I think there's every reason this 21st century will be much happier.
Interpretation
The quote expresses optimism for a happier future in the 21st century.
The Dalai Lama anticipates that advancements and changes in the 21st century will lead to greater happiness among people. This implies a belief in the potential for positive societal growth and the capacity of humanity to improve its well-being through kindness, understanding, and mutual respect.
In practice
During a conference on well-being, the speaker quoted the Dalai Lama to emphasize the positive potential of the new century.
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.
Only a man who is happy can create happiness in others.
All that lives is striving for happiness; yet a thousand and one pains and fears attend upon every pleasure which man seeks through the ignorance of exclusiveness.
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
Money is the most envied, but the least enjoyed. Health is the most enjoyed, but the least envied.
Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.
Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length.
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