Divorced from the cosmos, from nature, from society and from each other, we have become fractured and fragmented.

Having lived through the transition from totalitarianism, I am acutely mindful of the need to never take for granted the basic freedoms of thought, expression and belief that democracy brings.

History is filled with tragic examples of wars that result from diplomatic impasse. Whether in our local communities or in international relations, the skillful use of our communicative capacities to negotiate and resolve differences is the first evidence of human wisdom.

Ultimately, the only way to make good friends is to become a good friend yourself. Good people gather around other good people.

We must take steps to prevent further nuclear weapons development or modernization.

People need to be made conscious of a very simple reality: we have no choice but to share this planet, this small blue sphere floating in the vast reaches of space, with all of our fellow 'passengers.'

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