No matter what part of the world we come from, we are all basically the same human beings. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. We have the same basic human needs and concerns. All of us human beings want freedom and the right to determine our own destiny as individuals and as peoples. That is human nature.

Love is the absence of judgment.

Self satisfaction alone cannot determine if a desire or action is positive or negative. The demarcation between a positive and a negative desire or action is not whether it gives you a immediate feeling of satisfaction, but whether it ultimately results in positive or negative consequences.

A learned person will become noble only when he or she has put into real practice what has been learned, instead of mere words.

Compassion automatically brings happiness and calmness. Then, even if you receive disturbing news, it will be easier to take, as your mind is still.

We have made a great effort to maintain all levels of Buddhist education; it has helped us have a kind of renaissance, really.

If others are happy, we will be happy. If others suffer, ultimately we all suffer.