A biography for Dalai Lamahasn’t been written yet.
“The Chinese government wants me to say that for many centuries Tibet has been part of China. Even if I make that statement, many people would just laugh. And my statement will not change past history. History is history.”
“I always believe the rule by king or official leader is outdated. Now we must catch up with the modern world.”
“Physical comforts cannot subdue mental suffering, and if we look closely, we can see that those who have many possessions are not necessarily happy. In fact, being wealthy often brings even more anxiety.”
“In most cases, my visits to the West are for promotion of human values and religious harmony.”
“The Dalai Lama is just a temporal leader of Tibet.”
“When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.”
“I describe myself as a simple Buddhist monk. No more, no less.”
“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.”
“Generally speaking, if a human being never shows anger, then I think something's wrong. He's not right in the brain.”
“I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.”
“Some scientists believe climate change is the cause of unprecedented melting of the North Pole, and that effects these very uncertain weather patterns. I think we should listen to those scientists and experts.”
“More compassionate mind, more sense of concern for other's well-being, is source of happiness.”
“Because of lack of moral principle, human life becomes worthless. Moral principle, truthfulness, is a key factor. If we lose that, then there is no future.”
“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.”
“One thing I want to make clear, as far as my own rebirth is concerned, the final authority is myself and no one else, and obviously not China's Communists.”
“I felt we must separate political responsibility. The Dalai Lama should not carry that burden. So that is my selfish reason - to protect the old Dalai Lama tradition. It is safer without political involvement.”
“Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.”
“Even when we have physical hardships, we can be very happy.”
“All religions try to benefit people, with the same basic message of the need for love and compassion, for justice and honesty, for contentment.”