India's hill city of Dharamshala on Thursday, celebrated the 35th birthday of The Dalai Lama appointed Panchem Lama, with great fervor and joy.

Tibet celebrates Panchem Lama's birthday, urges his release

<p>The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, reaffirmed his deep-rooted connection to Indian philosophical traditions. Reflecting on life's journey, the Dalai Lama said, "Physically, I am Tibetan, but mentally I am nourished by the timeless wisdom of the Nalanda tradition."</p>

<p>The Nalanda tradition, originating from the Nalanda University in ancient India, serves as a focal point for the convergence of Buddhist and Hindu philosophical thought.</p>

<p>Emphasising his affiliation with this tradition, the Dalai Lama stated, "I am a follower of the Nalanda tradition, as it encapsulates the essence of Indian thought that has endured for millennia." He was speaking to a group of journalists, including from WION in Dharmshala, the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile.</p>

<p>His acknowledgement underscores his respect for India's intellectual heritage and links with Tibetan Buddhism. Throughout history, Tibetan scholars have sought refuge and inspiration in India, contributing to cultural exchange and spiritual exploration.</p>

<p>While maintaining his Tibetan identity, the Dalai Lama's embrace of the Nalanda tradition reflects a broader recognition of the universality of spiritual truths. The affirmation of his alignment with the Nalanda tradition also serves as a testament to the enduring bonds between Tibetan and Indian cultures.</p>


The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, reaffirmed his deep-rooted connection to Indian philosophical traditions. Reflecting on life's journey, the Dalai Lama said, "Physically, I am Tibetan, but mentally I am nourished by the timeless wisdom of the Nalanda tradition.

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, reaffirmed his deep-rooted connection to Indian philosophical traditions. Reflecting on life's journey, the Dalai Lama said, "Physically, I am Tibetan, but mentally I am nourished by the timeless wisdom of the Nalanda tradition." The Nalanda tradition, originating from the Nalanda University in ancient India, serves as a focal point for the convergence of Buddhist and Hindu philosophical thought. Emphasising his affiliation with this tradition, the Dalai Lama stated, "I am a follower of the Nalanda tradition, as it encapsulates the essence of Indian thought that has endured for millennia." He was speaking to a group of journalists, including from WION in Dharmshala, the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile. His acknowledgement underscores his respect for India's intellectual heritage and links with Tibetan Buddhism. Throughout history, Tibetan scholars have sought refuge and inspiration in India, contributing to cultural exchange and spiritual exploration. While maintaining his Tibetan identity, the Dalai Lama's embrace of the Nalanda tradition reflects a broader recognition of the universality of spiritual truths. The affirmation of his alignment with the Nalanda tradition also serves as a testament to the enduring bonds between Tibetan and Indian cultures.

Dalai Lama emphasises on Indian link to Tibetan Buddhism

China blocking the Dalai Lama's visit to Sri Lanka earlier this year was a reflection of Beijing's insecurities around the Tibetan spiritual leader. And the fact that Sri Lanka has huge debts to China pending means it is again bullied into accepting the 'diktat' from the 'bully'. Inside South Asia decodes the dynamics at work.

Why is China blocking Dalai Lama's visit to Sri Lanka?

On Inside South Asia with @Bhairavi Singh #IndiaElections2024 - Rahul Gandhi's 'no-benefit' contest from Wayanad? Why is China blocking Dalai Lama's visit to Sri Lanka? Nepal's Right-Wing party demands Hindu kingdom A ray of hope for Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh's Bhasan Char Camp Eid celebrations across South Asia

I.N.D.I.A vs I.N.D.I.A battle in Wayanad | China blocks Dalai Lama

A top Sri Lankan Buddhist leader has said that China has been blocking the visit of Tibetan Buddhist Spiritual leader, Dalai Lama to the country. Most Venerable Dr Waskaduwe Mahindawansa made the comments in an exclusive interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi.

