"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness."

Philosophy

Create & Download Quote Graphic

Customize Image

1. Canvas Aspect Ratio

2. Palette Theme

Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Philosophy as articulated by Dalai Lama. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Philosophy provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

Explore all Philosophy quotes → Browse all wisdom by Dalai Lama →

About Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism. The term is part of the full title "Holiness Knowing Everything Vajradhara Dalai Lama" given by Altan Khan. He offered it in appreciation to the Gelug school's then-leader, Sonam Gyatso, who received the title in 1578 at Yanghua Monastery. At that time, Sonam Gyatso had just given teachings to the Khan, and so the title of Dalai Lama was also given to the entire tulku lineage. Sonam Gyatso became the 3rd Dalai Lama, while the first two tulkus in the lineage, the 1st Dalai Lama and the 2nd Dalai Lama, were posthumously awarded the title.

View all quotes by Dalai Lama →
Editorial Integrity: Curated and fact-checked under our Editorial Standards to eliminate misattributions and preserve historical authenticity.
Learn about our methodology →

More by Dalai Lama

"When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others."

— Dalai Lama
Read more →

"I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warmheartedness we take for granted."

— Dalai Lama
Read more →

"Even when a person has all of life's comforts - good food, good shelter, a companion - he or she can still become unhappy when encountering a tragic situation."

— Dalai Lama
Read more →

"In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision."

— Dalai Lama
Read more →

More about Philosophy

"It's so clear that you have to cherish everyone. I think that's what I get from these older black women, that every soul is to be cherished, that every flower Is to bloom."

— Alice Walker
Read more →

"Comedy is so subjective. You could be in a room with 400 people laughing at a joke and you could just not think it's funny. You're just sitting there like, 'Am I in the twilight zone? Why is everyone laughing?' It's such a personal thing. People have such a personal visceral response to comedy."

— Todd Phillips
Read more →

"With the other fellow actors who have gone astray, I think it's sad that society wants to label the business as doing this to people. It's really not true."

— Tina Yothers
Read more →

"For art to exist, for any sort of aesthetic activity to exist, a certain physiological precondition is indispensable: intoxication."

— Friedrich Nietzsche
Read more →
Browse all Philosophy quotes →