--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Looking at the pattern of our existence…" description: "\"Looking at the pattern of our existence from birth to death, we can see the way in which we are fundamentally nurtured by other's affection.\" — Dalai Lama" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/dalai-lama-89_affection_looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence_3185153.jpg" --- # Looking at the pattern of our existence from birth to… ![“Looking at the pattern of our existence from birth to death, we can see the way in which we are fundamentally nurtured by other's affection.” quote by Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/dalai-lama-89_affection_looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence_3185153.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/dalai-lama-89_affection_looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence_3185153.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/dalai-lama-89_affection_looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence_3185153.jpg) > “Looking at the pattern of our existence from birth to death, we can see the way in which we are fundamentally nurtured by other's affection.” [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human life is shaped by the love and care we receive from others, which sustains us. **In simple terms:** We grow through others' love. Key Takeaway Cultivate and cherish affection. Themes compassion relationships growth Mood empathetic inspirational Type spiritual philosophical When to use this quote - parenting - friendship - community building - healthcare Key Concepts psychology social bonding interdependence Questions to Reflect On - What role does self‑compassion play? - How can we give love back? A Different Perspective Overreliance on external affection can hinder self‑reliance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Affection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/affection/) [Birth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/birth/) [Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) [Existence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existence/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Patterns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patterns/) ## Related quotes > [“All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in doing this they have what ugliness is; they all know the skill…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tsu-jonathan-davis/all-in-the-world-know-the-beauty-of-the-beautiful-and-in-doing-this-2/) Lao Tsu Jonathan Davis > [“So it is that existence and non-existence give birth the one to (the idea of) the other;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/so-it-is-that-existence-and-non-existence-give-birth-the-one-to-the/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“The process of exiting life through death is the same as our existence through birth. They are both not our choices to make.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ramona-matta/the-process-of-exiting-life-through-death-is-the-same-as-our/) [Ramona Matta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ramona-matta/) > [Through constant familiarity, we can definitely establish new behavior patterns, using our tendency to form habits to our advantage. If we make a steady…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/through-constant-familiarity-we-can-definitely-establish-new-behavior/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Some scientists believe climate change is the cause of unprecedented melting of the North Pole, and that effects these very uncertain weather patterns. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/some-scientists-believe-climate-change-is-the-cause-of-unprecedented/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [True friendship develops not as a result of money or power but on the basis of genuine human affection.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/true-friendship-develops-not-as-a-result-of-money-or-power-but-on-the/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Real affection comes from the face. Those political leaders, when they meet, they are always hugging, but not very genuine. Deep, sincerity comes from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/real-affection-comes-from-the-face-those-political-leaders-when-they/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [The most important thing in life is human affection. Without it one cannot achieve genuine happiness. And if we want a happier life, a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-most-important-thing-in-life-is-human-affection-without-it-one/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [ The female biologically \[has\] more potential to show affection and compassion. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-female-biologically-has-more-potential-to-show-affection-and/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Anger, hatred and jealousy never solve problems, only affection, concern and respect can do that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/anger-hatred-and-jealousy-never-solve-problems-only-affection-concern/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I am convinced that human nature is basically affectionate and good. If our behavior follows our kind and loving nature, immense benefits will result,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-am-convinced-that-human-nature-is-basically-affectionate-and-good/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There are a number of qualities which are important for mental peace, but from the little experience I have, I believe that one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-are-a-number-of-qualities-which-are-important-for-mental-peace/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [“Talent is like a little seed; when nurtured, it will flourish.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/talent-is-like-a-little-seed-when-nurtured-it-will-flourish/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [We're all nurtured by mother nature's cycles and seasons.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/costa-georgiadis/we-re-all-nurtured-by-mother-nature-s-cycles-and-seasons/) [Costa Georgiadis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/costa-georgiadis/) > [A good, finished scandal, fully armed and equipped, such as circulates in the world, is rarely the production of a single individual, or even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophie-swetchine/a-good-finished-scandal-fully-armed-and-equipped-such-as-circulates/) [Sophie Swetchine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophie-swetchine/) ## More by Dalai Lama > [Although under particular circumstances, the violence method - any method - can be justified, nevertheless once you commit violence, then counterviolence will be returned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/although-under-particular-circumstances-the-violence-method-any/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There are a number of qualities which are important for mental peace, but from the little experience I have, I believe that one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-are-a-number-of-qualities-which-are-important-for-mental-peace/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [In the interests of everyone the artist had a responsibility to use his medium well. In the Tibetan culture, most of the paintings are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/in-the-interests-of-everyone-the-artist-had-a-responsibility-to-use/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [If the mind is dominated by hatred, the best part of the brain, which is used to judge right and wrong, does not function…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/if-the-mind-is-dominated-by-hatred-the-best-part-of-the-brain-which/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [More compassionate mind, more sense of concern for other's well-being, is source of happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/more-compassionate-mind-more-sense-of-concern-for-other-s-well-being/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Everybody loves to talk about calmness and peace, whether in a family, national, or international context, but without inner peace how can we make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/everybody-loves-to-talk-about-calmness-and-peace-whether-in-a-family/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [The only "definitive truth" for Buddhism is the absolute negation of any one truth as the Definitive Truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-only-definitive-truth-for-buddhism-is-the-absolute-negation-of/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We can