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The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and of Tibetan Buddhism. He is not only revered by Tibetans, but he has attained a worldwide popularity, mainly in Western cultures. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Price.
Quotes by the 14th Dalai Lama
In my view one of his success factors is his capability to express the concept of Tibetan Buddhism in a few simple words that can be understood by everyone. Take the quotes of the Dalai Lama and you know the essentials of Buddhism.
The Concept of Compassion
For the historical Buddha Sakyamuni (circa 563-483) human suffering and how to overcome it was the central issue. Buddhists think that suffering can be overcome by enlightenment. And the path to enlightenment can be reached by compassion. By exerting compassion towards other humans and beings one reaches a level of a happier life.
"Try to help others. And if you cannot help them, at least do not harm them."
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."
"The purpose of life is to be happy."
"It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come."
Kharma
The concept of Buddhism sees the individual's actions and behavior as the only source for one's own fate and for the condition of this world. Your life is not predefined or controlled by a supernatural force (a God), but the individual alone is responsible for his fate and that of others.
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. "
"The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis. "
Buddhism as a Philosophy
Buddhists do not believe in an all mighty God. Therefore Buddhism is regarded by many more a philosophy than a religion.
"If you have a particular faith or religion, that is good. But you can survive without it."
"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness. "
Dieter Wanczura, in May 2010.
