Cultivating care and concern for others gives rise to a kind of inner strength. No matter what difficulties or problems you face, in this wider context they’ll seem less significant and troubling to you. The inner strength, self-confidence and courage you gain by focussing on others’ needs instead of your own, brings with it a deep, calm sense of satisfaction.
Interpretation
Caring for others enhances our inner strength and perspective, making challenges appear less daunting.
This quote by the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of cultivating compassion for others as a means of developing personal resilience. By focusing on the needs of those around us, we not only foster deeper connections but also gain valuable inner strength and self-confidence, which help us navigate our own difficulties with a calmer and more satisfying mindset.
In practice
During a speech about community service, I quoted the Dalai Lama to inspire volunteers.
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.
Material 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.
It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.
Memory is the treasure house of the mind wherein the monuments thereof are kept and preserved.
You are good when you are fully awake in your speech, Yet you are not evil when you sleep while your tongue staggers without purpose. And even stumbling speech may strengthen a weak tongue.
Next to a battle lost, the greatest misery is a battle gained.
When the basis for your actions is inner alignment with the present moment, your actions become empowered by the intelligence of life itself.
Making mistakes is human ... repeating 'em is too.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.