The Secret to Happiness? Be Warm-Hearted

I am fascinated by Tenzin Gyatso, better known as the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. As the first Dalai Lama to travel out of Tibet, he has become an ambassador for Buddhism worldwide. In this respect, he reminds me of Pope John Paul II, who was the most widely-travelled pope and did much to spread the message of Catholic Christianity.

What strikes me most about the Dalai Lama is his humility and cheerfulness. Contrasted with the gravitas and self-importance of so many world leaders, this is a refreshing change and shows us what spirituality is really all about.

Here is a video that gives you a feel of what the Dalai Lama is like. It’s about 9 minutes long and except for the interviewer referring to him as the ‘Dali Lama’ throughout, provides a varied and interesting overview of the man and his beliefs.

In this interview, the Dalai Lama gave a simple answer to the question of how to be happy: “Be warm-hearted. Compassion gives you inner strength. More self-control. That really changes your attitude.”

Wow, such a simple answer, and one that rings true. The entire video shows him as the embodiment of warm-heartedness. He is one of those personalities that makes you comfortable and at ease in their presence – a sign of true compassion.

The Dalai Lama’s views

On happiness

“I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principal source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.”

On religion

“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”

On economics

“Of all the modern economic theories, the economic system of Marxism is founded on moral principles, while capitalism is concerned only with gain and profitability. Marxism is concerned with the distribution of wealth on an equal basis and the equitable utilization of the means of production. It is also concerned with the fate of the working classes—that is, the majority—as well as with the fate of those who are underprivileged and in need, and Marxism cares about the victims of minority-imposed exploitation. For those reasons the system appeals to me, and it seems fair.

The failure of the regime in the former Soviet Union was, for me, not the failure of Marxism but the failure of totalitarianism. For this reason I still think of myself as half-Marxist, half-Buddhist.”

On sexuality

“If someone comes to me and asks whether homosexuality is okay or not, I will ask ‘What is your companion’s opinion?’. If you both agree, then I think I would say ‘if two males or two females voluntarily agree to have mutual satisfaction without further implication of harming others, then it is okay’”

On friendship

“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.”

More information about His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be found on his official homepage. Other wise quotes by the Dalai Lama are available at I Need Motivation.

Share
If you like this post please share it using the button above, thanks!

You can subscribe for free updates by RSS or Email.

One Response to “The Secret to Happiness? Be Warm-Hearted”

  1. Fellowship Friday: Helping Others is Easier than it Seems | Quest for Balance
    April 17th, 2009 @ 4:31 pm

    [...] 4.  From Daphne, at Joyful Days: The Secret To Happiness? Be Warm-Hearted [...]

Leave a Reply