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Something To Remember

When asked "What thing about humanity surprises you the most?", the Dalai Lama answered:

"Man…. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."

HT

86 responses to “Something To Remember”

  1. Holycow Avatar
    Holycow

    Genius.

  2. Holycow Avatar
    Holycow

    Genius.

  3. davidspyle Avatar
    davidspyle

    We do it only but to our selves.
    ACIM

  4. davidspyle Avatar
    davidspyle

    We do it only but to our selves.
    ACIM

  5. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    Odd, coming from a man who hasn’t worked a day in his life. Here is a man who, if he had his way, would drag Tibet back to the medieval era; a monastic oligarchy, living off the effort of the peasant class.

  6. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    Odd, coming from a man who hasn’t worked a day in his life. Here is a man who, if he had his way, would drag Tibet back to the medieval era; a monastic oligarchy, living off the effort of the peasant class.

  7. Bill Avatar
    Bill

    He “hasn’t worked a day in his life.”
    I laugh.
    You try being a political and spiritual leader in exile, loved by his people, and forced to see his homeland crushed beneath China’s Cultural Genocide, Steve-o.

  8. Bill Avatar
    Bill

    He “hasn’t worked a day in his life.”
    I laugh.
    You try being a political and spiritual leader in exile, loved by his people, and forced to see his homeland crushed beneath China’s Cultural Genocide, Steve-o.

  9. Barrett Avatar
    Barrett

    “if he had his way, would drag Tibet back to the medieval era”
    I also laugh.
    He deeply values education and advancing modern knowledge in both Tibet and India. He is a primary reason that schools in northern India teach modern science and math. In fact, he often criticizes Tibet for being so traditional. Please have some insight before you make comments.

  10. Barrett Avatar
    Barrett

    “if he had his way, would drag Tibet back to the medieval era”
    I also laugh.
    He deeply values education and advancing modern knowledge in both Tibet and India. He is a primary reason that schools in northern India teach modern science and math. In fact, he often criticizes Tibet for being so traditional. Please have some insight before you make comments.

  11. SparksFly Avatar
    SparksFly

    It’s a great quote but a stupid answer to the question. What about humanity, etc.? Man, etc. Man surprises him the most about humanity?

  12. SparksFly Avatar
    SparksFly

    It’s a great quote but a stupid answer to the question. What about humanity, etc.? Man, etc. Man surprises him the most about humanity?

  13. ELBSeattle Avatar
    ELBSeattle

    I am astonished at the dismissive nature of these comments. I have heard the Dalai Lama speak. He is one of the wisest people I have ever heard. If there is truly a holy man on this Earth it is he.

  14. ELBSeattle Avatar
    ELBSeattle

    I am astonished at the dismissive nature of these comments. I have heard the Dalai Lama speak. He is one of the wisest people I have ever heard. If there is truly a holy man on this Earth it is he.

  15. billy lovebone Avatar
    billy lovebone

    @@Steve ….people like you>>
    conservatives and republican types are the creepiest unevolved backwater primates…..to be pitied.

  16. billy lovebone Avatar
    billy lovebone

    @@Steve ….people like you>>
    conservatives and republican types are the creepiest unevolved backwater primates…..to be pitied.

  17. Rodolfo Gil Avatar
    Rodolfo Gil

    Steve. Don´t waste your time reading quotes from blessed souls. You will never understand them or the grandeur behind. When you look at the sun you probably see the dark spots not the light. Sorry for you

  18. Rodolfo Gil Avatar
    Rodolfo Gil

    Steve. Don´t waste your time reading quotes from blessed souls. You will never understand them or the grandeur behind. When you look at the sun you probably see the dark spots not the light. Sorry for you

  19. ryan Avatar
    ryan

    Steve, the Dalai lama just recently stepped down from a political position to allow a younger generation to take over. To me that sounds like he was doing some kind of work….

  20. ryan Avatar
    ryan

    Steve, the Dalai lama just recently stepped down from a political position to allow a younger generation to take over. To me that sounds like he was doing some kind of work….

  21. John Avatar
    John

    Never worked, maybe he has never had a paycheck but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t work. Drag Tibet backwards or free it from the oppression of chinese warlords.
    Get a job, worry about money, spend money on health, die, having sold your soul to the corporate agenda.

  22. John Avatar
    John

    Never worked, maybe he has never had a paycheck but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t work. Drag Tibet backwards or free it from the oppression of chinese warlords.
    Get a job, worry about money, spend money on health, die, having sold your soul to the corporate agenda.

