No single Tibetan dreaming return of previous sort of backwardness, therefore as far as economy development is concerned, Tibet remain within the People's Republic of China, we will get greater benefit.

After I handed over all my authority, I feel now our struggle [for Tibet ] become much, much safer. And me personally, the day I officially handed over, that night, very unusual sound. I am quite free now.

Religion is like going out to dinner with friends. Everyone may order something different, but everyone can still sit at the same table.

Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.

I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend [with dignity, with honor].

China has to go along with world trends. That's democracy, liberty, individual freedom. China sooner or later has to go that way. It cannot go backward.

There is often a big disparity between the way in which we perceive things and the way things really are.