It is not just a person's physical constitution, their intellegence, their education, or even their social conditioning that enables them to withstand hardship. Much more significant is their inner development. And while some may be able to survive through sheer willpower, the ones who suffer the least are those who have a high degree of patience and courage in the face of adversity.
Interpretation
Inner development and qualities like patience and courage are crucial for enduring hardship.
This quote by the Dalai Lama emphasizes that overcoming difficulties is not solely reliant on external factors such as physical strength, intelligence, or education. Instead, it suggests that an individual's inner qualities, particularly patience and courage, play a far more significant role in how one navigates through adversity, leading to a more resilient and compassionate approach to life's challenges.
In practice
During a motivational talk about resilience in tough times.
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.
We may fight terrorism through brute force, but the terror that is unleashed in the name of religion can only be challenged through moral courage.
In just one year in Bosnia, thirty of my colleagues died. There is a little Somme waiting for all innocent journalists.
Usually, when people talk about the "strength" of black women . . . . they ignore the reality that to be strong in the face of oppression is not the same as overcoming oppression, that endurance is not to be confused with transformation.
At some point, you just pull off the Band-Aid, and it hurts, but then it's over and you're relieved.
No other offense has ever been visited with such severe penalties as seeking to help the oppressed.
I feel like young girls are told, I don’t know, that they have to be this kind of princess and fragile. It’s bullshit. I identify much more with being a warrior, a fighter. If I was going to be a princess I’d be a warrior princess definitely.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.