  23. Doug Rosbury Avatar
    Doug Rosbury

    Buddism as a religion is like all religions
    It pretends that people always need guidance and rules when in fact each of us is a representative presence of the great spirit containing all that God is and having all that God has. We don’t need anything. We already not only have everything. We are everything. Those in power in religion seek to have power over those whom they perceive to
    be powerless and thereby interefere with every persons innate God being (“no, you are
    not God because you are a sinner”)When, in fact, sin is non existence as an illusion.
    Each of us should say: “iam is me”.

  24. Doug Rosbury Avatar
    Doug Rosbury

    Buddism as a religion is like all religions
    It pretends that people always need guidance and rules when in fact each of us is a representative presence of the great spirit containing all that God is and having all that God has. We don’t need anything. We already not only have everything. We are everything. Those in power in religion seek to have power over those whom they perceive to
    be powerless and thereby interefere with every persons innate God being (“no, you are
    not God because you are a sinner”)When, in fact, sin is non existence as an illusion.
    Each of us should say: “iam is me”.

  25. Faith Avatar
    Faith

    Buddhism, with an H is not a religion. And believe it or not, your comments after that are Buddhist in nature. You’re quick.lol

  26. Faith Avatar
    Faith

    Buddhism, with an H is not a religion. And believe it or not, your comments after that are Buddhist in nature. You’re quick.lol

  27. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    The people who criticise this passage act as if it mattered to them. 🙂

  28. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    The people who criticise this passage act as if it mattered to them. 🙂

  29. Marc Peterson Avatar
    Marc Peterson

    all is Maya

  30. Marc Peterson Avatar
    Marc Peterson

    all is Maya

  31. Awake Avatar
    Awake

    The context of evaluation of his words can be that of a very broad position. A promotion of peace from a very wise person in existence stating we long for something that we’ll never receive because we walk our paths without actually embracing the truth of being. In other words, we criticize for no reason when we do it to impress ourselves or others by being the point of the matter; it is reason that is most important. Be warm like the bodacious temple you exist inside of and gentle like the response of your nervous system.

  32. Awake Avatar
    Awake

    The context of evaluation of his words can be that of a very broad position. A promotion of peace from a very wise person in existence stating we long for something that we’ll never receive because we walk our paths without actually embracing the truth of being. In other words, we criticize for no reason when we do it to impress ourselves or others by being the point of the matter; it is reason that is most important. Be warm like the bodacious temple you exist inside of and gentle like the response of your nervous system.

  33. Jacko wacko Avatar
    Jacko wacko
  34. Jacko wacko Avatar
    Jacko wacko
  35. PaZa Avatar
    PaZa

    Well, I guess if Wikipedia says it’s so, that must be the end of it. C’mon, life is not lived nor understood entirely on the net.

  36. PaZa Avatar
    PaZa

    Well, I guess if Wikipedia says it’s so, that must be the end of it. C’mon, life is not lived nor understood entirely on the net.

  37. thomas.charles.chester@gmail.com Avatar
    thomas.charles.chester@gmail.com

    well actually buddhism is not a religion, it is more along the lines of a philosophy

  38. thomas.charles.chester@gmail.com Avatar
    thomas.charles.chester@gmail.com

    well actually buddhism is not a religion, it is more along the lines of a philosophy

  39. Patricia Avatar
    Patricia

    There are people whose perfect response to anything is to argue, insult and deny. This is what they need to do and there is no point to it other than to help people who are focused on a peaceful heart, see how easily they can be swept off the mark.
    Namaste

  40. Patricia Avatar
    Patricia

    There are people whose perfect response to anything is to argue, insult and deny. This is what they need to do and there is no point to it other than to help people who are focused on a peaceful heart, see how easily they can be swept off the mark.
    Namaste

  41. matus Avatar
    matus

    Imagine yourself very thirsty and somebody puts a glas of water in front of you, but you don’t drink… Why? Either you don’t like the water (people are saying different things about water..), or you don’t see how water could quench your thirst, or even worse – you only sit there admiring the water and praise its unmatched perfection without realizing it is there for you to drink…
    why not forget for a moment all the -isms and whether or not they are religion or philosophy (or a product of a bunch of unemployed people)…
    … and experience for yourself what Buddha was actually teaching:
    http://www.dhamma.org/en/vipassana.shtml

