10 lessons we can all learn from the Dalai Lama
For nearly 60 years, the Dalai Lama has been providing inspiration and spiritual guidance to millions – whether or not they’re followers of Buddhism. As the current Dalai Lama approaches his 82nd birthday, we decided to take a look back at some lessons we can all learn a thing or two from.
1. You are the architect of your own happiness – “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”
2. Anyone can change the world – “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
3. Never let your pain crush you – “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.”
4. Nurture your relationships – “Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.”
5. Fight hate with love – “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.”
6. Don’t be afraid to take a risk – “Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.”
7. Wake up happy every day – “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.”
8. There’s no point in worrying – “If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying.”
9. We all must follow our own path – “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”
10. Make meaningfulness a priority – “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.”
Which of these quotes inspired you the most? Let us know in the comments below.