110+ Inspiring Dalai Lama Quotes on Peace

Tenzin Gyatso, the current Dalai Lama, is the 14th Dalai Lama in history. Enjoy these powerful Dalai Lama quotes on peace, compassion, and personal growth.

By Katee Fletcher

Updated 4 years ago, January 21, 2021

multicolored lines on hill under clear sky during sunrise photo — James Wheeler

Dalai Lama quotes are powerful because he is a brilliant man. In the history of Tibetan Buddhism, there have only been 14 Dalai Lamas; the 14th being the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. Every Tibetan Buddhist believes that Dalai Lamas are manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and Tibet’s patron saint. A Bodhisattva is a realized being whose goal is to reach complete enlightenment and be reborn in the world to help all living beings.

Tenzin Gyatso, originally named Lhamo Dhondup, was born on July 6th, 1935, to a farming family in Taktser, Amdo. At the young age of two, he was recognized to be the reincarnated spirit of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. He became the 14th Dalai Lama. He began his monastic education at the age of 6. His teachings consisted of a wide variety of subjects. However, they primarily focussed on Buddhist philosophy. He had many years of schooling. Between the summer of 1958 and February of 1959, he took his final examinations at the age of 23 in the Lhasa Jokhang Temple. Passing with honors, he received the Geshe Lharampa degree that February. This is known to be equivalent to the highest doctorate in Buddhist philosophy one can receive.

Sadly, China’s invasion of Tibet in 1950 began to stir a lot of turmoil, calling the Dalai Lama to assume political power. Over the coming years, Dalai Lama XIV attempted to bridge a peaceful bond between the people of Tibet in China. However, to no avail, he was forced to escape in exile in 1959. He has spent the rest of his life in exile in Dharamsala, Northern India. He has been trying to repair relations with China and restore security and peace to the Tibetan people. A few short years later, in 1963, the Dalai Lama began the democratization process of Tibet. Eventually, in 2001, the people of Tibet elected their leaders for the first time in history. In May of 2011, the Dalai Lama formally transferred his temporal authority over to the elected leader. However, he kept his position as the head of spiritual affairs.

Throughout his lifetime, the Dalai Lama has traveled to over 67 countries. He has received over 150 awards (including a Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet). He has also authored or co-authored over 110 books. In the coming years, as his health dwindles, he has promised to leave clear instructions on how to find the next true reincarnated Dalai Lama. There has been an increasing divide between the Tibetan people and China’s Republic. The Dalai Lama has had to emphasize that any Dalai Lama claimed by China’s Republic should gain no recognition or success.

The path of peace and mindfulness that the Dalai Lama continues to walk, despite conflict, fear, and tragedy, has inspired many to follow in his footsteps. Dalai Lama quotes and Dalai Lama sayings can inspire the search for inner peace, strength, and growth. It’s easy to find a Dalai Lama quote to think about and implement into daily life.

Dalai Lama Quotes on the Power of Emotion and Peace

“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.” – Dalai Lama

“Inner peace is the key. If you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility. Without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed, or unhappy because of circumstances.” – Dalai Lama

“Those who have little interest in spirituality shouldn’t think that human inner values don’t apply to you. The inner peace of an alert and calm mind are the source of real happiness and good health. Our human intelligence tells us which of our emotions are positive and helpful and which are damaging and to be restrained or avoided.” – Dalai Lama

“Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.” – Dalai Lama

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” – Dalai Lama

“No matter how educated or wealthy you are, if you don’t have peace of mind, you won’t be happy.” – Dalai Lama

“Appearance is something absolute, but reality is not that way – everything is interdependent, not absolute. So that view is very helpful to maintain a peace of mind because the main destroyer of a peaceful mind is anger.” – Dalai Lama

“When our community is in a state of peace, it can share that peace with neighboring communities, and so on.” – Dalai Lama

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. – Dalai Lama.

“If we ourselves remain angry and then sing world peace, it has little meaning. First, our individual self must learn peace. This we can practice. Then we can teach the rest of the world.” – Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama Quotes on Friendship, Compassion, and Unity

“The creatures that inhabit this earth, be they human beings or animals, are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.” – Dalai Lama

“There are two kinds of compassion. The first comes from a natural concern for friends and family who are close to us. This has limited range but can be the seed for something bigger. We can also learn to extend a genuine concern for others’ well-being, whoever they are. That is real compassion, and only human beings are capable of developing it.” – Dalai Lama

“As human beings, we need to assess whether anger has any value – it destroys our peace of mind. Compassion, on the other hand, brings optimism and hope.” – Dalai Lama

“It’s good to remember that other human beings are like us. We are born the same way; we die the same way. While we’re alive, it’s better to be able to trust each other as friends.” – Dalai Lama

“I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one’s own family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.” – Dalai Lama

“I am one of the 7 billion human beings alive today. We each have a responsibility to think about humanity and the good of the world because it affects our own future. We weren’t born on this planet at this time to create problems but to bring about some benefit.” – Dalai Lama

