DHARAMSALA, India (AP) — Tibetan religious chief the Dalai Lama apologized Monday after a video displaying him kissing a baby on the lips triggered criticism.
A press release posted on his official web site stated the 87-year-old chief regretted the incident and wished 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.”
The incident occurred at a public gathering in February on the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamsala, the place the exiled chief lives. He 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 might 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 conduct as inappropriate and disturbing.
SNAP, the nationwide advocacy group for victims of clergy abuse, stated they have been “horrified” by the Dalai Lama’s actions. “Our primary concern is with the innocent boy who was the subject of this disgusting request by a revered spiritual figure,” the group stated in a press release.
Sticking out one’s tongue was typically used as a greeting in response to historic 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.
The Dalai Lama has made the hillside city of Dharmsala his headquarters since fleeing from Tibet after a failed rebellion in opposition to Chinese rule in 1959. India considers Tibet to be a part of China, although it hosts Tibetan exiles.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”