Dalai Lama controversy: Tibetan spiritual chief the Dalai Lama, on Monday, posted an apology on the microblogging web site after a video exhibiting him kissing a baby on the lips triggered criticism on social media platforms.
In an extended assertion launched from the official Twitter deal with of the 87-12 months-previous spiritual chief, it stated he regretted the incident and wished to “apologise” to the boy and his family, in addition to his many associates internationally, for the harm his phrases might have precipitated.
Notably, the incident occurred at a public gathering in February on the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamsala, the place the exiled chief lives. However, the video went viral after a clip went viral earlier this week.
What happened thus far?
During the non secular congregation, the spiritual chief was taking questions from the viewers when the boy requested if he may hug him. The Dalai Lama invited the boy up towards the platform he was seated on.
In the video, he gestured to his cheek, after which the kid kissed him earlier than giving him a hug.
The Dalai Lama then requested the boy to kiss him on the lips and caught out his tongue. “And suck my tongue,” the Dalai Lama may be heard saying because the boy stands proud his personal tongue and leans in, prompting laughter from the viewers.
The footage triggered a backlash on-line with social media customers condemning his behaviour as “inappropriate” and “disturbing”.
Is this controversial?
Sticking out one’s tongue was typically used as a greeting in accordance to historical Tibetan tradition, however isn’t generally seen anymore.
“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras,” the assertion from the Dalai Lama learn.
It is value mentioning the Dalai Lama has made the hillside city of Dharmsala his headquarters since exiting from Tibet after a failed rebellion towards Chinese rule in 1959. Interestingly, India considers Tibet to be a part of China, nevertheless it hosts Tibetan exiles.
Earlier final 12 months, when India-China stress flared following a conflict within the Tawang sector, he stated that he has no intentions of returning to China and would like to stay in India for the remainder of his life.
