If I were to die today, I would have some concern for Tibet. But I know that I have personally done as much as I can to use my existence for others. So I have no regret.

Your motivation should be sincere and your life should be of benefit to some people. That is the main thing. Don't care after my death.

I consider myself to be just one among 7 billion human beings. If I were to think of myself as different from others, or as something special, it would create a barrier between us. What makes us the same is that we all want to lead happy lives and gather friends around us. And friendship is based on trust, honesty and openness.

For material progress and physical well being, peace of mind is of utmost importance.

The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis.

I never dreamt, in my dream, I'm Dalai Lama.

I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. I'm not talking about the short-term gratification of pleasures like sex, drugs or gambling (though I'm not knocking them), but something that will bring true and lasting happiness. The kind that sticks.