Democratic institutions are necessary and very important, and if I remained at the head of government, it could be an obstacle to democratic practice. Also, if I were to remain, then I would have to join one of the parties. If the Dalai Lama joins one party, then that makes it hard for the system to work.

As far as ignorance is concerned, not just Buddhism, every religion recognizes it as the source of suffering.

Our love could change the orbit of the earth. So, if a meteor ever comes hurtling towards earth with the guarantee of destruction, top scientists may call on us to, well, you know, do it like crazy for the sake of humankind.

To combat hatred directed toward a person, a Buddhist cultivates loving kindness toward that person.

I hope that at this moment you are thinking of yourself as a human being rather than as an American, Asian, European, African, or member of any particular country. These loyalties are secondary.

Chinese people themselves, they really want change.

Compassion and love give meaning to our activities and makes them constructive.