So long as we are human we need compassion. Compassion brings inner peace and whatever else is going on, that peace of mind allows us to see the whole picture more clearly. So, in our education we need lessons about developing warmheartedness and finding inner peace. I’m convinced that today’s young people can achieve a more peaceful world if they cultivate that as their vision and begin to work towards it now.
We will only make the 21st century an era of peace on the basis of inner peace. However, we won’t overcome anger and establish peace of mind just by praying for it. An outbreak of fire will not be quenched by prayer alone, it’s far more important to prevent its breaking out in the first place.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama playfully posing with Muslim leaders from Turtuk who came to meet him on the final day of his teachings in Disket, Nubra Valley, J&K, India on July 13, 2017. (Photo by Tenzin Choejor)
I don’t like formality. There’s no formality when we’re born and none when we die. In between we should treat each other as brothers and sisters because we all want to live a happy life. This is our common purpose and our right. Nothing is guaranteed about the future, but we live in hope of being happy.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's motorcade making its way from the airport at Thoise to Disket Monastery on his arrival for a five day visit to Nubra Valley, J&K, India on July 10, 2017. (Photo by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL)
I would like to thank everyone who sent kind greetings on the occasion of my 82nd birthday and who joined in celebrating the day in many parts of the world.
As you are probably already aware, my life is guided by three principal commitments — to contribute to bringing about a more compassionate world; to encourage inter-religious harmony, and to work to preserve Tibet’s Buddhist culture, which is a culture of peace and non-violence, while also drawing attention to the need to... protect the natural environment of Tibet. Since the Tibetan Plateau is the source of Asia’s major rivers, more than one billion people depend on the water they provide.
Tibet’s Buddhist culture is derived from the traditions of India’s historic Nalanda University, which encouraged dependence on reason and logic over reliance on mere scriptural authority. It adopted an empirical approach, like science, which included a thorough knowledge of the workings of the mind and emotions that remains extremely relevant today.
These are commitments by which I abide myself, but I often ask brothers and sisters who show me affection and respect to consider joining me in upholding them.
In short, may I request you please to help others whenever you can and if for some reason you can’t do that, at least to refrain from doing anyone any harm.
With my prayers and good wishes,
The Dalai Lama
Leh, Ladakh, 9 July 2017
His Holiness the Dalai Lama cutting his birthday cake during celebrations in honor of his 82nd birthday at the Shiwatsel teaching ground in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India on July 6, 2017. (Photo by Tenzin Choejor)
From birth, we all want to live a happy life and that is our right. However, many share the view that our existing education systems are inadequate when it comes to preparing people to be more compassionate—one of the conditions for being happy. As a human brother I’m committed to letting people know that we all possess the seeds of love and compassion. Having a smart brain is not enough; we also need a warm heart.
If something is worth doing, do it. If, in fact, you fail, there’ll be no cause for regret. You can try again. To die without even having tried, will be to die disappointed. We all have opportunities to contribute making a better world; we must seize them with far-sighted vision. I’m encouraged that so many people are becoming interested in the well-being of humanity. This is surely a sign of hope.
Forest Whitaker and His Holiness the Dalai Lama after taking part in a panel discussion on compassion in Minneapolis, MN, USA on June 23, 2017. (Photo by Jeremy Russell/OHHDL)
I believe we 7 billion human beings are brothers and sisters. We are all born the same way and are raised in the warmth of our parents’ and particularly our mothers’ affection. Loving kindness doesn’t come about because of religion; scientists say that basic human nature is compassionate. This is a sign of hope, if we apply our marvellous intelligence and nurture it properly.
What is important is not so much how long you live as whether you live a meaningful life. This doesn’t mean accumulating money and fame, but being of service to your fellow human beings. It means helping others if you can, but even if you can’t do that, at least not harming them.
Dalai Lama was live.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivers the keynote address at University of California San Diego's commencement ceremony in San Diego, California on June 17, 2017
Dalai Lama was live.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives a talk on "Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World" followed by questions from the audience at RIMAC Field, University of California San Diego in San Diego, California, USA on June 16th, 2017.
So long as we are human we need compassion. Compassion brings inner peace and whatever else is going on, that peace of mind allows us to see the whole picture more clearly. So, in our education we need lessons about developing warmheartedness and finding inner peace. I’m convinced that today’s young people can achieve a more peaceful world if they cultivate that as their vision and begin to work towards it now.
If human society loses the value of justice, the value of compassion, the value of honesty, the next generation will face greater difficulties and more suffering. Therefore, although bringing about inner change is difficult, it is absolutely worthwhile to try. What is important is to try our best. Even if we do not achieve what we want, at least we will have made the attempt on the basis of love and less selfishness.