Peace, in the sense of the absence of war, is of little value to someone who is dying of hunger or cold. It will not remove the pain of torture inflicted on a prisoner of conscience. It does not comfort those who have lost their loved ones in floods caused by senseless deforestation in a neighboring country. Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free.

Although it is difficult to pinpoint the physical base or location of awareness, it is perhaps the most precious thing concealed within our brains. And it is something that the individual alone can feel and experience. Each of us cherishes it highly, yet it is private.

Indulgence in resentment and vengeance will only further increase miseries to oneself and others in this life and in lives to come.

Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important. Self-discipline with awareness of consequences.

A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals the secret of some hidden treasure.

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

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.