  42. matus Avatar
    matus

    Imagine yourself very thirsty and somebody puts a glas of water in front of you, but you don’t drink… Why? Either you don’t like the water (people are saying different things about water..), or you don’t see how water could quench your thirst, or even worse – you only sit there admiring the water and praise its unmatched perfection without realizing it is there for you to drink…
    why not forget for a moment all the -isms and whether or not they are religion or philosophy (or a product of a bunch of unemployed people)…
    … and experience for yourself what Buddha was actually teaching:
    http://www.dhamma.org/en/vipassana.shtml

  43. peter Avatar
    peter

    “hasn’t worked a day in his life” TROLL ALERT its best to just ignore people like this but too late now they win when you respond

  44. peter Avatar
    peter

    “hasn’t worked a day in his life” TROLL ALERT its best to just ignore people like this but too late now they win when you respond

  45. dresden Avatar
    dresden

    I am so tired of this left/right bickering. There are more than two monochrome sides to a persons life.

  46. dresden Avatar
    dresden

    I am so tired of this left/right bickering. There are more than two monochrome sides to a persons life.

  47. Edward Avatar
    Edward

    Patricia and select others, loving the comments, Love you all….Stevie steve, look at yourself in the mirror tomorrow and attempt a moment of true content.
    Myself, I am completely immersed in the rat race that is my existence, but absolutely admire the wisdom behind these words. Application is the true measure of a buddhist, but living the 8 fold noble path is tough! I think we all can agree that our efforts to follow this way of life will enrich us as well as our fellow human.

  48. Edward Avatar
    Edward

    Patricia and select others, loving the comments, Love you all….Stevie steve, look at yourself in the mirror tomorrow and attempt a moment of true content.
    Myself, I am completely immersed in the rat race that is my existence, but absolutely admire the wisdom behind these words. Application is the true measure of a buddhist, but living the 8 fold noble path is tough! I think we all can agree that our efforts to follow this way of life will enrich us as well as our fellow human.

  49. Fuzzy Avatar
    Fuzzy

    How did such beautiful wisdom get turned into such argumentative mudslinging?

  50. Fuzzy Avatar
    Fuzzy

    How did such beautiful wisdom get turned into such argumentative mudslinging?

  51. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    Blogs are what surprise (sadden) me the most about humanity.

  52. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    Blogs are what surprise (sadden) me the most about humanity.

  53. Jebs Avatar
    Jebs

    So many attacks in the comments and responses to just other souls looking for the same answers. We have to breathe in to breathe out. Read and live guys, read and live. Understand that you may not understand the mindings of others, maybe even ever.

  54. Jebs Avatar
    Jebs

    So many attacks in the comments and responses to just other souls looking for the same answers. We have to breathe in to breathe out. Read and live guys, read and live. Understand that you may not understand the mindings of others, maybe even ever.

  55. mccscott Avatar
    mccscott

    Namaste, peoples.God cannot be mocked.Incorrect and misleading perceptions of “Him/Her/It” can, and should be,but only so much as to bring a deeper understanding, and a return to the way that is true.

  56. mccscott Avatar
    mccscott

    Namaste, peoples.God cannot be mocked.Incorrect and misleading perceptions of “Him/Her/It” can, and should be,but only so much as to bring a deeper understanding, and a return to the way that is true.

  57. jerk Avatar
    jerk

    not a philosophy. you people are retards. very much a religion. reincarnation, for starters, is not a philosophical concept. its for poor tibetan peasants and white middle class assholes.

  58. jerk Avatar
    jerk

    not a philosophy. you people are retards. very much a religion. reincarnation, for starters, is not a philosophical concept. its for poor tibetan peasants and white middle class assholes.

  59. George M Avatar
    George M

    Be here now. Be present in your own life.

  60. George M Avatar
    George M

    Be here now. Be present in your own life.

  61. Electrolux Avatar
    Electrolux

    The Buddha said that when anger enters any discussion that is the moment when the search for truth ends and when the agenda of ego takes over.

  62. Electrolux Avatar
    Electrolux

    The Buddha said that when anger enters any discussion that is the moment when the search for truth ends and when the agenda of ego takes over.