China blocking Dalai Lama's Sri Lanka visit, says Buddhist leader Dr Waskaduwe Mahindawansa

Top Sri Lankan Buddhist leader has said that China has been blocking the visit of Tibetan Buddhist Spiritual leader, Dalai Lama to the country. Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa made the comments in an exclusive interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi. He said, "We respect him and invited to Sri Lanka, but China did not like that. China pressed against our government as well, we don't like that. He is a Buddhist leader, he has the freedom, and we have freedom to invite."

'China against Dalai Lama's Sri Lanka visit', says top Buddhist leader Dr. Waskaduwe

'China blocking Dalai Lama's Sri Lanka visit', says top Buddhist leader Dr. Waskaduwe

<p>A top Sri Lankan Buddhist leader has said that China has been blocking the visit of Tibetan Buddhist Spiritual leader, Dalai Lama to the country. Most Venerable Dr Waskaduwe Mahindawansa made the comments in an exclusive interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi.</p>

<p>He said, "We respect him and invited him to Sri Lanka, but China did not like that. China pressed against our government as well, we don't like that. He is a Buddhist leader, he has the freedom, and we have the freedom to invite."</p>

<p>Most Venerable Dr Waskaduwe is the head or Mahanayaka Thero of Amarapura Sambuddha Sasanodaya Maha Nikaya. It is a Buddhist monastic order or sect in Sri Lanka. It is one of the major Nikayas (sects) in Theravada Buddhism, which is the dominant form of Buddhism practiced in Sri Lanka and many other parts of South and Southeast Asia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The prominent Buddhist leader is in India this week to hand over part of Kapilavastu relics of Buddha to His Holiness Dalai Lama. He said, "Dalai Lama is a very important person. Buddhism was born in India, and his doctrine in India, his doctrine went to Sri Lanka via Ashoka's son- Mahinda, and daughter &nbsp;Sanghamitra. So I think, this is the way, one or two, original Buddha relics are presented to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama."</p>

<p><em><strong>Here are the excerpts of the full conversation:&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>Can you tell us briefly about the background and significance of the relic that you handed over to His Holiness and what was the intent behind this?</p>

<p><strong>Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa: </strong>Dalai Lama is a very famous leader, not only in India but a world-famous leader. So many times I heard his lectures and many friends from other countries asked about him and about his lectures also. I thought I must go and meet him. I have met him 203 times. So, I decided that I must present special things from Sri Lanka, to give to him. The Dalai Lama always preaches about kindness. He is very close to me.</p>

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<p><strong>WION: </strong>If you can talk about Kapilavastu relics..</p>

<p><strong>Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe:</strong> After Buddha's cremation, many countries fought to get his relics. 8 countries/ rajdhanis. One portion was given to Buddha's relatives, Kapilavastu relics were to his village. They made a structure and put the relics. After that, over thousands of years, when India was under British occupation, the English discovered it. One Alexander Cunningham discovered it, and excavated the land. He found a big stone box and found the relics. He was not able to determine what the relics were about. It had some letters of Brahmi words. A Sri Lanka monk, a high priest, knew the relics, and pointed out these are Buddha relics. A portion from the relics were sent to Sri Lanka, to my temple. It was kept in my temple, generation after generation.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> And you gave Kapilavastu relics to the Dalai Lama..</p>

<p><strong>Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe:</strong> The Dalai Lama knows history well. Myself and the relics committee discussed it, we decided that Buddha was born in India, relics in Sri Lanka and I'm the custodian. So one original Buddha relic was brought to India, and presented to his holiness, the Dalai Lama. This is because, Dalai Lama is a very important person. Buddhism was born in India, his doctrine in India, his doctrine went to Sri Lanka via Ashoka's son- Mahinda and Daughter &nbsp;Sanghamitra. So I think, this is the way, one or 2, original Buddha relics are presented to his Holiness, the Dalai Lama.</p>

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<p><strong>WION:</strong> How was the reception at Dharamshala? If you can share some experiences or good memories that you can take away from the Dharamshala visit?</p>

