The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis.

For Tibetans, the real strength of our struggle is truth - not size, money, or expertise.

While it is all very well to distinguish happiness that is transient from that which is lasting, between ephemeral and genuine happiness, the only happiness it is meaningful to speak of when a person is dying from thirst is access to water.

I became the Dalai Lama not on a volunteer basis.

Our planet is blessed with vast natural treasures. If we use them wisely, beginning with the elimination of militarism and war, every human being will be able to live a healthy, prosperous existence.

The purpose of life is to be happy.

Unlike physical progress, which is subject to natural restrictions, the qualities of the mind can be developed limitlessly.