My own share making contribution [to the the well-being of humanity]. So I never feel I am something special.

We are social animals. Others' suffering is ultimately your suffering; their happiness is ultimately your happiness.

If we human beings rely only on material development, we can’t be sure of a positive outcome. Employing technology motivated by anger and hatred is likely to be destructive. It will only be beneficial if we seek the welfare of all beings. Human beings are the only species with the potential to destroy the world. Because of the risks of unrestrained desire and greed we need to cultivate contentment and simplicity.

One interesting thing about greed is that although the underlying motive is to seek satisfaction, the irony is that even after obtaining the object of your desire you are still not satisfied. The true antidote of greed is contentment.

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

Our ancient experience confirms at every point that everything is linked together, everything is inseparable.

I became the Dalai Lama not on a volunteer basis.