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I speak not with a feeling of anger or hatred towards those who are responsible for the immense suffering of our people and the destruction of our land, homes and culture. They too are human beings who struggle to find happiness and deserve our compassion. I speak to inform you of the sad situation in my country today and of the aspirations of my people, because in our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.

Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama)#39

CompassionTruthWarNonviolenceFreedom

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker seeks justice without hatred, viewing opponents as humans deserving compassion, using truth as a weapon.
In plain terms
I do not hate enemies; I tell the truth and wish them compassion.
What can you take from it?
Fight for freedom with truth, not hatred.

Where it applies

  • political struggle
  • activism
  • peaceful protest

Putting it to work

  • speak truth
  • avoid hatred
  • seek freedom

Questions to consider

  • How do you fight without hatred?
  • Is truth enough?

Another view

Truth alone may not resolve all political conflicts.

More from Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama)

  1. Because we all share this small planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a ne…

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  2. Today, we are truly a global family. What happens in one part of the world may affect us all. This, of course, is not only true of the negative things that hap…

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  3. When I meet people in different parts of the world, I am always reminded that we are all basically alike: we are all human beings. Maybe we have different clot…

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