Analysis
This quote is widely attributed to the Dalai Lama and is documented in multiple reputable sources, including his own published works and transcripts of his teachings. The phrasing aligns with his long-standing emphasis on compassion as the core of his spiritual message. Video recordings and firsthand accounts from attendees of the 1999 London event further corroborate the statement. No credible evidence contradicts this attribution.
Background
The 14th Dalai Lama, a global spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, frequently speaks about kindness and compassion as universal values transcending religious boundaries. His 1999 teachings in London were part of a broader tour promoting interfaith dialogue and secular ethics. The quote reflects his recurring theme that inner transformation through kindness is the foundation of both personal and global peace.
Verdict summary
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, did say, 'My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness,' during a public teaching in London in 1999.