Dalai Lama Quotes in Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

Dalai Lama: We have a saying in Tibet: If a problem can be solved there is no use worrying about it. If it can't be solved, worrying will do no good.

Dalai Lama: I can't sleep. I'm afraid the dream might come back.

Heinrich Harrer: A couple of insomniacs.

Dalai Lama: Tell me a story, Heinrich. Tell me a story about climbing mountains.

Heinrich Harrer: That's one way to fall asleep. Those stories bore even me.

Dalai Lama: Then tell me what you love about it.

Heinrich Harrer: The absolute simplicity. That's what I love. When you're climbing your mind is clear and free from all confusions. You have focus. And suddenly the light becomes sharper, the sounds are richer and you're filled with the deep, powerful presence of life. I've only felt that one other time.

Dalai Lama: When?

Heinrich Harrer: In your presence, Kundun.

Dalai Lama: ...You can not ask a devout people to disregard a precious teaching.

Heinrich Harrer: Yes but Your Holiness, with due respect, erm, we can't possibly

[laughs]

Heinrich Harrer: I'm sorry, but we can't possibly save all the worms! Not if you want a theater in this lifetime.

Dalai Lama: You have a clever mind. Think of a solution. And in the meantime you can explain to me, what is an elevator.

[meeting with the Chinese generals]

Dalai Lama: Until I attain my majority, the regent is the political leader of Tibet. You should have requested an audience with him to discuss these important matters of the world. My experience of such things is limited. I am a simple Buddhist monk. All I know is the scripture and the words of Lord Buddha. He said, "All beings tremble before danger and death. Life is dear to all. When a man considers this, he does not kill, or cause to kill." You must understand, these words are ingrained in the heart of every Tibetan. It is why we are a peaceful people who reject violence on principle. I pray you will see this as our greatest strength, not our weakness. I thank you for your visit.

Dalai Lama: [throws some incense] An offering to the Enlightened ones.

General Chang Jing Wu: [getting up to leave] Religion is poison.

Dalai Lama: Do you think someday people will get Tibet on their movie screens and wonder what happened to us?

Heinrich Harrer: You have to leave. You have to leave Tibet, Kundun. Your life's at great risk. Forgive my presumption but I have made arrangements to get you out safely. We should leave directly after the enthronement, the Chinese won't expect it.

Dalai Lama: How can I help people if I run away from them? What kind of leader would I be? I have to stay here, Heinrich. Serving others is my path to deliberation.

Heinrich Harrer: Then I don't go either.

Dalai Lama: Why not?

Heinrich Harrer: Because you are my path to deliberation.

Dalai Lama: The Buddha said 'Salvation doesn't come from the sight of me. It demands strenuous effort and practise. So work hard and seek your own salvation constantly.' I am not your son. And I've never thought of you as my father. You've been much too informal to me for that. Do you ever think about him?

[Heinrich cries, nodding]

Dalai Lama: And what do you think about?

Heinrich Harrer: It's not a conscious thought really, Kundun. He is always there. When I crossed Tibet he was with me. When I came to Lhasa he was with me. When I sit beside you he is there with me. I can't even imagine how to picture the world without him in it.

Dalai Lama: Do you listen to news from your country?

Heinrich Harrer: From Austria? No, not really. Give me some light, Kundun.

Dalai Lama: Why? It's your home.

Heinrich Harrer: Not anymore it isn't.

Dalai Lama: But don't you have friends and family there?

Heinrich Harrer: A few friends, no family. Keep the light steady, your Holiness.

Dalai Lama: Why? Is everyone dead?

Heinrich Harrer: Do you know there's another way a sentence can be constructed than a question? I was married but I'm divorced.

Dalai Lama: What did you do?

Heinrich Harrer: I didn't want a child so I ran away to climb a mountain.

Indian: Are you the Lord Buddha?

Dalai Lama: I believe I am a reflection, like the moon on water. When you see me, and I try to be a good man, you see yourself.

Dalai Lama: Just like a dream experience, whatever things I enjoy will become a memory. Whatever is past will not be seen again.

Dalai Lama: Thus by the virtue that has collected through all that I have done may the pain of every living creature be completely cleared away.

Dalai Lama: I see a safe journey, I see a safe return.

[hearing the Chinese propaganda loudspeakers blaring outside]

Dalai Lama: They have taken away our silence.

Dalai Lama: I will liberate those not liberated. I will release those not released. I will relieve those unrelieved. And set living beings in nirvana.