Thoughts from the Dalai Lama
Taken from public speeches and news reports.

Violence cannot address the real causes of terrorism. Terrorism cannot be overcome by the use of force because it does not address the complex, underlying problems. In fact, the use of force may not only fail to solve the problems, it may exacerbate them and frequently leaves destruction and suffering in its wake.

War is organized, legalized violence.

The roadblocks to a peaceful or happy twenty-first century are Western materialism and greed.

Our marvels of science and technology are matched, if not outweighed, by many current tragedies, including starvation in some parts of the world.

The concentration of wealth while others starve should be a source of shame.

There can be no peace as long as there is grinding poverty, social injustice, inequality, oppression, environmental degradation, and as long as the weak and the small continue to be trodden by the mighty and powerful.

The time has come to think more wisely, hasn't it?

The best way for people to defend themselves is through nonviolent opposition, with intelligence and the principle of justice as weapons, rather than with the blind energy of anger.

If we want a beautiful garden, we must first have a blueprint in the imagination, a vision.

If you only criticize, there won't be much effect. Go into it and try to change things within. That is the way.

Change doesn't come from the sky. It comes from human action.

Afflictive emotions -- our jealousy, anger, hatred, fear -- can be put to an end. When you realize that these emotions are only temporary, that they always pass on like clouds in the sky, you also realize they can ultimately be abandoned.

The way to overcome negative thoughts and destructive emotions is to develop opposing, positive emotions that are stronger and more powerful.

In addition to wreaking havoc on our bodies, anger closes our inner door, making us fell isolated and distrustful, hindering communication.

The only way to constructively move away from anger is to forgive.

When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain the strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.

Self-discipline is crucial to a simpler, more contented life.

Through a difficult period you can learn, you can develop inner strength, determination and courage to face the problems.

Compassion, forgiveness, these are the real, ultimate sources of power for peace and success in life.

Tolerance, patience, and courage are the signs not of failure, but of victory.

It is important not to have the unrealistic expectation that we will find a magic key to help get rid of all suffering. It takes determination, patience, and more than one week.

People are too serious. All the time, too serious.

An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful.

As long as space endures and as long as sentient beings remain, may I, too, abide to dispel the miseries of the world.