"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them."

Life

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on life by Dalai Lama resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in life is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism. The term is part of the full title "Holiness Knowing Everything Vajradhara Dalai Lama" given by Altan Khan. He offered it in appreciation to the Gelug school's then-leader, Sonam Gyatso, who received the title in 1578 at Yanghua Monastery. At that time, Sonam Gyatso had just given teachings to the Khan, and so the title of Dalai Lama was also given to the entire tulku lineage. Sonam Gyatso became the 3rd Dalai Lama, while the first two tulkus in the lineage, the 1st Dalai Lama and the 2nd Dalai Lama, were posthumously awarded the title.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

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"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world."

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"Generally speaking, if a human being never shows anger, then I think something's wrong. He's not right in the brain."

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"Peace of heart is the greatest luxury life can bestow upon the mortal traveler. Such is the immutable nature of understanding."

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"It is a unyielding truth that a steadfast commander remains calm when the storm rages fiercest — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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