<p><strong>Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe:</strong> It is a very interesting place, I visited it for the first time. It is near the Himalayas. It's a historic event, and a very calm place. Very important place in India, a historical event.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Plans to continue the engagement with the office of Dalai Lama?</p>

<p><strong>Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe:</strong> I thought yesterday, I must visit this place every year. Many people from across the world visit this place. Very important for India, this place. I must request that Indians, Sri Lanka, must visit respective countries.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> We understand that IBC assisted in the process of facilitating the smooth movement of your team from Colombo to Dharamshala and back and IBC was recently involved in the exposition of the relic in Thailand. Your comments please.</p>

<p><strong>Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe:</strong> International Buddhist Confederation is a very important organisation in the world, IBC, 45-49 countries connected to it, 400 organisations connected to. They are very important to the world, not just India. IBC has done great work, with relics being sent to Thailand.</p>

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<p><strong>WION:</strong> You know, China's view on the Dalai Lama, do you think China will be angry with you giving the relics</p>

<p><strong>Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe:</strong> Last time, from Sri Lanka top Monks invited the Dalai Lama to visit Sri Lanka. But problem from China, why I don't know. We respect the Dalai Lama, as a Buddhist leader, he is not a merchant. We respect him and invited to Sri Lanka, but China did not like that. China pressed against our government as well, we don't like that. He is a Buddhist leader, he has the freedom, and we have freedom to invite. So in future, if he visits Sri Lanka, we are happy. Sri Lankans also visit Himachal as well. What is the problem, he is the Buddhist leader, he preaches Buddha's doctrine.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How do you see India, Sri Lanka ties?</p>

<p><strong>Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe:</strong> Our mother land is India, my cultural and religious connection came from India to Sri Lanka. It is a close country for us. Our language also starts from India, Sanskrit, Pali. We must develop our friendship, sometimes, religious, cultural, economic friendship. Our elder brother is India.&nbsp;</p>