“Anger and hatred are signs of weakness, while compassion is a sure sign of strength.” – Dalai Lama

“Just as we can learn how helpful love and compassion can be, we can come to understand that anger, pride, jealousy, and arrogance can be detrimental.” – Dalai Lama

“The way to change others’ minds is with affection and not anger.” – Dalai Lama

“Anger cannot be overcome by anger. If someone is angry with you, and you show anger in return, the result is a disaster. On the other hand, if you control your anger and show its opposite – love, compassion, tolerance, and patience – not only will you remain peaceful, but the other person’s anger will also diminish.” – Dalai Lama

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.” – Dalai Lama

“Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or non-believing, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness, and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference.” – Dalai Lama

“One problem with our current society is that we have an attitude towards education as if it is there to simply make you more clever, make you more ingenious… Even though our society does not emphasize this, the most important use of knowledge and education is to help us understand the importance of engaging in more wholesome actions and bringing about discipline within our minds. The proper utilization of our intelligence and knowledge is to effect changes from within to develop a good heart.” – Dalai Lama

“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.” – Dalai Lama

“As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breathe out, cherish all beings.” – Dalai Lama

“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 we may reduce the pain and suffering for all sentient beings.” – Dalai Lama

“We must recognize that the suffering of one person or one nation is the suffering of humanity.” – Dalai Lama

“Every single being, even those who are hostile to us, is just as afraid of suffering as we are and seeks happiness in the same way we do. Every person has the same right as we do to be happy and not to suffer. So let’s take care of others wholeheartedly, of both our friends and our enemies. This is the basis for true compassion.” – Dalai Lama

“It is important not to allow ourselves to be put off by the magnitude of others’ suffering. The misery of millions is not a cause for pity. Rather it is a cause for compassion.” – Dalai Lama

“Compassion is the wish for another being to be free from suffering. Love means wanting them to have happiness.” – Dalai Lama

“We are visitors on this planet. We are here for one hundred years at the very most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives. If you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true meaning of life.” – Dalai Lama

“When we talk about compassion, it has to include having compassion for yourself. It’s not just a matter of self-sacrifice. I have observed a foolish sense of selfishness and a wise sense of selfishness. Since we are social animals, who depend on one another, to show love and compassion to others is wise.” – Dalai Lama

“Ultimately, humanity is one, and this small planet is our only home. If we are to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism.” – Dalai Lama

“As people alive today, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is, therefore, part of our responsibility toward others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy, if not healthier than we found it.” – Dalai Lama

“A good motivation is what is needed: compassion without dogmatism, without complicated philosophy; just understanding that others are human brothers and sisters and respecting their human rights and dignities. That we humans can help each other is one of our unique human capacities.” – Dalai Lama

“If love is defined as a wish that others be happy and compassion as the wish that they be free from suffering, and you cultivate love and compassion within yourself, it will ensure happiness, good health, and peace of mind.” – Dalai Lama

“The quality of what we do depends on our motivation, which is why we have to learn how to cultivate a compassionate mind.” – Dalai Lama

“More compassionate mind, more sense of concern for other’s well-being, is a source of happiness.” – Dalai Lama

“If at the beginning and end of our lives we depend upon the kindness of others, why in the middle of our lives, should we not act kindly toward them? It is the pragmatic choice.” – Dalai Lama

“I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. I’m not talking about the short-term gratification of pleasures like sex, drugs, or gambling (though I’m not knocking them), but something that will bring true and lasting happiness. The kind that sticks.” – Dalai Lama

“Compassion is of little value if it just remains an idea. It must motivate how we respond to others and be reflected in all our thoughts and actions.” – Dalai Lama

“If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.” – Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama Quotes on Strength, Growth, and Introspection

“We human beings are all the same in wanting to be happy and not wanting to suffer, and yet many of the problems we face are of our own making.” – Dalai Lama

“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.” – Dalai Lama

“I find hope in the darkest of days and focus during the brightest. I do not judge the universe.” – Dalai Lama

“We are deluded by attachment and anger, but we can learn to tackle these emotions.” – Dalai Lama

“Letting yourself be overtaken by negative emotions leads to suffering. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the shortcomings of an unruly, undisciplined mind. If you train your mind, you’ll suffer less.” – Dalai Lama

“The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.” – Dalai Lama

“It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” – Dalai Lama

“There is a saying in Tibetan, ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.’ No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.” – Dalai Lama

“When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways–either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits or by using the challenge to find our inner strength.” – Dalai Lama

“Hard times build determination and inner strength. Through them, we can also come to appreciate the uselessness of anger. Instead of getting angry, nurture a deep caring and respect for troublemakers because by creating such trying circumstances, they provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience.” – Dalai Lama

“I believe that happiness can be achieved through training the mind.” – Dalai Lama

“Neither a space station nor an enlightened mind can be realized in a day.” – Dalai Lama

