The Buddha gave equal opportunities to women. But we, even as followers of Buddha, neglected that.

When young we have a vivid sense of basic values like trust and warm-heartedness, which we tend to neglect in today's competitive world as we grow up, yet from birth we all have a need for affection. The emotions we experience today have not changed much over the last few thousand years, but the interest increasing numbers of people are showing in their inner world and how their emotions work is a sign of maturity.

When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, 'Oh yes - I already have everything that I really need.'

Suffering increases your inner strength. Also, the wishing for suffering makes the suffering disappear.

We must recognize that the suffering of one person or one nation is the suffering of humanity.

The purpose of all the major religious traditions is not to construct big temples on the outside, but to create temples of goodness and compassion inside, in our hearts.

I am a firm believer in the importance of democracy, not only as the ultimate goal, but also as an essential part of the process.