Ideas
Compassion and non-violence
He treats compassion as a basic human need. He says scientists now recognise this. He calls for non-violence in politics and in daily life. In Delhi in 2019 he asked India to lead with its own traditions of ahimsa and karuna. He has run the Tibetan cause on non-violent lines since exile.
we must adopt a non-violent approach following the Indian traditions of ahimsa and karuna
Press conference in New Delhi (April 2019)
Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Press conference for the global launch of SEE Learning (4 April 2019) · Britannica: 14th Dalai Lama
Happiness as the purpose of life
The Art of Happiness opens on the claim that every person seeks happiness. He argues happiness depends more on the state of mind than on outside conditions. He says it can be trained. The Book of Joy took the same theme into a week of talks with Desmond Tutu in 2015.
I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness.
The Art of Happiness (1998)
Wikipedia: The Art of Happiness · Shortform: The Art of Happiness review and reception · Hippocampus Magazine: Review of The Book of Joy (April 2017)
Secular ethics
He argues for ethics that do not depend on any faith. Beyond Religion in 2011 sets out this case for believers and non-believers alike. He backed Emory University’s SEE Learning curriculum. It was launched globally in New Delhi in April 2019. He wants schools to train the mind as they train the body.
emotional hygiene, much as we teach physical hygiene
Press conference in New Delhi (April 2019)
Wikipedia: Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World · Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Press conference for the global launch of SEE Learning (4 April 2019)
Buddhism in dialogue with science
Since 1987 he has met scientists in the Mind and Life dialogues. In 2000 he suggested lab research on whether contemplative practice helps modern society. In 2003 a public dialogue at MIT drew about 1,200 people. The Universe in a Single Atom argues that science and Buddhism use different methods to reduce suffering. He separates scientific findings from materialism.
if scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false
The Universe in a Single Atom (2005)
Wikipedia: Mind & Life Institute · Physics Today: Arthur Zajonc reviews The Universe in a Single Atom (September 2006) · Spiral Nature: Review of The Universe in a Single Atom
The Middle Way Approach
He seeks genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the People’s Republic of China. He does not seek independence. He moved to this position after Deng Xiaoping said in 1979 that all issues except independence could be negotiated. Under it Beijing would keep defence and foreign affairs. Tibetans would run religion, culture, education, the economy and the environment.
a non-partisan and moderate position that safeguards the vital interests of all concerned parties
His office on the Middle-Way Approach
Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: The Middle-Way Approach · Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Address to the European Parliament, Strasbourg (1988) · AP via WSLS: Penpa Tsering sworn in for a second term (27 May 2026)
India as guru
He says Tibetans have preserved knowledge that came from India. He calls the Buddha’s teaching Indian dharma. He asks India to revive the study of its ancient ideas of mind and reality alongside modern education. In 2022 after the Tawang clash he said he would stay in India.
India is a guru and we are chelas (disciples)
Bengaluru (May 2017)
Business Standard / PTI: I am a “son of India”, says Dalai Lama (23 May 2017) · Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Press conference for the global launch of SEE Learning (4 April 2019) · India TV: ‘No point in returning to China. I prefer India’ (19 December 2022) · Deccan Herald: I am longest guest of India, says Dalai Lama (July 2021)
Democracy in exile
He gave Tibetans in exile a democratic constitution in 1963. In 2011 he gave up his political role so that an elected leader would hold it. He remains the spiritual leader. The exile administration has elected its leader since then. Penpa Tsering won a second term in February 2026.
the time has come for me to devolve my formal authority to such an elected leadership
To the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (March 2011)
TheJournal.ie: Dalai Lama formally gives up his political role (31 May 2011) · Wikipedia: 14th Dalai Lama · Tibet Post: Penpa Tsering re-elected Sikyong (13 February 2026)
Reincarnation and the next Dalai Lama
In 1969 he said Tibetans should decide whether the line continues. In 2011 he promised to revisit the question around 90. In 2025 he said the line will continue. The Gaden Phodrang Trust will lead the search with heads of the Tibetan traditions. He has also said a successor could be a woman.
I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.
Statement read on 2 July 2025
Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Statement affirming the continuation of the institution of Dalai Lama (2 July 2025) · Lion’s Roar: Dalai Lama affirms that the institution will continue (2 July 2025) · Wikipedia: 14th Dalai Lama
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