By Sue-Ann Wayow
TIBETAN spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has apologised after a video that went viral shows him kissing a boy and asking him to suck his tongue.
The 87-year-old leader issued the apology after the video sparked criticism from viewers.
On his official website, a statement from the Dalai Lama reads, “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 apologise to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused.
“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident.”
Many international media houses have also reported the incident including the BBC, CNN, NBC and the UK Guardian.
The incident occurred at a public gathering in February at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamsala, India,where the exiled Dalai Lama lives.
In the video, the Dalai Lama invited the boy up toward the platform he was seated on and gestured to his cheek.
The boy kissed him on his cheek and then gave him a hug.
Sticking out his tongue, the Dalai Lama could be heard asking the boy to kiss him on his lips “and suck my tongue”, leaning into the boy while the audience laughed and some took photos.
But it was no laughing matter for those viewing online as many commented that the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s behaviour was “disturbing”, “disgusting”, “outrageous” and “condemnable.”
Singer Cardi B tweeted, “This world is full of predators. They prey on the innocent. The ones who are most unknowing, our children. Predators could be our neighbors, our school teachers, even people wit money ,power & our churches. Constantly talk with your kids about boundaries and what they shouldn’t allow people to do to them.”
Born to a peasant family in Tibet as Tenzin Gyatso, the Dalai Lama, was recognised at the age of two, in accordance with Tibetan tradition, as the reincarnation of his predecessor the 13th Dalai Lama and is deemed as one of the world’s great leaders.
According to the 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.
The traditional greeting is actually a form of respect for Tibetans.