change society, change humanity by changing ourselves as individuals. By cultivating inner values, we can change our own lives and those of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-can-change-society-change-humanity-by-changing-ourselves-as/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I don't want to convert people to Buddhism — all major religions, when understood properly, have the same potential for good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-don-t-want-to-convert-people-to-buddhism-all-major-religions-when/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There is no way to escape death, it is just like trying to escape by four great mountains touching sky. There is no escape…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-is-no-way-to-escape-death-it-is-just-like-trying-to-escape-by/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We live within the environment. So that directly relates with our survival, our life. So through that way, more concern of well being of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-live-within-the-environment-so-that-directly-relates-with-our/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [My belief is that the various religious traditions have great potential to increase compassion, the sense of caring for one another, and the spirit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/my-belief-is-that-the-various-religious-traditions-have-great/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [When we think carefully, we see that the brief elation we experience when appeasing sensual impulses may not be very different from what the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/when-we-think-carefully-we-see-that-the-brief-elation-we-experience/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [“So let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/so-let-us-reflect-on-what-is-truly-of-value-in-life-what-gives/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I am the source of my own suffering, because of the habits of my mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-am-the-source-of-my-own-suffering-because-of-the-habits-of-my-mind/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) [Explore all 1,406 Dalai Lama quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## More Affection quotes > [My team and I have reunited two elements that coexist with diffiulty: respect and affection, because when they love you they don't respect you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shakira/my-team-and-i-have-reunited-two-elements-that-coexist-with-diffiulty/) [Shakira](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shakira/) > [Needs cause motivation. Deep-rooted desires for esteem, affection, belonging, achievement, self-actualization, power, and control motivate us to push for what we want and need…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lorii-myers/needs-cause-motivation-deep-rooted-desires-for-esteem-affection/) [Lorii Myers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorii-myers/) > [“It is to build a house with affection, even as if your beloved were to dwell in that house.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kahlil-gibran/it-is-to-build-a-house-with-affection-even-as-if-your-beloved-were-to/) [Kahlil Gibran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kahlil-gibran/) > [In this choice of inheritance we have given to our frame of polity the image of a relation in blood; binding up the constitution…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edmund-burke/in-this-choice-of-inheritance-we-have-given-to-our-frame-of-polity/) [Edmund Burke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edmund-burke/) > [I, measuring his affections by my own, Which then most sought where most might not be found, Being one too many by my weary…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/i-measuring-his-affections-by-my-own-which-then-most-sought-where/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [There are a number of qualities which are important for mental peace, but from the little experience I have, I believe that one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-are-a-number-of-qualities-which-are-important-for-mental-peace/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [A lost love. Deny it who will, ridicule it, treat it as mere imagination and sentiment, the thing is and will be; and women…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dinah-maria-murlock-craik/a-lost-love-deny-it-who-will-ridicule-it-treat-it-as-mere-imagination/) [Dinah Maria Murlock Craik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dinah-maria-murlock-craik/) > [Affection! Affection is false.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-i/affection-affection-is-false/) [Elizabeth I](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-i/) > [We are a spectacular, splendid manifestation of life. We have language. . . . We have affection. We have genes for usefulness, and usefulness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/we-are-a-spectacular-splendid-manifestation-of-life-we-have-language/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [Listen, I have a great affection and respect for Joe Biden. I think he's been a great vice president. He's taken on a lot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-axelrod/listen-i-have-a-great-affection-and-respect-for-joe-biden-i-think-he/) [David Axelrod](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-axelrod/) > [The still affection of the heart Became an outward breathing type, That into stillness past again, And left a want unknown before; Although the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-lord-tennyson/the-still-affection-of-the-heart-became-an-outward-breathing-type/) [Alfred Lord Tennyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-lord-tennyson/) > [I am persuaded that there is no affection of the human heart more exquisitely pure, than that which is felt by a grateful son…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hannah-more/i-am-persuaded-that-there-is-no-affection-of-the-human-heart-more/) [Hannah More](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hannah-more/) > [If you live in a material universe where acquiring things is very important to you, then family is an absolute deterrent to maintaining that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-taylor-gatto/if-you-live-in-a-material-universe-where-acquiring-things-is-very/) [John Taylor Gatto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-taylor-gatto/) > [Our sweetest experiences of affection are meant to be suggestions of that realm which is the home of the heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-ward-beecher/our-sweetest-experiences-of-affection-are-meant-to-be-suggestions-of/) [Henry Ward Beecher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-ward-beecher/) > [“Georgia O’Keeffe moved to rural New Mexico, from which she would sign her letters to the people she loved, “from the faraway nearby.” It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rebecca-solnit/georgia-o-keeffe-moved-to-rural-new-mexico-from-which-she-would-sign/) [Rebecca Solnit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rebecca-solnit/) [Browse all 2,465 Affection quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/affection/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Looking at the pattern of our existence from birth to death, we can see the way in which we are fundamentally nurtured by other's affection.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dalai Lama" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence-from-birth-to-death-we-can/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Affection" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence-from-birth-to-death-we-can/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/dalai-lama-89_affection_looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence_3185153.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/dalai-lama-89_affection_looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence_3185153.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05c/dalai-lama-89_affection_looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence_3185153.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Looking at the pattern of our existence from birth to death, we can see the way in which we are…” — Dalai Lama", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Dalai Lama", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Looking at the pattern of our...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence-from-birth-to-death-we-can/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/looking-at-the-pattern-of-our-existence-from-birth-to-death-we-can/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```