Living Life with a Good Heart - The Purpose of Life: HH the Dalai Lama

LIVING LIFE WITH A GOOD HEART

The Purpose of Life

By HH the Dalai Lama

Question: How does one develop the will to do what is good and virtuous?

Answer: This topic is also connected with ways to develop inner strength. Another
technique is to investigate, 'What is the meaning of life? What is the meaning of
money? What is the meaning of body?' Investigate more; think more. Then, you will
develop conviction that all these physical things, as well as your life, have an end.
There is a point at which they give you sadness. Money, wealth, or fame - if you think
deeply - ultimately do not afford permanent happiness and thus are not worthy of being
sought as the final object of attainment.

Nirvana may be the final object of attainment, but at the moment, it is difficult to reach.
Thus, the practical and realistic aim is compassion, a warm heart, serving other people,
helping others, respecting others, being less selfish. By practising these, you can gain
benefit and happiness that remain longer. If you investigate the purpose of life and,
with the motivation that results from this inquiry, develop a good heart, compassion and
love - using your whole life this way, then each day will become useful and meaningful.
I think that this is the main method to develop will.

http://www.buddhasvillage.com/BuddhasVillage/teachings/hh_purpose.htm (1 of 2)09/10/2004 11:33:02 Phil

Living Life with a Good Heart - The Purpose of Life: HH the Dalai Lama

This teaching is an excerpt from The Dalai Lama at Harvard, and is available from

Wisdom Publications, Inc

., the FPMT publishing company, and can be found at many

good bookshops. Amazon can get them too

http://www.amazon.com

Check out other recommended books on our

booklist

.

VAJRAYANA INSTITUTE, 22 Linthorpe St, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia

Ph: 9550 2066 Fax: [phone] E-mail:

[e-mail]

http://www.buddhasvillage.com/BuddhasVillage/teachings/hh_purpose.htm (2 of 2)09/10/2004 11:33:02 Phil