Dalai Lama (14th)

"For spiritual practice, I recommend isolation and constant practice with a qualified teacher."

"Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility."

"The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness."

"Use whatever influence you have, in order to increase the quantity of food, education, and medical care."

"A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering."

"Inner peace is the key. If you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility."

"If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether you can do something about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot, then there is no point in worrying."

"The goal is not to be better than the other man, but rather to be better than yesterday."

"Through violence, you may 'solve' one problem, but you sow the seeds for another."

"With realization of one's potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world."

"It is important to understand that disagreement or conflict is not something abnormal."

"Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk."

"Compassion can be put into practice if we develop peace in our minds and hearts and cultivate an atmosphere of friendship and warmth."

"Choose the attitude that you want to have. That's within your control. That's power."

"The period of greatest gain in knowledge and experience is the most difficult period in one's life."

"Cultivate peace first within yourself, then within your immediate family, then in your community, then in your nation, and finally in the world."

"Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people's suffering. On these grounds, they could be called bridges between people."

"The tongue like a sharp knife kills without drawing blood."

"Whether one believes in a religion or not, this is a much better world if one does not promote aggression, non-violence and harmony."

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

"The experience of suffering gives rise to compassion. And compassion gives rise to the ability to reduce suffering."

"A human being is a part of a whole, called by us 'universe,' a part limited in time and space."

"I believe that to meet the challenge of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility."

"Western materialistic culture is very strong, but there is a lack of spiritual culture."

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

"The very purpose of our life is to seek happiness."

"By the practice of tolerance, you will be able to destroy all your enemies."

"Get involved in the process of awareness itself. Become conscious of the love within you. When this consciousness becomes active, there is a spontaneous change in your behavior."

"Spend the precious moments in your life with people you love, not on the internet."

"Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us lasting happiness and reduce suffering."