Viral Video Gets Backlash Showing Dalai Lama Kissing A Boy, Apology Follows

An uproar has been caused by a video showing the Dalai Lama kissing a toddler on the lips and then telling the child to "suck his tongue."

The Dalai Lama is seen in a widely shared video kissing the boy's lips who approached him to offer homage. The youngster is approached by the Buddhist monk, who extends his tongue and asks him to "suck it." In the viral video, the Dalai Lama can be heard saying, "Can you suck my tongue?"

Many on Twitter criticised the event, calling it "creepy." "behaviour that is "repulsive" and "disgusting."

A user brought up the possibility that Tibetan culture may provide some context. Perhaps there is a theological explanation, but why would he act in such a way?"

Nevertheless, numerous people pointed out that other viewers' actions in the video—including those who were cheering and grinning—were as unsettling. Another user made the observation that the fact that no one objected at the time implies that the Dalai Lama's actions may not have been very objectionable.

But people there are smiling and clapping nor bemused by the act
They didn't find it offensive and shocking as you sounded sitting in the comfort of yours,

— BD 🌟🌟 (@B_Dasgupta85) April 9, 2023

Some have called the act upsetting and pointed out how uncomfortable the youngster in the video seemed to be.

Shocking and disgusting ! Honestly lost the respect I had for him . This child is feeling so awkward

— Pravin Tonsekar (@pat_tons) April 9, 2023

What the hell is this?! Isn’t this a crime? This will escalate as it should. Requires more scrutiny than a mere apology.

— Sangeeta Mulay (@groggy_eyes) April 9, 2023

A other user, however, highlighted a BBC report in which it was mentioned that putting one's tongue out is a traditional welcome in Tibet. This custom originated in the ninth century, under the rule of Lang Darma, a notorious monarch known for having a black tongue. People in Tibet put out their tongues to demonstrate that they are not his reincarnation, a user wrote.

BBC: “In Tibet, sticking your tongue out is a way of saying hello.” It has been a tradition since the 9th century, the time of an evil king called Lang Darma, who was known for his black tongue. People in Tibet poke their tongue out to prove they aren’t his reincarnation pic.twitter.com/aUMqHRRH96

— Drew Pavlou (@DrewPavlou) April 9, 2023

The head of the Buddhist community has faced criticism previously. When he said that a woman should be "beautiful" if she were to succeed him in 2019, the Dalai Lama incited a furor.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner made the remarks in 2019 while living in exile in Dharamsala and speaking with a British broadcaster. The remark was denounced all across the world.

He eventually issued an apology for his divisive remarks.

The reincarnation of a well-known spiritual leader has been revealed to be an 8-year-old Mongolian kid born in the United States by the 14th Dalai Lama. The youngster has been identified as the third-most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche.