Compassion, forgiveness, these are the real, ultimate sources of power for peace and success in life

If there are sound reasons or bases for the points you demand, then there is no need for violence. On the other hand, when there is no sound reason that concessions should be made to you but mainly your own desire, then reason cannot work and you have to rely on force. Thus using force is not a sign of strength but rather a sign of weakness.

It does not matter whether you are a theist or atheist, what matters is sincerity, forgiveness, and compassion.

A good motivation is what is needed: compassion without dogmatism, without complicated philosophy; just understanding that others are human brothers and sisters and respecting their human rights and dignities. That we humans can help each other is one of our unique human capacities.

If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change. In my view, science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and for understanding reality. By learning from science about aspects of reality where its understanding may be more advanced, I believe that Buddhism enriches its own worldview.

Because the twentieth century was a century of violence, let us make the twenty-first a century of dialogue.

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.