I have three commitments. Number one commitment is promotion of human value. Number two commitment is promotion of race harmony. Number three commitment is about Tibet. My retirement is the third commitment. The previous two commitments, to my death, I have committed.

Inner values like friendship, trust, honesty and compassion are much more reliable than money - they always bring happiness and strength.

External circumstances can contribute to one's happiness and well-being, but ultimately happiness and suffering depend on the mind.

In twenty years' time I'll be eighty-three, just an old man with a stick moving like a sloth bear. While I'm alive, I am fully committed to autonomy, and I am the person who can persuade the Tibetan people to accept it.

Passion is what gives sense to our life.

When we talk about global crisis, or a crisis of humanity, we cannot blame a few politicians, a few fanatics, or a few troublemakers. The whole of humanity has a responsibility because it is our business, human business. I call this a sense of universal responsibility. That is a crucial point.

With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.