Quotes by the Dalai Lama To Celebrate his 80th Birthday!

Today is the 80^th birthday of the Dalai Lama who was born in a remote Tibetan village on July 06, 1935. Vibrantly optimistic about humanity, the Dali Lama has circled the globe bringing a consistent message of peace, non-violence, tolerance and compassion. For his tireless and energetic efforts he has been awarded numerous awards and honors inlcuding the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1989.

Here are some words of wisdom from the Dalai Lama:

On happiness:

“The basic source of happiness are a good heart compassion, and love.”

On world problems:

“The problems we face today – violent conflicts, destruction of nature, poverty, hunger, and so on are mainly problems created by humans. They can be resolved.”

 

“World problems cannot be challenged by anger or hatred. They must be faced with compassion, love and true kindness.”

On technology and science:

“In the past, when we neglected the long term effects of our actions, it was less consequential. But today, through science and technology, we can create far greater benefits or much more serious damage.”

On anger:

“To utilize our human intelligence fully, we need calmness. If we become unstable through anger, it is difficult for us to use our intelligence well.”

 

“I am convinced that as a result of less anger, we become happier and healthier, smile and laugh more, and have more friends.”

On religion and science:

“With the ever growing impact of science on our lives, religion and spirituality have a greater role to play in reminding us of our humanity. There is no contradiction between the two. Each gives us valuable insights into the other.”

On responsibility:

“We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and for the planet we share, based on a good heart and awareness.”

On patience.

“One should not see tolerance or patience as a sign of weakness, but rather as a sign of strength coming from a deep ability to remain steadfast and firm.”

 

“Each of us has a responsibility for all humankind. It is time for us to think of other people as true brothers and sisters and to be concerned with their welfare, with lessening their suffering.”

 

“Even with all the terrible weapons we have, the weapons themselves cannot start a war. The button to trigger them is under a human finger, which moves by thought, not under its own power. The responsibility rests in thought.”