A top Sri Lankan Buddhist leader has said that China has been blocking the visit of Tibetan Buddhist Spiritual leader, Dalai Lama to the country. Most Venerable Dr Waskaduwe Mahindawansa made the comments in an exclusive interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi. He said, "We respect him and invited him to Sri Lanka, but China did not like that. China pressed against our government as well, we don't like that. He is a Buddhist leader, he has the freedom, and we have the freedom to invite." Most Venerable Dr Waskaduwe is the head or Mahanayaka Thero of Amarapura Sambuddha Sasanodaya Maha Nikaya. It is a Buddhist monastic order or sect in Sri Lanka. It is one of the major Nikayas (sects) in Theravada Buddhism, which is the dominant form of Buddhism practiced in Sri Lanka and many other parts of South and Southeast Asia. The prominent Buddhist leader is in India this week to hand over part of Kapilavastu relics of Buddha to His Holiness Dalai Lama. He said, "Dalai Lama is a very important person. Buddhism was born in India, and his doctrine in India, his doctrine went to Sri Lanka via Ashoka's son- Mahinda, and daughter Sanghamitra. So I think, this is the way, one or two, original Buddha relics are presented to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama." Here are the excerpts of the full conversation: WION: Can you tell us briefly about the background and significance of the relic that you handed over to His Holiness and what was the intent behind this? Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa: Dalai Lama is a very famous leader, not only in India but a world-famous leader. So many times I heard his lectures and many friends from other countries asked about him and about his lectures also. I thought I must go and meet him. I have met him 203 times. So, I decided that I must present special things from Sri Lanka, to give to him. The Dalai Lama always preaches about kindness. He is very close to me. Also Read | Search operation launched after a young man, 'jumped off' cruise ship in front of family WION: If you can talk about Kapilavastu relics.. Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe: After Buddha's cremation, many countries fought to get his relics. 8 countries/ rajdhanis. One portion was given to Buddha's relatives, Kapilavastu relics were to his village. They made a structure and put the relics. After that, over thousands of years, when India was under British occupation, the English discovered it. One Alexander Cunningham discovered it, and excavated the land. He found a big stone box and found the relics. He was not able to determine what the relics were about. It had some letters of Brahmi words. A Sri Lanka monk, a high priest, knew the relics, and pointed out these are Buddha relics. A portion from the relics were sent to Sri Lanka, to my temple. It was kept in my temple, generation after generation. WION: And you gave Kapilavastu relics to the Dalai Lama.. Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe: The Dalai Lama knows history well. Myself and the relics committee discussed it, we decided that Buddha was born in India, relics in Sri Lanka and I'm the custodian. So one original Buddha relic was brought to India, and presented to his holiness, the Dalai Lama. This is because, Dalai Lama is a very important person. Buddhism was born in India, his doctrine in India, his doctrine went to Sri Lanka via Ashoka's son- Mahinda and Daughter Sanghamitra. So I think, this is the way, one or 2, original Buddha relics are presented to his Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Also Read | French girl left in coma after she was thrashed by three teenagers WION: How was the reception at Dharamshala? If you can share some experiences or good memories that you can take away from the Dharamshala visit? Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe: It is a very interesting place, I visited it for the first time. It is near the Himalayas. It's a historic event, and a very calm place. Very important place in India, a historical event. WION: Plans to continue the engagement with the office of Dalai Lama? Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe: I thought yesterday, I must visit this place every year. Many people from across the world visit this place. Very important for India, this place. I must request that Indians, Sri Lanka, must visit respective countries. WION: We understand that IBC assisted in the process of facilitating the smooth movement of your team from Colombo to Dharamshala and back and IBC was recently involved in the exposition of the relic in Thailand. Your comments please. Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe: International Buddhist Confederation is a very important organisation in the world, IBC, 45-49 countries connected to it, 400 organisations connected to. They are very important to the world, not just India. IBC has done great work, with relics being sent to Thailand. Watch | Disney's streaming service to clamp down on password-sharing from June × WION: You know, China's view on the Dalai Lama, do you think China will be angry with you giving the relics Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe: Last time, from Sri Lanka top Monks invited the Dalai Lama to visit Sri Lanka. But problem from China, why I don't know. We respect the Dalai Lama, as a Buddhist leader, he is not a merchant. We respect him and invited to Sri Lanka, but China did not like that. China pressed against our government as well, we don't like that. He is a Buddhist leader, he has the freedom, and we have freedom to invite. So in future, if he visits Sri Lanka, we are happy. Sri Lankans also visit Himachal as well. What is the problem, he is the Buddhist leader, he preaches Buddha's doctrine. WION: How do you see India, Sri Lanka ties? Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe: Our mother land is India, my cultural and religious connection came from India to Sri Lanka. It is a close country for us. Our language also starts from India, Sanskrit, Pali. We must develop our friendship, sometimes, religious, cultural, economic friendship. Our elder brother is India.

China blocking Dalai Lama's Sri Lanka visit, says top Buddhist leader

Senior officials from Tibet are making multiple foreign trips. Is this China's new strategy to choose the next Dalai Lama? Are Chinese officials trying to charm their Buddhist neighbours over Dalai Lama's succession?

Gravitas: China's new plan to choose next Dalai Lama

<p>In the latest, a&nbsp;group of Khalistan sympathisers assembled outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver to demonstrate against the assassination of Khalistani militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an incident that Canada has suggested may have ties to individuals associated with the Indian government. In other news, Dalai Lama clarified his stance seeking more autonomy for Tibet, instead of political separation from China. Additionally, Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi, strongly criticised the assertions made by the global credit agency Moody's, which raised concerns about the privacy and security aspects of India's highly effective biometric identification initiative known as Aadhaar.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more.</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-khalistan-protests-grip-indian-mission-in-vancouver-as-diplomatic-tensions-over-nijjar-killing-continue-639617">Pro-Khalistan protests grip Indian mission in Vancouver as diplomatic tensions over Nijjar killing continue</a></p>

