth, we
have to learn to live in harmony and peace with
each other and with nature. That is not just a
dream, but a necessity. We are dependent on each
other in so many ways, that we can no longer live in
isolated communities and ignore what is happening
outside those communities, and we must share the
good fortune that we enjoy.
I speak not with a feeling of anger or hatred towards
those who are responsible for the immense suering of our people and the destruction of our land,
homes and culture. They too are human beings who
struggle to nd happiness and deserve our compassion. I speak to inform you of the sad situation in my

Today, we are truly a global family. What happens in one part of the world may aect us all.
This, of course, is not only true of the negative things
that happen, but is equally valid for the positive developments. We not only know what happens elsewhere, thanks to the extraordinary modern communications technology. We are also directly aected
by events that occur far away.
Our own security is enhanced when peace breaks
out between warring parties in other continents.
But war or peace; the destruction or the protection of nature; the violation or promotion of human
rights and democratic freedoms; poverty or material well-being; the lack of moral and spiritual values
or their existence and development; and the breakdown or development of human understanding, are
not isolated phenomena that can be analysed and
tackled independently of one another. In fact, they
are very much interrelated at all levels and need to
be approached with that understanding.
Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free. True peace with
oneself and with the world around us can only
be achieved through the development of mental
peace.
Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace,
the external problems do not aect your deep
sense of peace and tranquility. In that state of
mind you can deal with situations with calmness and
reason, while keeping your inner happiness. That is
very important. Without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may

1.3

Nobel lecture (1989)

still be worried, disturbed or unhappy because of

circumstances.

relevant ecosystems; and a policy of sustainable development would be adopted

in populated areas;

Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders

of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies
with each one of us individually.

the manufacture and use of nuclear

power and other technologies which produce hazardous waste would be prohibited;
national resources and policy would be
directed towards the active promotion of
peace and environmental protection. Organisations dedicated to the furtherance
of peace and to the protection of all forms
of life would nd a hospitable home in Tibet;
the establishment of international and regional organisations for the promotion
and protection of human rights would be
encouraged in Tibet.

I would like to take this opportunity to explain the Zone of Ahimsa

or peace sanctuary concept...

I am deeply touched by the sincere concern shown

by so many people in this part of the world for the
suering of the people of Tibet. That is a source of
hope not only for us Tibetans, but for all oppressed
people.
I would like to take this opportunity to explain the
Zone of Ahimsa or peace sanctuary concept, which
is the central element of the Five-Point Peace Plan. I
am convinced that it is of great importance not only
for Tibet, but for peace and stability in Asia.
It is my dream that the entire Tibetan plateau should
become a free refuge where humanity and nature can For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings
remain, until then may I, too, abide to dispel the misery of the
live in peace and in harmonious balance.
world.

The following are key elements of the proposed

Zone of Ahimsa:
the entire Tibetan plateau would be demilitarised;
the manufacture, testing, and stockpiling
of nuclear weapons and other armaments
on the Tibetan plateau would be prohibited;
the Tibetan plateau would be transformed
into the worlds largest natural park or
biosphere. Strict laws would be enforced
to protect wildlife and plant life; the exploitation of natural resources would be
carefully regulated so as not to damage

For the stability and peace of Asia, it is essential

to create peace zones to separate the continents
biggest powers and potential adversaries.
When I visited Costa Rica earlier this year, I saw
how a country can develop successfully without an
army, to become a stable democracy committed to
peace and the protection of the natural environment.
This conrmed my belief that my vision of Tibet in
the future is a realistic plan, not merely a dream.
I believe that our Tibetan ability to combine spiritual qualities with a realistic and practical attitude
enables us to make a special contribution, in however modest a way. This is my hope and prayer.

10

QUOTES

In conclusion, let me share with you a short prayer

which gives me great inspiration and determination:
For as long as space endures,
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I, too, abide
To dispel the misery of the world.
This last statement is a traditional form of the Bodhisattva
vows.

1.4

The Dalai Lama: A Policy of Kindness

(1990)

There isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and

compassion.

It is necessary to help others, not only in our prayers, but in our

daily lives. If we nd we cannot help others, the least we can do
is to desist from harming them.

Kindness and Compassion p. 47.

An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to

make it meaningful...