“Just as we employ physical hygiene to protect our health, we need emotional hygiene, the means to tackle our destructive emotions, if we are to achieve peace of mind.” – Dalai Lama

“Forget the failures. Keep the lessons.” – Dalai Lama

“When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.” – Dalai Lama

“Time passes unhindered. When we make mistakes, we cannot turn the clock back and try again. All we can do is use the present well.” – Dalai Lama

“In our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.” – Dalai Lama

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” – Dalai Lama

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” – Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama Quotes on Overcoming Materialism, Anger, and One’s Ego

“Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.” – Dalai Lama

“Scientists have shown that where constant anger and hatred undermine our immune systems, compassion strengthens our general well-being. To live more peacefully and joyfully in our day-to-day lives, we need a warm heart.” – Dalai Lama

“Violence derives from anger, and anger clouds, our ability to think straight and properly assess what is happening.” – Dalai Lama

“In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves. When we worry less about ourselves, an experience of our own suffering is less intense.” – Dalai Lama

“The more time you spend thinking about yourself, the more suffering you will experience.” – Dalai Lama

“When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, ‘Oh yes – I already have everything that I really need.’” – Dalai Lama

“A sense of contentment is crucial to being happy. Physical health, material wealth, and friends contribute to this, but contentment governs our relations with them all.” – Dalai Lama

“We seek happiness in external things without realizing that they don’t help when we have problems within. We need to focus instead on the joy that comes with peace of mind that allows us to remain happy, whatever happens.” – Dalai Lama

“Anger and aggression sometimes seem to be protective because they bring energy to bear on a particular situation, but what needs to be acknowledged is that that energy is blind. It takes a calm mind to be able to consider things from different angles and points of view.” – Dalai Lama

“Instead of trying to resolve our differences by force, we must talk and enter into dialogue. This is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom — a realistic approach.” – Dalai Lama

“A spoon cannot taste of the food it carries. Likewise, a foolish man cannot understand the wise man’s wisdom even if he associates with a sage.” – Dalai Lama

“When we are caught up in a destructive emotion, we lose one of our greatest assets: our independence.” – Dalai Lama

“We need to learn to want what we have, not to have what we want, in order to get stable and steady happiness.” – Dalai Lama

“No material object, however beautiful or valuable, can make us feel loved.” – Dalai Lama

“The kind of behavior that really is spiritual practice consists of refraining from falsehood and abiding by the truth, neither humiliating nor mocking others, being humble, and having a good heart and helping others.” – Dalai Lama

“In this century, we have made remarkable material progress, but basically we are the same as we were thousands of years ago. Our spiritual needs are still very great.” – Dalai Lama

“Instead of looking to blame others and the world around us, we should first look within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama

Wise Dalai Lama Quotes on Life, Gratitude, and Happiness

“In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.” – Dalai Lama

“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.” – Dalai Lama

“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others; I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” – Dalai Lama

“If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry.” – Dalai Lama

“Given the scale of life in the cosmos, one human life is no more than a tiny blip. Each one of us is a just visitor to this planet, a guest, who will only stay for a limited time. What greater folly could there be than to spend this short time alone, unhappy, or in conflict with our companions? Far better, surely, to use our short time here in living a meaningful life, enriched by our sense of connection with others and being of service to them.” – Dalai Lama

“All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction.” – Dalai Lama

“When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.” – Dalai Lama

“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.” – Dalai Lama

“Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.” – Dalai Lama

“An open heart is an open mind.” – Dalai Lama

“Develop the heart. Too much energy in your country is spent developing the mind instead of the heart.” – Dalai Lama

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.” – Dalai Lama

“Happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.” – Dalai Lama

“Let us reflect what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that.” – Dalai Lama

“If someone does not smile at you, be generous, and offer your own smile. Nobody needs a smile more than the one that cannot smile to others.” – Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama Quotes on love and compassion

“Consider carefully what prevents you from living the way you want to live your life?” – Dalai Lama quotes

“Silence is sometimes the best answer.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday, and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to love, believe, do, and mostly live.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“Sometimes, one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“You have to start giving first and expect absolutely nothing.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.” – Dalai Lama quotes

Dalai Lama Quotes on Religion

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“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.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“Love, kindness, compassion, and tolerance are qualities common to all the great religions. Regardless of whether we follow any particular religious tradition, the benefits of love and kindness are obvious to anyone.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“I am a man of religion, but religion alone cannot answer all our problems.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“Open-minded people tend to be interested in Buddhism because Buddha urged people to investigate things – he didn’t just command them to believe.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“As long as we observe love for others and respect for their rights and dignity in our daily lives, then whether we are learned or unlearned, whether we believe in the Buddha or God, follow some religion or none at all, as long as we have compassion for others and conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense of responsibility, there is no doubt we will be happy.” – Dalai Lama quotes

“My main hope is eventually, in modern education field, introduce education about warmheartedness, not based on religion, but based on common experience and a common sort of sense, and then scientific finding.” – Dalai Lama quotes

–