  63. Jed Avatar
    Jed

    @Patricia
    Nicely observed,expounded,and transmitted.
    Aside from the comments that have ensued, the original statement is an observation that reflects on human tendency, that is all. How you take it or consume it is entirely a subjective process.
    If it were issued, without political association such as the link to the Dalai Lama, as ‘Anon’ it would be mused on as idiosyncratic insight.
    The value of any treasure is reflected after finding it, understanding it, then putting it to use
    NMRK

  64. Jed Avatar
    Jed

    @Patricia
    Nicely observed,expounded,and transmitted.
    Aside from the comments that have ensued, the original statement is an observation that reflects on human tendency, that is all. How you take it or consume it is entirely a subjective process.
    If it were issued, without political association such as the link to the Dalai Lama, as ‘Anon’ it would be mused on as idiosyncratic insight.
    The value of any treasure is reflected after finding it, understanding it, then putting it to use
    NMRK

  65. Elvis Avatar
    Elvis

    The thing that surprises me most about humanity is our never ending capacity to perceive humanity as the highest function of life. We are constantly looking into the future to fulfill our narrative as the Gods of the Earth. Thoughts like: “I must have money and good health to attain my godly desires. Since I am God I am justified in doing both”, dictate the unexamined mind’s actions. Let go of the notions of control, fear of the future, and expectations. Notions of the self. Find the intrinsic value in life.
    To instigate and propagate an argument that attacks the opinions of a benevolent person shows a lack of creativity in my opinion. We already know about the Dalai Lama (or can find out very quickly) and his views of humanity. What do YOU think?
    “You’re so creative. With your reviews, of what other people do. How satisfying that must be to you.” -David Bazan

  66. Elvis Avatar
    Elvis

    The thing that surprises me most about humanity is our never ending capacity to perceive humanity as the highest function of life. We are constantly looking into the future to fulfill our narrative as the Gods of the Earth. Thoughts like: “I must have money and good health to attain my godly desires. Since I am God I am justified in doing both”, dictate the unexamined mind’s actions. Let go of the notions of control, fear of the future, and expectations. Notions of the self. Find the intrinsic value in life.
    To instigate and propagate an argument that attacks the opinions of a benevolent person shows a lack of creativity in my opinion. We already know about the Dalai Lama (or can find out very quickly) and his views of humanity. What do YOU think?
    “You’re so creative. With your reviews, of what other people do. How satisfying that must be to you.” -David Bazan

  67. JC Avatar
    JC

    Hmm… I find it quite interesting how others jump on one guys opinion as if it were wrong in some way. As if to say that denying someone as “blessed” as the Dali Lama is as sinful as thinking for yourself in the first place. Not to take away from the power of this quote, but ultimately any path one chooses to take shouldn’t be admonished or admired. We should embrace that which is said whether it be from the Dali Lama or Steve. It seems kinda contradictory to say I accept all things then tell another person their view is less credible then that of yourself. But what do I know…

  68. JC Avatar
    JC

    Hmm… I find it quite interesting how others jump on one guys opinion as if it were wrong in some way. As if to say that denying someone as “blessed” as the Dali Lama is as sinful as thinking for yourself in the first place. Not to take away from the power of this quote, but ultimately any path one chooses to take shouldn’t be admonished or admired. We should embrace that which is said whether it be from the Dali Lama or Steve. It seems kinda contradictory to say I accept all things then tell another person their view is less credible then that of yourself. But what do I know…

  69. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    Buddhism is sometimes referred to as a philosophy. However, I would not call beliefs in rebirth, nirvana, etc, philosophical beliefs – they are spiritual beliefs. Therefore Buddhism is more of a religion than a philosophy.

  70. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    Buddhism is sometimes referred to as a philosophy. However, I would not call beliefs in rebirth, nirvana, etc, philosophical beliefs – they are spiritual beliefs. Therefore Buddhism is more of a religion than a philosophy.

  71. Raymon Avatar
    Raymon

    By definition, Buddhism is a religion. I’m not trying to undermine, Buddhism. I’m just using fact, not emotion.
    Steve, don’t let emotions get in the way before you even know facts. That’s the problem with most our politicians these days, so don’t follow their ignorant trends.
    Fact and true reason are the best way to go about things. Emotion is a terrible guide (unless you’re in a relationship). Emotion often gets exaggerated and when one thing gets exaggerated, the whole picture becomes an exaggerated situation. Study fact then come to a conclusion. Don’t believe something is true once you hear it then get emotionally bent up about it.

  72. Raymon Avatar
    Raymon

    By definition, Buddhism is a religion. I’m not trying to undermine, Buddhism. I’m just using fact, not emotion.
    Steve, don’t let emotions get in the way before you even know facts. That’s the problem with most our politicians these days, so don’t follow their ignorant trends.
    Fact and true reason are the best way to go about things. Emotion is a terrible guide (unless you’re in a relationship). Emotion often gets exaggerated and when one thing gets exaggerated, the whole picture becomes an exaggerated situation. Study fact then come to a conclusion. Don’t believe something is true once you hear it then get emotionally bent up about it.