If I say, I am a monk. or I am a Buddhist, these

are, in comparison to my nature as a human being,
temporary. To be human is basic.
Kindness and Compassion p. 47.

The Dalai Lama, A Policy of Kindness: An Anthology by and about the Dalai Lama (1990) edited by
Sidney Piburn ISBN 8120815122

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.
As quoted in Tibets Living Buddha by Pico
Iyer, p. 32.
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.

Today we face many problems. Some are created

essentially by ourselves based on divisions due to
ideology, religion, race, economic status, or other
factors. Therefore, the time has come for us to
think on a deeper level, on the human level, and
from that level we should appreciate and respect
the sameness of others as human beings.
Kindness and Compassion p. 47.
This is my simple religion. There is no need for
temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our
own brain, our own heart is our temple; the
philosophy is kindness.
Kindness and Compassion p. 52

1.4

The Dalai Lama: A Policy of Kindness (1990)

To study Buddhism and then use it as a weapon in order to

criticize others theories or ideologies is wrong. The very purpose
of religion is to control yourself, not to criticize others.

To study Buddhism and then use it as a weapon

in order to criticize others theories or ideologies
is wrong. The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticize others. Rather, we
must criticize ourselves. How much am I doing
about my anger? About my attachment, about my
hatred, about my pride, my jealousy? These are the
things which we must check in daily life with the
knowledge of the Buddhist teachings.
A Talk to Western Buddhists p. 87.
As Buddhists, while we practice our own teaching,
we must respect other faiths, Christianity, Judaism
and so forth. We must recognize and appreciate
their contributions over many past centuries to human society, and at this time we must strive to make
common eort to serve humankind.
A Talk to Western Buddhists p. 87.
Sectarian feelings and criticism of other teachings or other sects is very bad, poisonous, and
should be avoided.
A Talk to Western Buddhists p. 87.
It is necessary to help others, not only in our
prayers, but in our daily lives. If we nd we cannot help others, the least we can do is to desist
from harming them.
A Talk to Western Buddhists p. 89
If there are sound reasons or bases for the points
you demand, then there is no need for violence.

11

As time passes I have rmed my conviction that all religions

can work together despite fundamental dierences in philosophy.
Every religion aims at serving humanity. Therefore, it is possible
for the various religions to work together to serve humanity and
contribute to world peace.

On the other hand, when there is no sound reason

that concessions should be made to you but mainly
your own desire, then reason cannot work and you
have to rely on force. Thus using force is not a sign
of strength but rather a sign of weakness.
The Nobel Evening Address p. 115.
As a result of more contact with people from
other traditions, as time passes I have rmed my
conviction that all religions can work together
despite fundamental dierences in philosophy.
Every religion aims at serving humanity. Therefore,
it is possible for the various religions to work together to serve humanity and contribute to world
peace. So, during these last few years, at every opportunity I try to develop closer relations with other
religions.
The Nobel Evening Address p. 115.
Buddhism does not accept a theory of God, or
a creator. According to Buddhism, ones own
actions are the creator, ultimately. Some people
say that, from a certain angle, Buddhism is not a religion but rather a science of mind. Religion has
much involvement with faith. Sometimes it seems
that there is quite a distance between a way of thinking based on faith and one entirely based on experiment, remaining skeptical. Unless you nd something through investigation, you do not want to accept it as fact. From one viewpoint, Buddhism is
a religion, from another viewpoint Buddhism is
a science of mind and not a religion. Buddhism

12

2 MISATTRIBUTED
can be a bridge between these two sides. Therefore, with this conviction I try to have closer ties with
scientists, mainly in the elds of cosmology, psychology, neurobiology and physics. In these elds
there are insights to share, and to a certain extent we
can work together.
The Nobel Evening Address p. 115.

1.5

Daily Telegraph interview (2006)

Westerners are too self-absorbed by Alice Thomson, in The Daily Telegraph (1 March 2006)

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for
others and Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them
properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your
values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

I don't want to convert people to Buddhism all major religions,

when understood properly, have the same potential for good.

Some say I am a good person, some say I am a

charlatan I am just a monk... I never asked
people like Richard Gere to come, but it is foolish
to stop them. I have Tibetans, Indians, backpackers,
AIDS patients, religious people, politicians, actors
and princesses. My attitude is to give everyone some
of my time. If I can contribute in any way to their
happiness, that makes me happy.
I don't want to convert people to Buddhism
all major religions, when understood properly,
have the same potential for good.
Fundamentalism is terrifying because it is based
purely on emotion, rather than intelligence. It
prevents followers from thinking as individuals
and about the good of the world.

