Recently, a video of the Dalai Lama went viral, causing widespread condemnation and controversy. The video shows the spiritual leader kissing a young boy on the lips and asking him to “suck his tongue” during a public event in India. The incident occurred in late February at the Dalai Lama’s temple in Dharamshala, where about 100 young students had just graduated from the Indian M3M Foundation.
The boy in the video approached the microphone and asked the Dalai Lama if he could hug him. The Dalai Lama motioned for the boy to come up to the platform where he was seated and told him to kiss his cheek. After the boy kissed him, the Dalai Lama kept hold of the boy and kissed him on the lips, before asking him to “suck his tongue.” The audience laughed as the boy quickly stuck out his own tongue and moved away, and the Dalai Lama pulled him back in for another hug.
As the video spread across the internet, many people condemned the Dalai Lama’s behaviour, calling it “inappropriate”, “scandalous”, and “disgusting”. The controversy prompted an apology from the office of the Dalai Lama, which described his behaviour as “innocent and playful”.
The statement released by the office of the Dalai Lama said, “His holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident.” The statement also apologised to the boy and his family, as well as the Dalai Lama’s many friends across the world, for any hurt that his words may have caused.
This is not the first time that the Dalai Lama has faced controversy. In 2019, he caused an outcry after suggesting that if the Dalai Lama returned as a woman, she should be more attractive. His office apologised for the remark.
The Dalai Lama is the holiest figure in Tibetan Buddhism and has lived in exile in India since 1959, when Tibet was annexed by China. He is known for his teachings on compassion, non-violence, and interfaith dialogue, and has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and human rights.
The incident captured in the viral video is certainly regrettable and has caused hurt to many people. However, it is important to remember that the Dalai Lama is a human being, and like all human beings, he is fallible. It is also important to acknowledge that he has dedicated his life to promoting compassion and non-violence, and that this incident does not detract from the positive impact he has had on the world.
In conclusion, the viral video of the Dalai Lama kissing a young boy on the lips and asking him to “suck his tongue” has caused controversy and prompted an apology from his office. While this incident is regrettable, it is important to remember the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to promoting compassion and non-violence, and the positive impact he has had on the world.
