Skip to content

Action Quote by Dalai Lama

“It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act. There are two aspects to action. One is to overcome the distortions and afflictions of your own mind, that is, in terms of calming and eventually dispelling anger. This is action out of compassion. The other is more social, more public. When…” quote by Dalai Lama
Download Open image
“It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act. There are two aspects to action. One is to overcome the distortions and afflictions of your own mind, that is, in terms of calming and eventually dispelling anger. This is action out of compassion. The other is more social, more public. When something needs to be done in the world to rectify the wrongs, if one is really concerned with benefitting others, one needs to be engaged, involved.”

Dalai Lama

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public address on compassion and action, 2000s

Compassion must be paired with personal inner work and active social engagement to effect change.

In simple terms: Compassion needs inner calm and outward action.

Key Takeaway

Combine inner peace with social involvement.

Themes

compassion action social responsibility

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • community service
  • activism
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

mindfulness ethical engagement

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance inner calm with external activism?
  • What obstacles arise when acting on compassion?
A Different Perspective

Inner work alone cannot solve external problems.

2.2 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Dalai Lama

Explore all 1,406 Dalai Lama quotes

More Action quotes

Browse all 14,943 Action quotes