But when it comes to democratic political parties, I prefer that monks and nuns not join them - in order to ensure proper democratic practice.

We consider that the lives of all beings are just as precious as our own, and through this we develop a sense of concern for others.

There is a true feminist movement in Buddhism that relates to the goddess Tārā. Following her cultivation of bodhicitta, the bodhisattva's motivation, she looked upon the situation of those striving towards full awakening and she felt that there were too few people who attained Buddhahood as women. So she vowed, 'I have developed bodhicitta as a woman. For all my lifetimes along the path I vow to be born as a woman, and in my final lifetime when I attain Buddhahood, then, too, I will be a woman.'

Firstly, as a Buddhist monk, I hold that violence is not good. Secondly, I am a firm believer in the Gandian ethic of passive resistance. And thirdly, in reality, violence is not our strength.

Your motivation should be sincere and your life should be of benefit to some people. That is the main thing. Don't care after my death.

I always believed in love, compassion and a sense of universal respect. Every human being has that potential.

All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction.