When we think carefully, we see that the brief elation we experience when appeasing sensual impulses may not be very different from what the drug addict feels when indulging his or her habit. Temporary relief is soon followed by a craving for more. And in just the same way that taking drugs in the end only causes trouble, so, too, does much of what we undertake to fulfill our immediate sensory desires.

A positive state of mind is not merely good for you, it benefits everyone with whom you come into contact, literally changing the world.

Gratitude is something you show in relation to others.

I think that ethical behaviour is another feature of the kind of inner discipline that leads to a happier existence.

Only through the development of mutual respect, and in a spirit of truth, can friendship come about. By these means it is possible to move human minds, but never by force.

Warm-heartedne ss and concern for others’ well-being are a condition for happiness, whether you are religious or not.

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.