Silence is something more than just a pause; it is that enchanted place where space is cleared and time is stayed and the horizon itself expands. In silence, we often say, we can hear ourselves think; but what is truer to say is that in silence we can hear ourselves not think....In silence, we might better say, we can hear someone else think.

Writing of every kind is a way to wake oneself up and keep as alive as when one has just fallen in love.

American dreams are strongest in the hearts of those who have seen America only in their dreams.

I wanted to bring the book out right now because I think anyone who cares about Tibet knew there would be disturbances in the run up to the Olympics [2008]. Many Tibetans feel it's their last chance to broadcast their suffering and frustration and pain to the world before the Olympics take place and China is accepted as a modern nation and the world forgets about Tibet.

The more we run from a problem, the more we're actually running into it.

The Dalai Lama says don't pray for peace, don't wait for peace, don't talk about peace - do it right now.

To step away from the world isn't to draw back; it's actually a way to tune in.