HHDL engaged in his morning meditation practice at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India. (Photo by Tenzin Jamphel) https://t.co/g1Tk5OdV6T

Everyone wants to live in a peaceful world, but it’s necessary to understand that what destroys peace is anger and hatred. This is why the long term goal is to create inner peace within individuals, so contributing to a more compassionate humanity.

The direction of our lives needs to be positive. We weren’t born to cause trouble or do harm to others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop good human qualities – warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life will become meaningful and more peaceful – happier.

We all have a responsibility to educate our human brothers and sisters. Inner values are the ultimate source of happiness, not money and weapons, whether you’re talking about individuals or the whole of humanity.

Even though our society doesn’t emphasize it, the most crucial use of knowledge and education is to understand the importance of more wholesome action and disciplining the mind—essentially the development of a good heart.

HHDL talks about the need for universal responsibility, for the whole of humanity to learn to live happily together. https://t.co/l34xxzMEAC

The direction of our lives needs to be positive. We weren’t born to cause trouble or do harm to others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop good human qualities – warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life will become meaningful and more peaceful – happier.

It can sometimes seem as if one person will not be very effective. However, change in the world always begins with an individual who shares what he or she has learned and passes it on to others.

As soon as I wake up, I think about altruism. I reflect on the verse that says, "So long as space remains, I will remain in order to serve sentient beings." This gives me inner strength and determination, so there’s no longer any danger of destructive emotions arising.

Helping others brings deep satisfaction. No matter how powerful we may seem to be, our survival depends on the community. Clearly the community is crucial to individual happiness, so if we make others happy, we too derive benefit.

Peace in the world depends on peace within. If we have that we’ll approach problems in a spirit of dialogue, compassion and respect for the rights of others—always a better solution than resorting to a use of weapons and force. External disarmament depends on inner disarmament.

We should show one another love and help each another. It is a mistake to pursue happiness and to seek to the avoid suffering by deceiving and humiliating other people. We must try to achieve happiness and eliminate suffering by being generous and warm-hearted.

Since we desire the happiness that comes from having a calm mind, and such peace of mind arises only from having a compassionate attitude, we must make a concerted effort to develop compassion. We must use all the events of our daily life to transform our thoughts and behavior.

Education today needs to include principles such as compassion and non-violence. What’s more, since we are missing something if we are physically fit, but full of anger and anxiety, we need to learn about emotional hygiene, tackling destructive emotions to find peace of mind.

Like anyone else, I too have anger in me. However, I try to recall that anger is a destructive emotion. Scientists say anger is bad for our health; it eats into our immune system. It destroys our peace of mind. We shouldn't welcome it or think of it as natural or as a friend.

We are social animals. If someone is angry with you, it’s important to remain warm-hearted towards them. Today’s enemy may become tomorrow’s friend. If they behave negatively towards you and you are hostile in return there’ll be no end to the trouble between you.

In seeking to find the source of happiness within us, we need a map of our mind and emotions. We need to understand how to manage our emotions, how to counter those that are negative and cultivate those that are positive. That is the way to find peace within.

The problems humanity faces today demand a positive mental attitude and a sense of compassion for others. I firmly believe we can solve the majority of our problems by developing a sense of universal responsibility—wanting to do something for others without a selfish motive.

HHDL looking out over Kangra Valley during a break from monsoon rains at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India. (Photo by Tenzin Jamphel) https://t.co/2cIgmYAjD0

HHDL’s message for the International Religious Freedom Summit 2021 held in Washington DC, USA on July 13-15, 2021. https://t.co/PTtXoEp6k5