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<p>Dozens of Khalistan supporters gathered outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver to protest the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an act which Canada said has links to the agents of the Indian government. This comes after Khalistani terrorist&nbsp;Gurpatwant singh pannun called for demonstrations outside Indian consulates in Canada and threatened to shut them down.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetans-seek-autonomy-not-political-separation-from-china-dalai-lama-639609">Tibetans seek autonomy, not political separation from China: Dalai Lama</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/26/381969-the-battle-for-kyiv-2023-09-26t084429750.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China.&nbsp;He expressed his desire to eventually visit Lhasa but indicated his preference to continue living in India's Dharamshala.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-moodys-hot-humid-claims-over-aadhaars-efficiency-639602">India slams Moody's 'hot, humid' claims over Aadhaar's security and efficiency</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/26/381966-untitled-design-2023-09-26t083818606.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government slammed the claims made by global credit agency Moody's that questioned the privacy and security in India's successful biometric identification project Aadhaar, a 12 digit individual identification number issued to all Indian citizens by the Unique Identification Authority of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Telangana's Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali inaugurates 'war room'</strong></p>

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In the latest, a group of Khalistan sympathisers assembled outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver to demonstrate against the assassination of Khalistani militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an incident that Canada has suggested may have ties to individuals associated with the Indian government.

In the latest, a group of Khalistan sympathisers assembled outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver to demonstrate against the assassination of Khalistani militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an incident that Canada has suggested may have ties to individuals associated with the Indian government. In other news, Dalai Lama clarified his stance seeking more autonomy for Tibet, instead of political separation from China. Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, strongly criticised the assertions made by the global credit agency Moody's, which raised concerns about the privacy and security aspects of India's highly effective biometric identification initiative known as Aadhaar. Click on the headlines to read more. Pro-Khalistan protests grip Indian mission in Vancouver as diplomatic tensions over Nijjar killing continue Dozens of Khalistan supporters gathered outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver to protest the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an act which Canada said has links to the agents of the Indian government. This comes after Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant singh pannun called for demonstrations outside Indian consulates in Canada and threatened to shut them down. Tibetans seek autonomy, not political separation from China: Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China. He expressed his desire to eventually visit Lhasa but indicated his preference to continue living in India's Dharamshala. India slams Moody's 'hot, humid' claims over Aadhaar's security and efficiency India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government slammed the claims made by global credit agency Moody's that questioned the privacy and security in India's successful biometric identification project Aadhaar, a 12 digit individual identification number issued to all Indian citizens by the Unique Identification Authority of India. Watch | India: Telangana's Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali inaugurates 'war room' Watch | Canada PM Trudeau 'deeply embarrassed' after parliament honours a Nazi veteran

Morning brief: Khalistan rally outside Vancouver's Indian Consulate, Modi slams Moody's Aadhaar claim, & more

The Dalai Lama says that the Tibetans are seeking more autonomy and not freedom of political separation from China. Meanwhile, Beijing has accused the Dalai Lama who has lived in exile in India since 1959.

Dalai Lama wants to visit Lhasa but still wishes to stay in India, says report | World DNA

<p>The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China.&nbsp;He expressed his desire to eventually visit Lhasa but indicated his preference to continue living in India's Dharamsala.</p>

<p>The discussion&nbsp;took place before a demanding series of visits&nbsp;across India, which include planned visits to Sikkim, Karnataka, and Bodh Gaya in Bihar later this year, reported the Hindu.</p>

<p>The Dalai Lama reiterated his previous conciliatory statements, but China has consistently rejected these remarks, accusing the Dalai Lama, who has been in exile in India since 1959, of promoting separatism and being a "splittist."</p>

