In our concern for others, we ...

In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves. When we worry less about ourselves an experience of our own suffering is less intense. What does this tell us? Firstly, because our every action has a universal dimension, a potential impact on others\' happiness, ethics are necessary as a means to ensure that we do not harm others. Secondly, it tells us that genuine happiness consists in those spiritual qualities of love, compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness and so on. For it is these which provide both for our happiness and others\' happiness.
In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves. When we worry less about ourselves an experience of our own suffering is less intense. What does this tell us? Firstly, because our every action has a universal dimension, a potential impact on others' happiness, ethics are necessary as a means to ensure that we do not harm others. Secondly, it tells us that genuine happiness consists in those spiritual qualities of love, compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness and so on. For it is these which provide both for our happiness and others' happiness.
 Dalai Lama

Quotes from the same author

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.
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 Dalai Lama
With the realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.
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It is difficult to achieve a spirit of genuine cooperation as long as people remain indifferent to the feelings and happiness of others.
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 Dalai Lama
There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.
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 Dalai Lama
I believe that we are fundamentally the same and have the same basic potential.
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 Dalai Lama