2
2.1

Misattributed
Instructions for Life
These statements were falsely attributed to the Dalai
Lama in an email hoax. They actually derive from
advice in Lifes Little Instruction Book: 511 suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live
a happy and rewarding life (1991) by H. Jackson
Brown, Jr; More information is available on the hoax
at Snopes.com

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older
and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second
time.
12. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the
current situation. Don't bring up the past.
13. Share your knowledge. Its a way to achieve immortality.
14. Be gentle with the earth.
15. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
16. Remember that the best relationship is one in which
your love for each other exceeds your need for each
other.
17. Judge your success by what you had to give up in
order to get it.
18. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

2.2 What surprises you most about humanity?"

Often attributed to the Dalai Lama, or as author shanx
dee, this appears to be a loose adaptation of the work of
Jim Brown, published by Reata Strickland as An Interview
with God (ISBN 0743229576).
Man. Because he sacrices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrices money
to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the
present; the result being that he does not live

13
in the present or the future; he lives as if he is
never going to die, and then dies having never
really lived.
Original text:
What surprises you most about mankind?"
God answered:
That they get bored of being children, are in
a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make
money and then lose their money to restore
their health. That by thinking anxiously about
the future, they forget the present, such that
they live neither for the present nor the future.
That they live as if they will never die, and they
die as if they had never lived.

2.3

Successful people
The planet does not need more successful
people. The planet desperately needs more
peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers,
and lovers of all kinds. -- Facebook image
meme

Fewer and fewer people would venture to dismiss the Dalai

Lamas philosophy as utopian: on the contrary, one would be
increasingly justied in asserting that his gospel of nonviolence
is the truly realistic one, with most promise for the future. ~ Egil
Aarvik

Original:
The plain fact is that the planet does not need
more successful people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every kind. It
needs people who live well in their places. It
needs people of moral courage willing to join
the ght to make the world habitable and humane. And these qualities have little to do
with success as our culture has dened it. -David W. Orr, Earth in Mind: On Education,
Environment, and the Human Prospect (ISBN
1559632941)

Quotes about the 14th Dalai

Lama
The Dalai Lama said acts of violence should be remembered, and then forgiveness should be extended
to the perpetrators.
But if someone has a gun and is trying to kill you,
he said, it would be reasonable to shoot back with
your own gun. Not at the head, where a fatal wound
might result. But at some other body part, such as a
leg.
Hal Bernton, reporting on remarks made during a public discussion with regional high

In awarding the Peace Prize to H.H. the Dalai Lama we arm

our unstinting support for his work for peace, and for the unarmed masses on the march in many lands for liberty, peace and
human dignity. ~ Egil Aarvik

school students in Portland, Oregon, in Dalai

Lama urges students to shape world in The
Seattle Times (15 May 2001).
The Dalai Lama in his struggle for the liberation of
Tibet consistently has opposed the use of violence.
He has instead advocated peaceful solutions based
upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.
The Dalai Lama has developed his philosophy of
peace from a great reverence for all things living and
upon the concept of universal responsibility embracing all mankind as well as nature.

