Everything You Need To Know About Parenting In 9 Dalai Lama Quotes
You learn a lot in 14 lifetimes.
The Dalai Lama doesn’t have any kids, per se. But, the exiled spiritual leader and global advocate for human right does have millions of followers. So, that’s kind of like being a dad to a large chunk of the Buddhist world. And just like you, he delivers his universal message of tolerance, self-acceptance, and love with patience and a practiced calm. But unlike you, he’s never seen Caddyshack. Here are His Holiness’s words of wisdom that will take your parenting to a new spiritual plane.
On Carpe-ing Your Diem
“Every day, think as you wake up, ‘today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.’”
On Not Worrying / Being Happy
“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.”
On Dealing With A Preschooler
“Instead of getting angry, nurture a deep caring and respect for troublemakers because by creating such trying circumstances they provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience.”
On Instead Of Erecting A Monument
“Live so when your children think of fairness and integrity they think of you.”
On Teaching Your Children Well
“It is vital that when educating our children’s brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts.”
On Why Adults Are The Worst
“Look at children. Of course they may quarrel, but generally speaking they do not harbor ill feelings as much or as long as adults do. Most adults have the advantage of education over children, but what is the use of an education if they show a big smile while hiding negative feelings deep inside? Children don’t usually act in such a manner. If they feel angry with someone, they express it, and then it is finished. They can still play with that person the following day.”
On Sending Them Off To College
“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.”
On Your Next Inscription In A Valentine’s Day Card
“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.”
On Customizing Happiness
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
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