If some people have the belief or view that the Dalai Lama has some miracle power, that's totally nonsense.

In twenty years' time I'll be eighty-three, just an old man with a stick moving like a sloth bear. While I'm alive, I am fully committed to autonomy, and I am the person who can persuade the Tibetan people to accept it.

Happiness does not come about only due to external circumstances; it mainly derives from inner attitudes.

When we talk about global crisis, or a crisis of humanity, we cannot blame a few politicians, a few fanatics, or a few troublemakers. The whole of humanity has a responsibility because it is our business, human business. I call this a sense of universal responsibility. That is a crucial point.

Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility... Without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed or unhappy because of circumstances.

Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

A genuine smile touches something fundamental in us: our natural appreciation of kindness.