It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.

‎In today's materialistic world there is a risk of people becoming slaves to money, as though they were simply cogs in a huge money-making machine. This does nothing for human dignity, freedom, and genuine well-being. Wealth should serve humanity, and not the other way around.

Without the human community one single human being cannot survive.

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.

When we encounter suffering, it is important to respond w/ compassion rather than to question the politics of those we help.

Scientists may study mainly matter but they cannot ignore the human mind, or consciousness: spiritual practitioners may be engaging mainly in developing the mind but they cannot completely ignore their physical needs. It is for this reason that I have always stressed the importance of combining both mental and the material approach to achieving happiness for humankind.

I have come to the conclusion that whether or not a person is a religious believer does not matter. Far more important is that they be a good human being.