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Character Quote by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“With a determination to achieve the highest aim For the benefit of all sentient beings, Which surpasses even the wish-fulfilling gem, May I hold them dear at all times. Whenever I interact with someone, May I view myself as the lowest amongst all, And, from the very depths of my heart…” quote by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
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““With a determination to achieve the highest aim For the benefit of all sentient beings, Which surpasses even the wish-fulfilling gem, May I hold them dear at all times. Whenever I interact with someone, May I view myself as the lowest amongst all, And, from the very depths of my heart, Respectfully hold others as superior. In all my deeds may I probe into my mind, And as soon as mental and emotional afflictions arise – As they endanger myself and others – May I strongly confront them and avert them. When I see beings of unpleasant character Oppressed by strong negativity and suffering, May I hold them dear – for they are rare to find – As if I have discovered a jewel treasure! When others, out of jealously Treat me wrongly with abuse, slander, and scorn, May I take upon myself the defeat And offer to others the victory. When someone whom I have helped, Or in whom I have placed great hopes, Mistreats me in extremely hurtful ways, May I regard him still as my precious teacher. In brief, may I offer benefit and joy To all my mothers, both directly and indirectly, May I quietly take upon myself All hurts and pains of my mothers. May all this remain undefiled By the stains of the eight mundane concerns; And may I, recognizing all things as illusion, Devoid of clinging, be released from bondage.””

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

About This Quote

Source Prayer: Compassionate Commitment, modern Buddhist practice

A vow to place others above oneself, confront inner afflictions, and serve all beings with humility and compassion.

In simple terms: Put others first, face inner challenges, help all beings.

Key Takeaway

Practice selfless compassion daily.

Themes

compassion humility service mindfulness interdependence

Mood

reflective serene

Type

spiritual ethical

When to use this quote

  • caregiving
  • conflict resolution
  • leadership
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

Buddhist ethics self‑transcendence emotional regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance self‑care with self‑less service?
  • What inner obstacles hinder your compassion?
A Different Perspective

Idealism may clash with personal limits.

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