Dalai Lama

“I describe myself as a simple Buddhist monk. No more, no less.”

“I have done one thing that I think is a contribution: I helped Buddhist science and modern science combine. No other Buddhist has done that. Other lamas, I don't think they ever pay attentio...”

“I am a simple Buddhist monk - no more, no less.”

“I felt we must separate political responsibility. The Dalai Lama should not carry that burden. So that is my selfish reason - to protect the old Dalai Lama tradition. It is safer without pol...”

“If I had remained in Lhasa, even without the Chinese occupation, I would probably have carried the ceremonial role in some orthodox way.”

“In most cases, my visits to the West are for promotion of human values and religious harmony.”

“I always believe the rule by king or official leader is outdated. Now we must catch up with the modern world.”

“The Chinese government wants me to say that for many centuries Tibet has been part of China. Even if I make that statement, many people would just laugh. And my statement will not change pas...”

“I think there's every reason this 21st century will be much happier.”

“Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.”

“I think really, China, Chinese, I think they really have a long history of civilization, rich culture.”

“One thing I want to make clear, as far as my own rebirth is concerned, the final authority is myself and no one else, and obviously not China's Communists.”

“Chinese people themselves, they really want change.”

“My aim is to create a happy society with genuine friendship. Friendship between Tibetan and Chinese peoples is very essential.”

“Some scientists believe climate change is the cause of unprecedented melting of the North Pole, and that effects these very uncertain weather patterns. I think we should listen to those scie...”

“I always tell people that religious institutions and political institutions should be separate. So while I'm telling people this, I myself continue with them combined. Hypocrisy!”

“Even when a person has all of life's comforts - good food, good shelter, a companion - he or she can still become unhappy when encountering a tragic situation.”

“Today different ethnic groups and different nations come together due to common sense.”

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”

“I think technology really increased human ability. But technology cannot produce compassion.”