After a video of the Dalai Lama kissing the child on the lips and asking the child to “suck his tongue” went viral, it attracted a lot of outrage on social media
However, the day after the video went viral, the office of the Dalai Lama issued a statement apologising to the boy and his family: “A video clip has been circulating that shows a recent meeting when a young boy asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama if he could give him a hug. 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.”
Further, the statement maintained that the spiritual Tibetan leader “often teases people in an innocent and playful way”.
“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras.”
The statement also stated he regretted the incident.
Sikkim’s Chief Minister, PS Golay, amid the controversies, took to Facebook to send a message in favour of the Dalai Lama.
He wrote, “The world at large is kindled to witness catastrophes of various natures since its inception. However, we are perturbed when an issue out of the non-issue is generated, which often is guided by illegitimate interests and repercussions. The present case is no exception, wherein the stature, reputation, and magnanimity of a very compassionate spiritual leader are attempted in trials.”
“His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama is the embodiment of human civilization, irrespective of creed or faith, and has always lived up to everyone’s expectations without any biases or prejudice. It’s not for nothing that there should be ill will against such magnificent and compassionate torch-bearers to those who consider him his foe. For His Holiness, all the sentient beings in the six realms are His dharma fraternity.”
“The teachings of His Holiness have always been influenced by love and compassion, while the world at large equally knows Him for His magnificent sense of humor. He is the most lovable human being and is held in great esteem globally. It is owing to our accumulation of positive virtues, that His Holiness now lives in India as His Holiness often would describe himself as “the longest-staying guest of India”. He further proudly acknowledges himself as more Indian than anyone else. Here I would not hesitate to state that His Holiness is the pride of the Indian Nation, the torch bearer of the Nalanda tradition of dharma as espoused by the Lord Buddha, 2500 years ago.”
“Through this, I appeal to my fraternity world to restrain themselves from accumulating demerits by engaging in such maligning campaigns as seen in the public domain of late, guided by negativity. His Holiness is the unquestionable spiritual leader while sentient beings, all through the Six realms would keep on seeking refuge at his Lotus Feet.” Added the statement
