Author of quotes: The Dalai Lama

People in one culture may find food disgusting that is considered a delicacy in another culture. We can even “develop a taste” for food by learning how to enjoy something we previously considered unappetizing. All this reveals to us the fact that such a reaction is our subjective projection and the basis for it does not exist by itself in any of the objects we perceive.

I firmly believe that we can only create peace on Earth if we find it in our souls.

It is much better to cleanse your heart and show its purity than to decorate yourself with cosmetics.

It is very important for us, as sentient and intelligent beings, to constantly check and examine ourselves, to see how we live every moment of our lives.

We must learn to forgive ourselves. Say this: “I made a mistake in the past, but it won’t happen again. I’m human, so I’m capable of correcting mistakes.” If we have lost hope, it means we have not forgiven ourselves.

Any person who is indifferent to the welfare of other people and indifferent to the causes of their future happiness can only lay the ground for his own unhappiness.

If someone thinks only about himself, without thinking about what is happening to the people around him, then he demonstrates his very narrow outlook, ossified mind and rough heart.

In fact, altruism is a wonderful source of happiness and good in our world.

We usually view people and things as good or bad according to our preferences. We call good what we like and bad what we don't like. Such assessments are generated by our mind. If beauty were inherent in specific objects, then we would all be irresistibly attracted to certain people and things.

Happiness is possible only when no amount of suffering brings us down.

If you are shackled by fears and unsure of yourself, if it seems to you that none of your undertakings will succeed, then stop for a minute and consider your condition. Try to understand why you imagine yourself a failure before you get down to business. You will not find any worthwhile reason. This difficulty originates in your way of thinking, not in the present state of affairs.

When you help someone, don't be content with just solving their immediate difficulties - for example, by giving them money. Give the person in need the means to resolve their difficulty on their own.

The best medicine is prevention. It has a direct bearing on what we eat and how we usually behave.

There is no point in living in luxury for yourself alone. Rather than spend your life wasting money on useless luxuries, better dedicate it to charity.