<p>Addressing the altitude challenges faced by many visitors to Tibet, the Dalai Lama shared, "China is also now changing... I think many people [in Tibet] love me... similarly many Chinese love me... and so they want me to go back [to Tibet]. But I do not want to stay there. Lhasa is very high…Dharamshala’s height is very suitable for my physical condition now." His statement marks the practical considerations of living in Tibet's high-altitude environment, which can be physically demanding, particularly for the aged.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian govt: New China's map show Indian state within Chinese border</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Spiritual roots in India</strong></h2>

<p>The Dalai Lama's spiritual journey is a tale of two homelands. Paying homage to the ancient seat of Buddhist teachings in India, he remarked, "I was born in Tibet, but my spiritual knowledge is from here, from Nalanda in India." He went on to say, "So half my body is from here at least," highlighting the profound influence that India has had on his spiritual growth.</p>

<p>Despite his age, the Dalai Lama continues to connect with the public. He has been actively meeting people daily during the post-COVID period, extending his greetings to crowds from his golf cart and receiving the reverence of countless Buddhist devotees and international visitors who come to pay their respects.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-academics-call-for-tibet-to-be-known-as-xizang-to-reconstruct-image-626677">Chinese academics call for renaming Tibet as Xizang for ‘reconstructing’ image</a></p>

<h2><strong>Upcoming engagements and diplomatic sensitivities</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), responsible for overseeing the Tibetan exile population, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to commence daily teachings in Dharamshala from October 2, reported The Hindu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, he plans to depart for Gangtok on October 10, where he will engage in discourses near the Chinese border and the Doklam plateau, a region that witnessed a standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers in 2017. This year, he also spent a month in Ladakh, a routine practice for him.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the Dalai Lama is set to travel to Bylakuppe in Karnataka, which is home to the second-largest Tibetan refugee settlement after Dharamshala. During this visit, he is expected to be joined by former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama.</p>

<h2><strong>China's ongoing concerns</strong></h2>

<p>China has previously expressed its objections to the Dalai Lama's interactions with senior US&nbsp;officials, consistently protesting against what it perceives as contacts between "external forces" and "Tibetan Independence" advocates. This includes a recent meeting between the Dalai Lama and the US&nbsp;Under Secretary for Civilian Security, democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, who also holds the position of US&nbsp;Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.&nbsp;</p>

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The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China.

The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China. He expressed his desire to eventually visit Lhasa but indicated his preference to continue living in India's Dharamsala. The discussion took place before a demanding series of visits across India, which include planned visits to Sikkim, Karnataka, and Bodh Gaya in Bihar later this year, reported the Hindu. The Dalai Lama reiterated his previous conciliatory statements, but China has consistently rejected these remarks, accusing the Dalai Lama, who has been in exile in India since 1959, of promoting separatism and being a "splittist." Addressing the altitude challenges faced by many visitors to Tibet, the Dalai Lama shared, "China is also now changing... I think many people [in Tibet] love me... similarly many Chinese love me... and so they want me to go back [to Tibet]. But I do not want to stay there. Lhasa is very high…Dharamshala’s height is very suitable for my physical condition now." His statement marks the practical considerations of living in Tibet's high-altitude environment, which can be physically demanding, particularly for the aged. Also watch | Indian govt: New China's map show Indian state within Chinese border Spiritual roots in India The Dalai Lama's spiritual journey is a tale of two homelands. Paying homage to the ancient seat of Buddhist teachings in India, he remarked, "I was born in Tibet, but my spiritual knowledge is from here, from Nalanda in India." He went on to say, "So half my body is from here at least," highlighting the profound influence that India has had on his spiritual growth. Despite his age, the Dalai Lama continues to connect with the public. He has been actively meeting people daily during the post-COVID period, extending his greetings to crowds from his golf cart and receiving the reverence of countless Buddhist devotees and international visitors who come to pay their respects. Also read | Chinese academics call for renaming Tibet as Xizang for ‘reconstructing’ image Upcoming engagements and diplomatic sensitivities According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), responsible for overseeing the Tibetan exile population, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to commence daily teachings in Dharamshala from October 2, reported The Hindu. Later, he plans to depart for Gangtok on October 10, where he will engage in discourses near the Chinese border and the Doklam plateau, a region that witnessed a standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers in 2017. This year, he also spent a month in Ladakh, a routine practice for him. Furthermore, the Dalai Lama is set to travel to Bylakuppe in Karnataka, which is home to the second-largest Tibetan refugee settlement after Dharamshala. During this visit, he is expected to be joined by former US President Barack Obama. China's ongoing concerns China has previously expressed its objections to the Dalai Lama's interactions with senior US officials, consistently protesting against what it perceives as contacts between "external forces" and "Tibetan Independence" advocates. This includes a recent meeting between the Dalai Lama and the US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, who also holds the position of US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tibetans seek autonomy, not political separation from China: Dalai Lama

