Whenever someone poses the question, “If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be?” I always choose the Dalai Lama. I read one of his books during a four week trip to Nepal about seven years ago. His words resonated with me and also piqued my interest in Buddhism. Below are some of my favorite quotes:
We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
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.
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.
Whether we are rich or poor, educated or uneducated, whatever our nationality, color, social status, or ideology may be, the purpose of our lives is to be happy.
Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.
The various features and aspects of human life, such as longevity, good health, success, happiness, and so forth, which we consider desirable, are all dependent on kindness and a good heart.
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.
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.
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17 responses so far ↓
1 Keith // Nov 16, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Nice article…I also hold the Dalai Lama’s comments in high esteem…he is a great inspiration for sure.
2 Dean // Nov 19, 2007 at 3:34 pm
These types of wise words can really make you a better person. I like to take one idea, and try to apply it to my day. Think I’ll pick “Adversity is an opportunity for doing good.” today.
3 Pia // Nov 23, 2007 at 12:16 am
Nice blog. I like the quotes posted.
4 tim // Dec 1, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Hello. Ta for the web pages. Always good to hear right thinking.
BTW, where is the picture on your home page? It looks like South West Wales but I guess it could be any spectacular headland…
5 Tina // Dec 2, 2007 at 6:39 am
Thanks for the comment Tim. Not sure where the picture is from but I like it too! It came with the blog template.
6 Mani // Dec 3, 2007 at 10:38 am
Viewing this page made me thought to forward this link to others and make my day meaningful.
Abdul Rahman (Mani)
7 graceonline // Dec 5, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Beautiful blog. Beautiful words. I’ve added your feed to my graceonline Squidoo lens so I can remember to read you every day. Thank you.
8 Tina // Dec 5, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Graceonline - Glad you enjoyed. I’m trying to put someone new up twice a week. Lik your Squidoo lens. Have been intending to start one up myself.
9 graceonline // Dec 6, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Thank you, Tina. Squidoo is cool, dangerously addictive, plus you can make a few more bucks in affiliate sales, all while garnering links back to your blog.
10 YAMILY // Dec 10, 2007 at 8:42 pm
BASIC WISDOM
11 kyle // Dec 11, 2007 at 2:59 am
Dalai Lama’s thoughts are far from deep. He has thoughts that are very simple and not well thought through
12 Zachary // Dec 12, 2007 at 2:29 am
If one’s teacup is full there is no room for more.
13 Alan Harrop // Dec 12, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Well whatever.Sometimes it aint that simple and to love someone can do you irreperable damage.However this is not always the case.Especially if you focus on loving yourself.HEAVY or wot.
14 Kristin // Aug 19, 2008 at 11:05 am
Out of curiosity (because I’m interested in reading it myself), from which book did you take these quotes?
15 Tina // Aug 28, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Hi Kristin, I just went online and searched choosing my personal favorites. Thank you for visiting.
16 Drunk Chick Naked // Aug 4, 2009 at 5:38 am
hh… good one
17 Rtnlty // Jul 23, 2011 at 3:08 am
really? If any one else came up with this stuff we would treat them with such contempt. This lama is a showboat - not good for the open seas.
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