Unless our minds are stable and calm, no matter how comfortable our physical condition may be, they will give us no pleasure. Therefore, the key to a happy life, now and in the future, is to develop a happy mind. -"The True Expression of Nonviolence is Compassion"

We are trying to get peace or happiness from outside, from money or power. But real peace, tranquillity, should come from within. -Address, 1984

I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the moment of birth, every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor idealogy affect this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness. Hence we should devote our most serious efforts to bring about mental peace. -"Disarmament, Peace, and Compassion

Our goal is happiness. And I believe that the very purpose of life is happiness. Whether we believe in a previous life or not, whether we believe in a next life or not, the very existence of this life I feel is meant for happiness. -Address, 1995