His Holiness often says, "I am just a simple Buddhist monk - no more, nor less." Living in a small cottage in Dharamsala, he rises at 4:00 AM to mediate and pray, and then pursues an ongoing schedule of administrative meetings, private audiences and religious teachings and ceremonies. He concludes each day with further prayer before retiring. In explaining his greatest sources of inspiration, he often cites a favorite verse, found in the writings of the renowned eighth century Buddhist saint Shantideva:

"For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I too abide to dispel the misery of the world."