The more adept we become at cultivating an altruistic attitude, the happier we will feel and the more comfortable will be the atmosphere around us. But if our emotions fluctuate wildly and we easily give in to hatred and jealousy, even our friends will avoid us. So even for people with no spiritual beliefs, it is important to have a peaceful mind.

The practicing of loving kindness toward one's enemy is the ultimate test of one's own spiritual attainment.

The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticise others.

True change is within; leave the outside as it is.

Here, the certain temple rule, this seems to me to have a certain responsibility to look after the well-being of society and look after Buddhism and culture. I consider these part of the practice of spirituality. There is no competition between spiritual practice and party politics. That is outdated. We already, since 2001, have elected political position. My position is semi-retired. I am looking forward to complete retirement.

Maybe, just maybe, I would like to become a real spiritual teacher, a working lama!

There are five billion human beings and in a certain way I think we need five billion different religions.

I think in many ways narrow minded-attitudes lead to extreme thinking.

I have observed that religious practice is not a precondition either of ethical conduct or of happiness itself. I have also suggested that, whether a person practices religion or not, the spiritual qualities of love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, humility and so on are indispensable.