I believe the ultimate aim of all human beings is to obtain happiness and a sense of fulfillment... I have always stressed the importance of combining both the mental and material approach to achieving happiness for humankind.

World peace must develop from inner peace.

A calm mind helps our human intelligence to assess the situation realistically.

Developing concern for others, thinking of them as part of us, brings self-confidence , reduces our sense of suspicion and mistrust, and enables us to develop a calm mind.

The Buddha gave equal opportunities to women. But we, even as followers of Buddha, neglected that.

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.

In my childhood, I had a religious assistant who always told me, if you can really laugh with full abandonment, it's very good for your health.