Compassion Is The Key To Happiness: A Dalai Lama Message

By Alex Assoune Mar 09, 2023

I believe that compassion is the key to happiness. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama also thinks that way. With a more compassionate mind, we feel better about ourselves.

The meaning of life is to attempt to be happy. The more we are compassionate, the happier we become. Luckily, compassion and human affection are already in all of us.
"We have two kinds of emotions, those that are destructive, like anger and jealousy, which destroy our peace of mind and damage our health. But we also have other constructive emotions, like compassion, that bring us inner strength. [...] When you have a more compassionate mind, everything appears to you in a more positive light. If we employ our human intelligence with warm-heartedness, it creates a happy atmosphere and fosters a happy community."

- His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
Positive and pleasant emotions appear when we feel confident, loving, and sympathetic toward other people. With the right attitude, we can live a happier and more fulfilling life.

Why is happiness so important? It gives better health, mood, and overall state of well-being. It boots, engagement, creativity, productivity, and performance.

Along with gratitude, compassion is one of the most important factors that contribute to happiness.

Yes, it's not easy at first. It takes work and perseverance. But with steady practice, we can all achieve it.

I have been following the message of the Dalai Lama for a while now. He has helped me tremendously every time I needed inspiration in my life.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He considers himself as a simple Buddhist monk. He says he is a man-made institution and a temporal ruler.

I love how optimistic he is, at the same time practical and realistic. He deeply cares for everybody. "My motivation is directed towards all sentient beings," he says.

We all want to be happy. I believe that by caring for others, we can become happier ourselves. Using our gifts and talents to help others is the ultimate form of happiness. That's what being happy is about.

Happiness comes with the personal choice to change. From having the confidence to become a better person. It brings personal enthusiasm, peace, and satisfaction.

At the same time, we create happiness for ourselves. It doesn't depend on other people. We can choose to be happy. The choice is ours.

The Dalai Lama tweeted on February 17:

"The purpose of life is to be happy. This is what all human beings have in common - the wish to lead a happy life. Many think that happiness is to be found outside us in material things, but actually, it’s something that comes from within, from warm-heartedness and concern for others."

Indeed, happiness isn't found in physical possessions. Each one of us already has the necessary abilities to become happier. We all just have to set our minds right, being more compassionate and empathetic toward others.

Loving-kindness and compassion for others creates happiness and well-being.

You are showing compassion when you are kind, caring, and willing to help others. And when we put ourselves in someone else's shoes and feel for them, we are walking along our path to happiness.

Feeling for another and the desire to alleviate another's suffering is part of human nature. Children show compassion toward other beings instinctively. Compassion is innate.

I, myself, choose to be happy every day. I try to turn negative experiences into positives ones. I desire to keep a positive mindset in the face of challenges.

I strive to find positive moments during the week. I cultivate positive thoughts. And I try to support other people as much as I can.

Compassion is one of the greatest virtues. It motivates people to go out of their way to help others. It's not a sign of weakness. It's a demonstration of inner strength and selflessness.

Do you agree with the message of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama? What is your source of happiness?

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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