What does the Dalai Lama tell us about friendship? In a word, he believes it’s “essential.” “Friendship is one of the most important things in life,” he said in a public talk. “It’s a form of love.”
But what does that mean for us? For starters, it means we should be selective about our friends. The Dalai Lama says we should seek out people who are kind, honest, and intelligent—people who will help us grow as individuals. And once we find those people, we should do everything we can to maintain those relationships.
The Dalai Lama also believes that friendship is a two-way street. We should be there for our friends when they need us, and we should expect the same level of support in return.
The Dalai Lama has said that “the best way to make friends is to be a friend.” He has been a friend to many, people of all different religions and nationalities. He has been able to connect with people on a personal level, and they have seen him as someone who is genuine and authentic. The Dalai Lama’s ability to connect with others has allowed him to spread his message of peace and compassion.
The Dalai Lama has spoken extensively about the importance of compassion, both for individuals and for the world as a whole. In one talk, he said that “Compassion is the key factor in human survival. A lack of compassion means a lack of concern for others… If we are to create a more peaceful world, we must first learn to cultivate compassion within our own hearts.”
He has also written about the power of compassion, saying that it can “transform our attitudes from anger and hatred to understanding, tolerance and love. When we feel genuine concern for others’ welfare, our own happiness increases as well.” He believes that if more people were to develop a compassionate attitude, the world would be a much more peaceful place. In fact, he claims: “Generate great compassion, and you become a friend to the world,” and also: “Compassion creates a positive, friendly atmosphere.”
But he raises the bar as far as the concept of “friendship” goes when he claims: “To have true friends and be loved by them, we must in turn feel love and sympathy for others.”
Still, he assures us that pursuing friendship is beneficial to ourselves as well: “Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others is the ultimate source of success in life.” He also seems to feel that desires for friendship carries across the world: “Certain desires are positive: a desire for happiness; for peace; for a more harmonious and friendlier world.”
The Dalai Lama believes that friendship is essential to leading a good life. He tells us:
“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.”
Friendship provides support, love, and laughter in our lives, and it is important to have friends we can rely on. So, go out and make some friends, by being one – you will certainly be glad you did!
