Inspirational Quotes by Lama Thubten Yeshe (Tibetan Buddhist Lama)

Lama Thubten Yeshe (1935–84) was a Tibetan lama of the Gelug tradition, renowned for his teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and meditation. His modern, inclusive approach played a significant role in establishing Tibetan Buddhism in the West.

Born near Tolung Dechen, Tibet, Lama Yeshe demonstrated early spiritual aptitude and entered a monastery at a young age, moving to Sera Monastery in Lhasa at six. He received full ordination at 28 from Kyabje Ling Rinpoche. In the 1970s, he and his close disciple, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, began teaching in the West and co-founded the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahāyāna Tradition (FPMT,) an international network of Buddhist centers. His teachings, known for their clarity, humor, and accessibility, bridged Tibetan Buddhism and Western audiences, making complex concepts relatable and inspiring countless students worldwide.

Several books were compiled from his teachings, including Introduction to Tantra (1987,) a guide to Tantric practices, and Peaceful Stillness of the Silent Mind (1980,) which focuses on meditation and mindfulness. Other notable works include Wisdom Energy, The Bliss of Inner Fire, Becoming Vajrasattva, When the Chocolate Runs Out, and Becoming the Compassion Buddha.

The biography Big Love: Life & Teachings of Lama Yeshe (2020) by Adele Hulse provides an in-depth exploration of his life and teachings.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Lama Thubten Yeshe

Your mind is your religion.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe
Topics: Mind

It’s not just philosophy, not just words; it’s knowing how the mind functions; only then can you develop loving-kindness; only then can you become a spiritual person.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe

When you check your own mind properly, you stop blaming others for your problems.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe

Buddhist meditation doen’t necessarily mean sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed. Simply observing how your mind is responding to the sense world as you go about your business – walking, talking, shopping, whatever – can be a really perfect meditation and bring a perfect result.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe
Topics: Meditation

Just understand your mind: how it works, how attachment and desire arise, how ignorance arises, where emotions come from. It is sufficient to know the nature of all that; just that gives so much happiness and peace.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe

Some children are wiser than adults.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe
Topics: Children

One action produces a reaction; that is karma.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe
Topics: Karma

The narrow mind rejects; wisdom accepts.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe

We completely deny the existence of a self-existent I, or a permanent, independent soul. Every aspect of your body and mind is impermanent: changing, changing, changing … .
—Lama Thubten Yeshe

Examine your own mental attitudes. Become your own therapist.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe

The mind is very powerful. Therefore, it requires firm guidance. A powerful jet plane needs a good pilot; the pilot of your mind should be the wisdom that understands its nature.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe

There’s a big difference between being able to explain religion intellectually and transforming that knowledge into spiritual experience.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe

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Inspirational Quotes by Lama Thubten Yeshe (Tibetan Buddhist Lama)

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