To be completely enlightened means that you're a Buddha.I don't speak of enlightenment.

Tibetans - at least traditionally - are so totally permeated with the dharma that they don't see any difference between dharma and everyday life, really. And therefore they enjoy it because they don't make a separation.

When I was in retreat I just did my meditation sessions and, in-between, reading and things I had to do.

I never really wondered about getting from London to Lahaul. It all seemed such a natural progression. In London I felt I was in the wrong place and wanted to leave. I'd thought about going to Australia or New Zealand. It's nothing against England, but I knew I wasn't meant to be there.

We only think about the difficult people and the horrible things that happen. That's what gets all the media attention.

Even if one isn't a committed Buddhist, it just helps us become better human beings.

If you're born in the higher realms, then it's too pleasant, and you don't have any incentive to practice. If you're born in the lower realms, you don't have any opportunity to practice.