The recent scandal involving the Dalai Lama asking a young boy to suck his tongue is deeply troubling and unacceptable.
In a video posted online, the young boy can be seen approaching Dalai Lama before asking, "Can I hug you?"
After hugging and touching foreheads, the Dalai Lama did not let go but continued to hold him. He then said "suck my tongue," to the boy, poking his tongue out.
As the video spread across the internet it was condemned by many, who called it "inappropriate", "scandalous" and "disgusting".
For many years, the Dalai Lama has crafted his image as a "spiritual leader" and a symbol of compassion and nonviolence to many around the world. Such actions not only violate the trust people have placed in him, but also contradict the values he claims.
The Dalai Lama has faced previous controversies. In 2019 he caused an outcry after suggesting that if the Dalai Lama returned as a woman "she should be more attractive", for which his office apologised.
As a society, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of our children and take all necessary steps to protect them from harm. It is crucial to hold individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they involve vulnerable populations such as children.
The Dalai Lama has since issued an apology, expressing his deep regret and acknowledging his behavior was inappropriate. However, this is not enough. There needs to be a more thorough investigation into the incident, and measures put in place to ensure such behavior is not repeated.
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