Dalai Lama

I believe the purpose of life is to be happy. Happiness is not guaranteed, we have to work for it. The most important way to do this is to cultivate concern for others. That’s how to take a wise approach to our natural self-interest.

Warm Heartedness Is the Key - His Holiness the Dalai Lama explains that with a warm heart, everything looks more positive, while a self-centered mind sees only negativity and fear. Our intelligence needs a warm heart; without one, it can become dangerous. Video originally recorded on November 11, 2019.

My Mother’s Kindness - His Holiness the Dalai Lama recalls how, as a small boy in a poor village, his mother showed endless kindness and care for others, never getting angry even when he tugged her ears and shouted while she carried him on her shoulders as she worked in the fields. Video originally recorded on February 6, 2017.

When I meet people, I just think of myself as another human being, I don’t think about being a Buddhist, a Tibetan or the Dalai Lama, just a human being — I find it’s easier to make friends that way. And I find that a smile is a true expression of friendship.

The Power of Analytical Meditation - His Holiness the Dalai Lama shares how decades of analytical meditation gradually transformed his own emotions, until attachment and anger nearly disappeared. The key, he explains, is not prayer but investigation: examining different, even opposing views and making full use of our intelligence to train the mind. Video originally recorded on February 5, 2017.

The key point is to recognize that the more you care for others the greater will be your own sense of peace. It's quite clear that where there is less kindness in the world, there are more problems. When we talk about love, kindness and compassion, it's not a religious matter. It's part of the fundamental reality of relations among social creatures.

There is Real Hope - His Holiness the Dalai Lama explains why he has real hope for the future. Many of our problems are our own creation, but our basic human nature is compassionate. With genuine effort starting today, a more peaceful and compassionate world is within reach. Video originally recorded on April 27, 2017.

You are human beings, I'm a human being; you want a happy life, and I want a happy life. But I think that aim will not be fulfilled only on the basis of material values; what we all want is affection and what we all need is to be more warm-hearted.

Spiritual Practice in Daily Life - His Holiness the Dalai Lama explains that spiritual practice can be part of our everyday life. It does not depend on being in a special room, having sacred objects, or simply sitting quietly. If we do our work honestly and with compassion, that itself can be a spiritual practice. Video originally recorded on February 5, 2017.

What is important is not so much how long you live as whether you live a meaningful life. This doesn’t mean accumulating money and fame, but being of service to your fellow human beings. It means helping others if you can, but even if you can’t do that, at least not harming them.

The Holy Whip - His Holiness the Dalai Lama humorously recalls the "holy" whip his tutor kept to encourage him to study. A lazy and reluctant student then — but the knowledge turned out very useful. Video originally recorded on June 9, 2018.

The more you help others the calmer your mind will be. You will be able to overcome misdeeds committed in relation to others. Familiarizing your mind with kindness and compassion yields peace of mind, which makes you happier and even improves your physical health.

A Simple Buddhist Monk - His Holiness the Dalai Lama shares, with a smile, his own source of encouragement as a simple Buddhist monk. Video originally recorded on March 27, 2019.

When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us. Love and compassion are essential to our survival, not luxuries.

Inner Richness is Real Wealth - His Holiness the Dalai Lama describes warm-heartedness as our inner richness — the real wealth money cannot provide. A compassionate mind reduces anger and jealousy, the destroyers of our inner peace. Without that inner richness, even plenty of money brings little meaning. A happy life, family, and humanity all depend on the wealth we carry within. Video originally recorded on October 15, 2016.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama enjoying the sunshine outside his residence, Shewatsel Phodrang, on the final full day of his two-and-a-half-month stay in Leh, Ladakh, India, on September 3, 2026. (Photo by Ven Tenzin Jamphel)

Warm-heartedness. Even animals appreciate it. If you are motivated by loving kindness, it will be reflected in the happy expression on your face. Real beauty is inner beauty.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Offers Special Prayers for Victims of Recent Flash Floods in the Tibet-Nepal Border Region during the Long LIfe Offering Ceremony held at Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh, India.

Education With Warm Heartedness - His Holiness the Dalai Lama explains that a good education has to go hand in hand with a kind and open heart — knowledge alone isn't enough to build a good life. Video originally recorded on December 7, 2018.

Concern yourselves more with the needs of others, with the needs of all humanity, and you'll have peace of mind. Selfishness creates a distance between us and other people, leading to suspicion and mistrust, ultimately resulting in loneliness. Think of others' well-being and you’ll be happy.