Beneath the differences of human culture and traditions, wise leaders and teachers recognize the presence of one universal love – a force that propels each of us towards what we are capable of becoming in this life.

Spiritual leader Tenzin Gyatso, better known as the 14th Dalai Lama, has promoted peace and understanding as pathways towards universal love for as long as he has been teaching in the West. Below are some of his cherished bits of advice, gleaned from his heart’s wisdom and shared in hope of freedom from suffering for all living beings:

The Dalai Lama on Compassion

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

When we realize how deeply our lives are connected to those around us, we also realize that our happiness is not dependent on ourselves alone, but rather on a shared, positive, and healthy bond with everyone we interact with each day.

The Dalai Lama on Kindness

This is my simple religion. No need for temples. No need for complicated philosophy. Your own mind, your own heart is the temple. Your philosophy is simple kindness.

Kindness does not have to mean life-changing actions of charity or selflessness – instead, we can adopt a humble spirit of helpfulness in each small action that we do. Simply considering the needs of others as we move through the world can make a huge difference in our lives.

The Dalai Lama on Patience

Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.

Part of having a healthy relationship with ourselves means being patient through phases of growth and personal evolution. Getting what we think we need right away doesn’t always help us grow as much as learning to hope and wait for good things to happen in their natural time.

Reflection

Philosophies of love and kindness are not just ideas. They are practices we can put to use every day of our lives.