The essence of any religion is good heart. Sometimes I call love and compassion a universal religion. This is my religion.

Americans are interested because they are open-minded. They have an education system that teaches them to find out for themselves why things are the way they are. Open-minded people tend to be interested in Buddhism because Buddha urged people to investigate things - he didn't just command them to believe.

In my childhood, and particularly when I take the responsibility, I already have sort of keen desire, we must change our system. Then as soon as we reach India, 1959, at once we start working for democratization. Now here if remain in a political sort of field, supreme leader, at the same time religious leader, that may become hindrance of proper democracy.

If your mind is scattered, it is quite powerless.

Attachment constrains our vision so that we are not able to see things from a wider perspective.

Conversion is not my intention. Changing religion is not easy. You may develop some kind of confusion or difficulties.

Fear, hatred, and suspicion narrow your mind - compassion opens it.