A network of abuse survivors has criticized the Dalai Lama’s actions, in which he kissed a young Indian boy on the lips before asking him to “suck” his tongue.
The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, a US-based organization that supports survivors of mental and religious abuse, expressed its horror on Monday after releasing the disturbing images.
“We are as shocked as any viewer by the actions of the Dalai Lama. Our primary concern is the innocent boy who was the subject of this disgusting request from a respected spiritual figure.
“Moreover, it is equally disturbing to read the minimizing statement released on behalf of the Buddhist enlightenment,” the abuse support network SNAP said in a statement.
An 87-year-old man asking a young boy to perform a shameless sexual act in a public setting is deeply disturbing. We believe it is important that any person who sees, suspects or suffers child crimes, regardless of the degree of crime, contacts the police to report it,” the statement said.
Footage of the awkward incident showed the moment when the Tibetan spiritual leader invited the boy on stage at a February charity event at his temple in Dharamshala, India.
The Dalai Lama has apologized after a disturbing video emerged on social media of him kissing a young Indian boy on the lips before asking him to ‘suck’ his tongue
Some of the Dalai Lama’s supporters defended him, claiming that their leader was simply ‘joking’.
In the video, the boy asks the Dalai Lama “Can I hug you?” to which Tenzin Gyatso replies, “Okay – come!”
The spiritual leader first asks the boy to kiss him on the cheek, before pointing to his lips. He holds the boy’s face as they briefly kiss, then the pair press their foreheads together.
Just as the boy is about to drive away, the Dalai Lama instructs him, “And suck my tongue” – prompting him to slowly creep forward towards the 87-year-old’s outstretched tongue.
Attendees at the event, held by India’s M3M Foundation, can be heard laughing as the boy sits awkwardly in front of the elderly Tibetan Buddhist leader and nervously follows his orders.
Others went so far as to describe the Dalai Lama as a “treacherous false prophet,” while one user called for being “arrested for pedophilia.”
Before letting the child go, the Dalai Lama imparts some wisdom to him, telling him to “look at those good people who create peace and happiness” and not “follow the people who always kill other people.”
Some of the Dalai Lama’s supporters came to his aid, claiming that their leader was just “joking.”
But the clip sparked outrage on social media, with commentators calling the Dalai Lama’s actions “outrageous,” “disgusting” and “absolutely sick.”
Others even described him as a “treacherous false prophet.”
“Utterly shocked by this display by the #DalaiLama. He has also had to apologize in the past for his sexist remarks. But saying to a little boy “now suck my tongue” is disgusting,” wrote user Sangita.
Another poster, Rakhi Tripathi said, ‘What did I just see? What must that child feel? Awful.’
In this file photo taken on Dec. 29, 2022, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama waves during his first day of teaching at the Kalachakra Ground in Bodhgaya
The spiritual leader’s office today posted a formal statement on social media apologizing for his actions.
“His Holiness wishes to apologize to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends around the world, for any pain his words may have caused,” the statement read.
“His Holiness often teases the people he meets in an innocent and playful manner, even in public and in front of cameras,” it added.
“He regrets the incident.”
The Dalai Lama remains the universally recognized face of the Tibetan autonomy movement.
But the global spotlight he enjoyed after winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 has faded and the deluge of invitations to talk to world leaders and Hollywood stars has subsided, in part because the aging leader has cut back his arduous travel schedule. also because of China’s increasing economic and political influence.
Beijing accuses him of wanting to split China and calls him a “monk-robed wolf.”
The Dalai Lama had to apologize in 2019 for saying any woman who succeeded him ‘should be more attractive’
Just weeks ago, the spiritual leader sparked more controversy when he named an eight-year-old boy of joint American and Mongolian citizenship as the reincarnation of the third most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism.
In 2019, the Dalai Lama apologized for saying that if his successor were a woman, she should be “more attractive.”
He was “deeply sorry” and “really meant no offense” after his comment sparked a global backlash.
The monk’s office said his “off-the-cuff remarks” had “lost their wit in translation,” highlighting that he was a strong supporter of women’s rights.
The comments, which were criticized around the world, were made in an interview with the BBC.
Just weeks ago, the spiritual leader sparked more controversy when he named an eight-year-old boy of joint American and Mongolian citizenship as the reincarnation of the third most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism.
The formal title of the child, who is said to have twins, is the tenth Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoché – the third most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism and the leader of the faith in Mongolia, according to The times.
Rumors about the boy’s identity had been circulating in the spiritual community for years, but his existence was only now confirmed through his public appearance in India, where the Dalai Lama lives in exile.
The revelation sparked anger in China, which previously said it will only recognize Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders who have chosen their special government-approved appointees.