The Dalai Lama declared that he is still a Marxist in spirit who condemns capitalism as a system whose main goal is "how to make profit".

Marxism has "the only economy system expressing concern of equal distribution (of wealth); that is moral ethics," the Tibetan Buddhist leader told a news conference at the start of a four-day New York visit.

The 74-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner spoke minutes before his afternoon teaching session at Radio City Music Hall.

Tickets for each of six such sessions-- sold for 20 to 60 US dollars apiece. But several internet sites were reselling them at prices nearing 700 US dollars.

Asked what he thought about people having to pay to hear his spiritual lectures, he said: "This is up to organiser. I have no connection."

He then said that he always asks organisers of his worldwide appearances that any tickets be "cheap" and that he personally never accepts payment. In addition, some of the proceeds from the events go to hunger relief and other charities, he said.

However, to laughter, the Dalai Lama added that after his teaching sessions, certain organisations do "look a little wealthier".

He said some friends tell him not to mention that "still, I am Marxist" - because he believes the goal of many Western democracies is "only how to make profit," creating economic inequalities that contribute to social ills.

But in practice, he added, Marxism as applied by authoritarian governments, such as China's, is oppressive, because it lacks an independent judiciary, a free press and human rights for his fellow Buddhists in Chinese-governed Tibet.

He said he believes followers of all religions should respect one another.

"Islam was also created by God," he said, letting out a giggle when several reporters appeared surprised.