The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticize others. Rather, we must criticize ourselves. How much am I doing about my anger? About my attachment, about my hatred, about my pride, my jealousy? These are the things which we must check in daily life.

I think really, China, Chinese, I think they really have a long history of civilization, rich culture.

I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend [with dignity, with honor].

The death penalty fulfills a preventive function, but it is also very clearly a form of revenge. It is an especially severe form of punishment because it is so final. The human life is ended and the executed person is deprived of the opportunity to change, to restore the harm done or compensate for it.

It is a wonderful thing if one can use one's place of work as a place of spiritual practice as well.

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

Developing love and compassion and reducing anger and spite is a universal activity which requires no faith in any religion whatsoever