14

4
The Norwegian Nobel Committee press release awarding the Nobel Peace Prize (1989).

The world has shrunk. Increasingly peoples and nations have grown dependent on one another. No one
can any longer act entirely in his own interest. It is
therefore imperative that we should accept mutual
responsibility for all political, economic, and ecological problems.
In view of this, fewer and fewer people would
venture to dismiss the Dalai Lamas philosophy as
utopian: on the contrary, one would be increasingly
justied in asserting that his gospel of nonviolence is
the truly realistic one, with most promise for the future. And this applies not only to Tibet but to each
and every conict. The future hopes of oppressed
millions are today linked to the unarmed battalions,
for they will win the peace: the justice of their demands, moreover, is now so clear and the normal
strength of their struggle so indomitable that they
can only temporarily be halted by force of arms.
In awarding the Peace Prize to H.H. the Dalai Lama
we arm our unstinting support for his work for
peace, and for the unarmed masses on the march in
many lands for liberty, peace and human dignity.
Nobel Peace Prize presentation speech by Egil
Aarvik, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel
Committee.
I don't think China will negotiate. I think they are
waiting for the Dalai Lama to die... The Chinese
government feels he symbolizes the entire independence movement, and when he is gone, it will go
away.
Tenzin Choegyal, brother of Tenzin Gyatzo, in
The Private Dalai Lama by Ron Gluckman,
in AsiaWeek magazine (10 May 1996).
Theres no question that His Holiness is my root
guru, and hes been quite tough with me at times.
I've had to explain to people who sometimes have
quite a romantic vision of His Holiness that at times
hes been cross with me, but it was very skillful. At
the moment he did it, I'm not saying it was pleasant for me, but there was no ego attachment from
his side. I'm very thankful that he trusts me enough
to be the mirror for me and not pull any punches.
Mind you, the rst meetings were not that way; I
think he was aware how fragile I was and was being
very careful. Now I think he senses that my seriousness about the teachings has increased and my own
strength within the teachings has increased. He can
be much tougher on me.
Richard Gere, in My Journey as a Buddhist
an interview with Melvin McLeod in Shambhala Sun (May 1999).

EXTERNAL LINKS

I found also that the question of His Holiness in

terms of a political movement was very tricky. Its a
non-violent movement, which is a problem in itselfyou don't get headlines with nonviolence. And His
Holiness doesn't see himself as Gandhi; he doesn't
create dramatic, operatic situations.
So we've ended up taking a much steadier kind of
approach. Its not about drama. Its about, little by
little, building truth, and I think its probably been
deeper because of that. The senators, congressmen,
legislators and parliamentarians who have got involved go way beyond what they would normally
give to a cause they believed in.
Richard Gere, in My Journey as a Buddhist
an interview with Melvin McLeod in Shambhala Sun (May 1999).
I think the universality of His Holiness words and
teachings have made this so much bigger than just
Tibet. When His Holiness won the Nobel Peace
Prize, there was a quantum leap. He is not seen as
solely a Tibetan anymore; he belongs to the world.
Richard Gere, in My Journey as a Buddhist
an interview with Melvin McLeod in Shambhala Sun (May 1999).
Maybe the Dalai Lama is the only person who is totally honest, and even with him, hes skillful not to
hurt anybody. Hes skillful.
Richard Gere in Interview - Unfaithful" by
Rebecca Murray and Fred Tope.
His Holiness opposes violence and discrimination
based on sexual orientation. He urges respect, tolerance, compassion and the full recognition of human
rights for all.
Oce of Tibet spokeswoman Dawa Tsering.

4 External links
His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Foundation for
the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
Tenzin Gyatso at the ocial Nobel Prize site.
Nobel lecture (11 December 1989)
Compassion and the Individual by Tenzin Gyatso
His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Tibet.com
Biography at Tibet.com.
XIVth Dalai Lama visits Harvard (September
2003)

15
The Private Dalai Lama by Ron Gluckman
His Holiness the Dalai Lama at LamRim.com Tibetan Buddhist Internet Radio
Quotes and pictures

16

5 TEXT AND IMAGE SOURCES, CONTRIBUTORS, AND LICENSES

Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

5.1

Text

Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama Source: http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Tenzin%20Gyatso%2C%2014th%20Dalai%20Lama?oldid=

1886636 Contributors: Kalki, Q, LGagnon, Bobgould, Rumour, Quadell, Nat Krause, Aphaia, JarlaxleArtemis, Javierme, Idan d, BD2412,
UDScott, LeonardoRob0t, Nirvana2013, LrdChaos, Shadow, Mdd4696, Antiquary, John Hill, CommonsDelinker, Nosferat, Sorenr,
BrownBot, Nemo bis, Idioma-bot, RimBot, Tdudkowski, AnankeBot, Podzemnik, Ningauble, Laudator, Nvvchar, Rdacteur Tibet,
Yourfriend1, DevUrandom, Deeapples, Mouagip, Dhartung, Nobody60, Mmarre, Philip J.1987qazwsx, RadicalRedRaccoon, Candoattitude~enwikiquote, P3Y229, Miszatomic, Rotlink, JAnDbot, Dexbot and Anonymous: 51

5.2

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5.3

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