It is not just a person's physical constitution, their intellegence, their education, or even their social conditioning that enables them to withstand hardship. Much more significant is their inner development. And while some may be able to survive through sheer willpower, the ones who suffer the least are those who have a high degree of patience and courage in the face of adversity.

I believe that whether a person follows any religion or not is unimportant, he or she must have a good heart, a warm heart.

A mind wishing to benefit other people and other sentient beings is the very basis of peace and happiness.

Prayer alone will not make a happy life. A happy life must be built. You must act.

Even more important than the warmth and affection we receive, is the warmth and affection we give. It is by giving warmth and affection, by having a genuine sense of concern for others, in other words through compassion, that we gain the conditions for genuine happiness. More important than being loved, therefore, is to love.

All beings want to live in peace and happiness, undisturbed. Therefore the concept of human rights is universal.

If you resort to violent methods because the other side has destroyed your monastery, for example, you then have lost not only your monastery, but also your special Buddhist practices of detachment, love, and compassion.