I asked the Dalai Lama what it was like to wake up with…
““I asked the Dalai Lama what it was like to wake up with joy, and he shared his experience each morning. 'I think if you are an intensely religious believer, as soon as you wake up, you thank God for another day. And you try to do God’s will. For a nontheist like myself, but who is a Buddhist, as soon as I wake up, I remember Buddha’s teaching: the importance of kindness and compassion, wishing something good for others, or at least to reduce their suffering. Then I remember that everything is interrelated, the teaching of interdependence. So then I set my intention for the day: that this day should be meaningful. Meaningful means, if possible, serve and help others. If not possible, then at least not to harm others. That’s a meaningful day.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Daily intention rooted in compassion and interdependence creates a meaningful life, regardless of belief.
In simple terms: Kindness guides daily purpose.
Key Takeaway
Practice compassion each day.
Themes
spirituality
ethics
mindfulness
Mood
inspirational
calm
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- morning routine
- volunteer work
- mindful meditation
Key Concepts
interdependence
intentional living
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you set compassionate intentions?
- What does interdependence mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Secular perspectives may find it hard to adopt religious framing.