Sometimes we read a quotation in an image on Facebook or in a tweet that is being shared, and we glance at it, smile or nod, and pass it along without really taking time to absorb the meaning or see where we might apply it in our habitual actions.
However, when we pause and reflect on a quote that catches our attention, we allow ourselves to learn from its simple wisdom. This is how we grow, how we start making choices that are better, how we slowly but surely create better results in our lives and impact others around us in a positive way.
Here are 10 quotations from the Dalai Lama on various topics:
ANGER & HATRED “Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.”
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL “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.”
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTION “Instead of wondering WHY this is happening to you, consider why this is happening to YOU.”
COMPASSION “You must not hate those who do wrong or harmful things; but with compassion, you must do what you can to stop them — for they are harming themselves, as well as those who suffer from their actions.”
ENEMIES “I defeat my enemies when I make them my friends.”
KNOWLEDGE “Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.”
LOOK TO EACH DAY “Let us try to recognize the precious nature of each day.”
SUCCESS “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.”
VIOLENCE “Through violence, you may ‘solve’ one problem, but you sow the seeds for another.”
WORRY “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.”