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The real enemy is not outside, but inside. ... External enemies are not permanent; if you respect him, the enemy will become your friend. But there is one enemy who is always an enemy, whom you should never compromise, that is the enemy inside your heart. You cannot change all these bad thoughts into your friend, but you have to confront and control them.

Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama)#76

PeaceSpiritualityWarEnemyPsychologySelf controlSelf improvementThinking

About this quote

What does it mean?
The real enemy is internal bad thoughts, not external foes who can become friends. Confronting internal negativity is essential since it cannot be compromised with.
In plain terms
Your own bad thoughts are the real enemy and must be controlled, while external enemies can become friends.
What can you take from it?
Focus on confronting and controlling internal negativity rather than just fighting external enemies.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • anger management
  • spiritual practice

Putting it to work

  • reflect on negative thoughts
  • practice self-control

Questions to consider

  • How do you handle internal negativity?
  • Can external enemies always become friends?

Another view

Ignoring external threats because they can become friends may be dangerous in some contexts.

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  2. When others insult, rebuke and speak unpleasant words to us, although an intolerable pain arises like a thorn at the heart, if we comprehend the teachings then…

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