Scientists are coming to recognise the effects of the mind on physical health. The sense of relaxation associated with inner peace involves not only being physically at ease. If you are nagged by worry or seething with anger, you’re not really relaxed. The key to relaxation is peace of mind. The relaxation gained from alcohol, drugs or just listening to music may seem attractive, but it doesn’t last.

Whenever there is a challenge, there is also an opportunity to face it, to demonstrate and develop our will and determination.

Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

I became the Dalai Lama not on a volunteer basis.

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

The most important benefit of patience consists in the way it acts as a powerful antidote to the affliction of anger - the greatest threat to our inner peace, and therefore our happiness. The mind, or spirit, is not physical, it cannot be touched or harmed directly. Only negative thoughts and emotions can harm it. Therefore, only the corresponding positive quality can protect it.

The most important thing is transforming our minds, for a new way of thinking, a new outlook: we should strive to develop a new inner world.