Ideal love is fostered only between two sincere, mature and independent people. Real love is not two people clinging to each other; it can only be fostered between two strong people secure in their individuality.

Ultimately, all human activities have as their goal the realization of happiness. Why, then, have we ended up producing the opposite result? Could the underlying cause be our failure to correctly understand the true nature of happiness?

The human spirit is as expansive as the cosmos. This is why it is so tragic to belittle yourself or to question your worth. No matter what happens, continue to push back the boundaries of your inner life. The confidence to prevail over any problem, the strength to overcome adversity and unbounded hope — all reside within you.

We are not merely passive pawns of historical forces; nor are we victims of the past. We can shape and direct history.

No matter what our personal circumstances may be, if we ourselves become a source of light, then there will be no darkness in the world.

But I believe we must not allow feelings of defeat to take root in our hearts.

It is by fighting and triumphing over the enemies of the Buddha that we ourselves become Buddhas.