If someone does not smile at you, be generous and offer your own smile. Nobody needs a smile more than the one that cannot smile to others.

A mind committed to compassion is like an overflowing reservoir - a constant source of energy, determination, and kindness.

We have to have some form of politics. Politics is a form of resolving conflicts. Politics which comes from sincere motivation is constructive.

I think when tragic things happen it is on surface. It is like the ocean. On the surface a wave and sometimes the wave is very serious and strong. But it comes and goes, comes and goes, and underneath, the ocean always remains calm. Tibetans have a saying: "If bad news comes to you listen here" (points to the right ear) "and let it out here" (points to the left ear).

Disagreement is something normal.

I believe that constant effort, tireless effort, pursuing clear goals with sincere effort is the only way.

Peace in the world depends on peace in the hearts of individuals; this depends on each of us practising ethics by disciplining our negative thoughts and emotions, and developing basic spiritual qualities.

I'm a Tibetan monk, not a vegetarian.

There is nothing that does not get easier through cultivation. The buddhas of the past started out as ordinary beings. They were not buddhas in the beginning. The path to buddhahood is traversed only through gradually developing more and more courage and DETERMINATION -then it is attained.

Your friend, your enemy, your neutral all are equal. Genuine compassion is unbiased.

There is an intense delight in abandoning faulty states of mind and in cultivating helpful ones in meditation.

Compassion is the radicalism of our time.

Everything you do has some effect, some impact.

Scientists may study mainly matter but they cannot ignore the human mind, or consciousness: spiritual practitioners may be engaging mainly in developing the mind but they cannot completely ignore their physical needs. It is for this reason that I have always stressed the importance of combining both mental and the material approach to achieving happiness for humankind.

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.

I do not want to carry any public position.

A Compassionate state of mind brings inner peace, and therefore a healthier body.

Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually.

If we can cultivate a concern for others, keeping in mind the oneness of humanity, we can build a more compassionate world.

Different religions meet the needs of different people.

Sleep is the best meditation.

Religion, any religion, no matter what sort of wonderful religion, never be universal. So now education is universal, so we have to sort of find ways and means through education system, from kindergarten up to university level, to make awareness these good things, the values, inner values.

There should be a spirit of dialogue. Whenever we see any disagreements, we must think how to solve them on the basis of recognition of oneness of the entire humanity. This is the modern reality.