Dalai Lama

Modern education is premised strongly on materialistic values. It is vital that when educating our children's brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts, a key element of which has to be the nurturing of our compassionate nature.

Children are our greatest untapped resource.

Our planet is blessed with vast natural treasures. If we use them wisely, beginning with the elimination of militarism and war, every human being will be able to live a healthy, prosperous existence.

In order to satisfy one human stomach, so many lives are taken away. We must promote vegetarianism. It is extremely important.

The first beneficiary of compassion is always oneself. When compassion, or warmheartedness, arises in us and our focus shifts away from our own narrow self-interest, it is as if we open an inner door. It reduces fear, boosts confidence and brings us inner strength. By reducing distrust, it opens us to others and brings us a sense of connection to others, and sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Pain can change you, but that doesn't mean it has to be a bad change. Take that pain and turn it into wisdom.

Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health.

I am sometimes sad when I hear the personal stories of Tibetan refugees who have been tortured or beaten. Some irritation, some anger comes. But it never lasts long. I always try to think at a deeper level, to find ways to console.

The meaning of life is happiness.

As a human being, anger is a part of our mind. Irritation also part of our mind. But you can do - anger come, go. Never keep in your sort of - your inner world, then create a lot of suspicion, a lot of distrust, a lot of negative things, more worry.

One great question underlies our experience, whether we think about _x000D_ it or not: what is the purpose of life? From the moment of birth _x000D_ every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. _x000D_ Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affects this. _x000D_ >From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. _x000D_ Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the _x000D_ greatest degree of happiness.

The most important thing is practice in daily life; then you can _x000D_ know gradually the true value of religion. Doctrine is not meant for _x000D_ mere knowledge, but for the improvement of our minds. In order to do _x000D_ that, it must be part of our life. If you put religious doctrine in _x000D_ a building and when you leave the building depart from the practices, _x000D_ you cannot gain its value.

Today, the world is so small and so interdependent that the concept of war has become anachronistic, an outmoded approach. As a rule, we always talk about reform and changes. Among the old traditions, there are many aspects that are either ill-suited to our present reality or are counterproductive due to their shortsightedness. These, we have consigned to the dustbin of history. War too should be relegated to the dustbin of history.

Anger may bring extra energy, but it eclipses the best part of our brain: its rationality. The energy of anger is almost always unreliable.

Forget the failures. Keep the lessons.

Anger and hatred are the real enemies that we must confront and defeat, not the 'enemies' who appear from time to time in our lives.

If you are honest, truthful, and transparent, people trust you. If people trust you, you have no grounds for fear, suspicion or jealousy.

The reality today is that we are all interdependent and have to co-exist on this small planet. Therefore, the only sensible and intelligent way of resolving differences and clashes of interests, whether between individuals or nations, is through dialogue.

If one's life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements.

It is vital that when educating our children's brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts.

We have a responsibility to look after our planet. It is our only home.