A video showing a strange incident that took place during a charity event in India has caused a lot of anger on social media. Following the backlash caused by nobody but the Dalai Lama, the office of the Tibetan Buddhist leader has issued an apology today to address the criticism.
He has since apologized. Citing that the unsettling video posted all over social media of him kissing a young Indian boy on the lips before asking him to ‘suck’ his tongue was just a joke and that he was just teasing him.
A video that has caused discomfort captures the moment when the Tibetan spiritual leader, Tenzin Gyatso, invited a young boy on stage during a charity event held at the Dalai Lama’s temple in Dharamshala, India, in February, organized by the M3M Foundation. The footage shows the boy asking the Dalai Lama, “Can I hug you?” and Tenzin Gyatso responding, “Okay – come!”
People are disappointed by the Dalai Lama’s actions
The Dalai Lama first requested that the boy gives him a kiss on his cheek. And then proceeded to point to his cheek, gesturing he kiss him there next. They briefly kiss, foreheads pressed up against one another. The boy starts to pull away which then leads to the Dalai Lama suggesting to the boy that he should come closer to the 87-year-old. Tongue outstretched.
Individuals present at the event can be heard laughing while the young boy nervously follows the instructions of the Tibetan Buddhist leader. Sitting awkwardly in front of him. After the interaction, before letting the child go, the Dalai Lama shared some words of wisdom with him.”Look to those good human beings who create peace, and happiness. And not ‘follow those human beings who always kill other people.”
His supporters rushed to his defense, claiming that the Dalai Lama was only joking
The incident has since gone viral all over social media. People labeled the actions as disturbing, scandalous, and outright disgusting, calling the Dalai Lama ‘absolutely sick’. Others even went out on a limb and described the Dalai Lama as an ‘insidious false prophet’. Someone suggested that he should be arrested and investigated for pedophilia.
‘Utterly shocked to see this display by the #DalaiLama. In the past too, he’s had to apologize for his sexist comments. But saying – Now suck my tongue to a small boy is disgusting,’ wrote user Sangita. Rakhi Tripathi, another poster said: ‘What did I just see? What that child must be feeling? Disgusting.’
After receiving widespread criticism for his behavior, the office of the spiritual leader issued a formal apology on social media today. In the statement, the office expressed regret for the actions of the spiritual leader and made an apology. The statement read: “His Holiness wishes to apologize to the boy and his family. As well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused”.
Apologies mean very little when you’re such an influential presence
“His Holiness often teases the people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident.” Despite being the widely acknowledged figurehead of the movement for Tibetan autonomy, the Dalai Lama’s international recognition has declined in recent years.
This is partly because of his reduced travel schedule due to aging. But also due to China’s increasing economic and political influence. Thus resulting in a decrease in invitations to hobnob with world leaders and celebrities. Nonetheless, the Dalai Lama continues to be a respected spiritual leader by many around the world.
In an interview with the BBC, the monk made remarks that were criticized. His office later clarified that the comments were intended to be humorous. And that he is a strong advocate for women’s rights. More recently, the monk has stirred controversy by designating an eight-year-old boy, who holds dual US and Mongolian citizenship, as the reincarnation of the third most significant spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism, Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoché.
This child, who reportedly has a twin, has been given the formal title of the tenth Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoché, and is considered the leader of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia, according to The Times.
The boy’s identity has also been questioned by the spiritual community
For years, rumors about the identity of a young boy have circulated within the spiritual community, but it was only recently confirmed with his public appearance in India where the Dalai Lama currently resides in exile. The announcement of the boy’s identity has caused outrage in China, which has stated that it will only recognize Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders who are chosen by government-appointed individuals.
Sources
- “Dalai Lama regrets asking boy to ‘suck my tongue’.” BBC News. April 2023.
- “Dalai Lama Kisses Young Boy On The Lips And Asks Him To ‘Suck’ His Tongue.” That Viral Feed. Maks. April 10, 2023