Western Buddhists in many ways are much serious Buddhists than Tibetans are.

People don't understand what happiness is, so they have an idea of what will make them happy, but it never does.

What we all have in common is an appreciation of kindness and compassion; all the religions have this. We all lean towards love.

People get offended by animal rights campaigns. It's ludicrous. It's not as bad as mass animal death in a factory.

When I am in Tibet, I am very happy. The Tibetans radiate. They literally send out light. The Dalai Lama's holiness generates love and compassion to every human being. He has committed himself to that. I haven't made that leap yet. I haven't given up self-aspiration. I still love making movies.

As custodians of the planet it is our responsibility to deal with all species with kindness, love, and compassion. That these animals suffer through human cruelty is beyond understanding. Please help to stop this madness.

I've lived in New York when I've had nothing, and I've lived in New York when I had money, and New York changes radically depending on how much money you have. It's the texture of life.