  73. richard Avatar
    richard

    sad someone had a cheap shot at the lama,he has done more for man than his critic’s ever will,we need more like him not less

  74. richard Avatar
    richard

    sad someone had a cheap shot at the lama,he has done more for man than his critic’s ever will,we need more like him not less

  75. Steve Hater Avatar
    Steve Hater

    Steve is an ignorant waste of space. The Dalai Lama has done more work in the world than you can ever say you can even aspire to. Do you think its easy being chosen when your a child to be the figurehead of an entire country? do you think its easy staying composed and happy while your country around you is torn apart by chinese? do you think its not work escaping a military presence just so you are not assassinated? Before you speak next time… consider what your saying, and what it says about you… more than just throwing opinions out like you know everything.

  76. Steve Hater Avatar
    Steve Hater

    Steve is an ignorant waste of space. The Dalai Lama has done more work in the world than you can ever say you can even aspire to. Do you think its easy being chosen when your a child to be the figurehead of an entire country? do you think its easy staying composed and happy while your country around you is torn apart by chinese? do you think its not work escaping a military presence just so you are not assassinated? Before you speak next time… consider what your saying, and what it says about you… more than just throwing opinions out like you know everything.

  77. Donald McLean Avatar
    Donald McLean

    All matter is doomed to extinction including our physical selves. “I” exist only in this mere moment as a collection of neural impulses – draw your own conclusions.
    Tolerance and love,
    Don

  78. Donald McLean Avatar
    Donald McLean

    All matter is doomed to extinction including our physical selves. “I” exist only in this mere moment as a collection of neural impulses – draw your own conclusions.
    Tolerance and love,
    Don

  79. trinxy Avatar
    trinxy

    By humanity he simply means the characteristic of a being whose knowledge limits him, whose sense of sight does not allow him to see because he has limited himself, trying to get what he wants, just to get back to where he started, and then only sees when it is all over, his beginning is really the end.
    it surprises me as well.
    and, Buddhism is a philosophy and a religion which emerged from different parts of Asia but as different forms before common era.

  80. trinxy Avatar
    trinxy

    By humanity he simply means the characteristic of a being whose knowledge limits him, whose sense of sight does not allow him to see because he has limited himself, trying to get what he wants, just to get back to where he started, and then only sees when it is all over, his beginning is really the end.
    it surprises me as well.
    and, Buddhism is a philosophy and a religion which emerged from different parts of Asia but as different forms before common era.

  81. Drangsorian Avatar
    Drangsorian

    Any Philosophy that one deals with the spiritual nature of man and the universe is effectively a religion. This includes atheism. Simply because you do not agree that it is because it does not follow some monotheistic deity or polytheistic group of deities is irrelevant. If one deals with a answering the question of the universe and mans place in it, that person is participating in a religious activity, though some are note spiritual and agnostic than others.
    Now, if we were having a discussion on the differences of established religion and spiritual paradigms, that is a different matter entirely. 😉

  82. Drangsorian Avatar
    Drangsorian

    Any Philosophy that one deals with the spiritual nature of man and the universe is effectively a religion. This includes atheism. Simply because you do not agree that it is because it does not follow some monotheistic deity or polytheistic group of deities is irrelevant. If one deals with a answering the question of the universe and mans place in it, that person is participating in a religious activity, though some are note spiritual and agnostic than others.
    Now, if we were having a discussion on the differences of established religion and spiritual paradigms, that is a different matter entirely. 😉

  83. Evan Avatar
    Evan

    one of the main ideals of the buddhist faith is the eightfold path.. do not defend the dalai lama by insulting and cutting down others (infringing right mind and speech)

  84. Evan Avatar
    Evan

    one of the main ideals of the buddhist faith is the eightfold path.. do not defend the dalai lama by insulting and cutting down others (infringing right mind and speech)

  85. S. Clark Avatar
    S. Clark

    I don’t believe he said it. It doesn’t sound like him. It’s too scathing, too dismissive. He’s always kind, always generous. this is made up by some sophomoric jackass.

  86. S. Clark Avatar
    S. Clark

    I don’t believe he said it. It doesn’t sound like him. It’s too scathing, too dismissive. He’s always kind, always generous. this is made up by some sophomoric jackass.

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