In some places, there's the concept of one religion, one truth. In the Muslim world, there's the notion of Allah. The Western, multireligious modern society is some kind of a challenge to this. These, I feel, are the main causes [for terrorism], and, when combined with lots of anger and frustration, cause a huge amount of hate.

The motivation of all religious practice is similar: love, sincerity, honesty. The way of life of practically all religious persons is consistent. The teachings of tolerance, love, and compassion are the same.

We have never declared war on China. We have only asked them to leave us in peace, to let us have our natural freedom.

I learn as much from a turtle as from a religious text.

The three types of misery are the misery of suffering, the misery of change, and pervasive misery.

The practice of patience guards us against losing our presence of mind. It enables us to remain undisturbed, even when the situation is really difficult. It gives us a certain amount of inner peace, which allows us some self-control, so that we can choose to respond to situations in an appropriate and compassionate manner, rather than being driven by our disturbing emotions.

I'm nothing special, just an ordinary human being. That's why I always describe myself as a simple Buddhist monk.