Human beings are not intrinsically selfish, which isolates us from others. We are essentially social animals who depend on others to meet our needs. We achieve happiness, prosperity and progress through social interaction. Therefore, having a kind and helpful attitude contributes to our own and others' happiness.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Anger and hatred are internal struggles we need to overcome rather than focusing on external adversaries.
This quote by the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of facing our internal battles of anger and hatred, suggesting that these feelings are more detrimental to our peace of mind than the external conflicts we encounter with others. It urges us to look inward and recognize that true foes lie within ourselves, and overcoming these negative emotions is crucial for achieving personal peace and understanding.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, one could use this quote to inspire listeners to look within and address their personal conflicts rather than external challenges.
More from Dalai Lama
All quotes βMaterial objects give rise to physical happiness, while spiritual development gives rise to mental happiness. Since we experience both physical and mental happiness, we need both material and spiritual development. This is why, for our own good and that of society we need to balance material progress with inner development.
All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.
The ultimate source of a happy life is warm-heartedness. This means extending to others the kind of concern we have for ourselves. On a simple level we find that if we have a compassionate heart we naturally have more friends. And scientists today are discovering that while anger and hatred eat into our immune system, warm-heartedness and compassion are good for our health.
My religion is kindness. _x000D_ A good mind, a good heart, _x000D_ warm feelings these are _x000D_ the most important things.
If a person's basic state of mind is serene and calm, then it is possible for this inner peace to overwhelm a painful physical experience. On the other hand, if someone is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any form of emotional distress, then even if he or she happens to be enjoying physical comforts, he will not really be able to experience the happiness that these could bring.
Similar quotes
We are all jars of clay, fragile and poor, yet we carry within us an immense treasure.
Tis not where we lie but whence we fell; the loss of Heaven's the greatest pain in Hell.
Honesty is for the most par less profitable than dishonesty.
I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person.
First, we must do our own personal work, then we tend the necessary work of our family, then our community, then the world.
Do not act following customary beliefs.