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.

There is no denying that consideration of others is worthwhile and that our happiness is inextricably bound up with the happiness of others. There is no denying that if society suffers, we ourselves suffer, and the more our hearts and minds are afflicted with ill-will, the more miserable we become. We can reject religion, ideology, received wisdom, but we cannot escape the need for love and compassion.

Historically, the East was more concerned with understanding the mind and the West was more involved in understanding matter.

God exists or God does not exist. Leave it for us. Your task is to learn how to live peacefully.

The 20th century was the century of war and blood. The 21st century is the century of dialogue.

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.

Better grounded emotionally through patience, we become stronger mentally and spiritually, and tend to be healthier physically.