People assume that happiness stems from collecting things outside of yourself, whereas true happiness stems from removing things from inside of yourself

I have found that the greatest degree of inner peace comes from cultivating love and compassion.

I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warmheartedness we take for granted.

I must have dialogue with the Chinese government, and dialogue requires compromise. Therefore, I'm speaking for genuine self-rule, not for independence.

People should not rush to change religions. There is real value in finding the spiritual resources you need in your home religion. Even secular humanism has great spiritual resources; it is almost like a religion to me.

Compassion is concern of others' well being.

Love, compassion and concern for others are real sources of happiness. If you have these in abundance, you will not be disturbed even by the most uncomfortable circumstances. If you nurse hatred, however, you will not be happy even in the lap of luxury. Thus, if we really want happiness, we must widen the sphere of love. This is both religious thinking and basic common sense.