Spiritual leader Dalai Lama turned 88, amid a furore of celebrations all over the world. His best friend arch bishop Desmon Tutu's homeland, South Afrcia, was no exception. A ground report on the elaborate birthday event marked by the Tibetan leader's followers.

S. Africa celebrates Dalai Lama's birthday

The top US official for human rights issues is currently in India before travelling to Bangladesh. The Indian American diplomat who has now arrived in New Delhi after the Indian prime minister's US visit will likely focus on advanced shared solutions to global challenges. The US under secretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights there met the Dalai Lama in New Delhi.

US special coordinator for Tibetan issues meets Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama, a spiritual authority, has stated that he is prepared to discuss Tibet with China. He added that the Tibetans will continue to be a part of China and do not seek independence. He made the remarks before departing for New Delhi.

Spiritual leader Dalai Lama says he is open for dialogue on Tibetan issue

It is the 88th birthday of his holiness, the Dalai Lama. He has been in India since 1959 chose leave his homeland in Tibet due to Chinese incursions back then. The Dalai Lama represents the unification of Tibetans and since he's popular with his followers, it has made India his home.

Happy Birthday Dalai Lama: The 14th Dalai Lama turns 88

<p>The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, celebrated his 88th birthday on Thursday, receiving warm wishes from various individuals and leaders around the world. Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to the Dalai Lama to convey his greetings on the special occasion.</p>

<p>PM Modi tweeted, “Spoke to His Holiness @DalaiLama and conveyed heartfelt greetings to him on his 88th birthday. Wishing him a long and healthy life.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spoke to His Holiness <a href="https://twitter.com/DalaiLama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalaiLama</a> and conveyed heartfelt greetings to him on his 88th birthday. Wishing him a long and healthy life.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1676849309248258048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, the spiritual leader also released a video message, in which he prayed “to be able to bring peace to the world and spread an understanding of the oneness of humanity.”</p>

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<h2><strong>Why is PM Modi's birthday wish&nbsp;significant?</strong></h2>

<p>The exchange of phone calls and public announcements between the Indian Prime Minister and the Tibetan spiritual leader hold&nbsp;significant diplomatic importance due to the strained relations between Beijing and the Dalai Lama.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese government refers to the Dalai Lama as a "splittist," while India has consistently emphasised the need for both sides to respect each other's sensitivities, interests, and concerns.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-chinas-exit-bans-prevent-tibetans-from-visiting-dalai-lama-in-india-safeguard-defenders-to-wion-588212"><strong>Exclusive: China's exit bans prevent Tibetans from visiting Dalai Lama in India</strong></a></p>

<p>Although the Dalai Lama resides in exile, his followers in Tibet and around the world celebrate his birthday with great enthusiasm. The main temple of the Dalai Lama in Mcleodganj became the centre of festivities for the Tibetan community in exile today. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, also attended the birthday celebrations.</p>

<h2><strong>Dalai Lama: The symbol of resistance against China</strong></h2>

<p>It is worth noting that since his voluntary retirement from his political role within the Tibetan government in exile in 2011, the Dalai Lama refrains from delivering any political messages on the occasion of his birthday. Instead, he focuses on his spiritual teachings and humanitarian endeavours.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Happy Birthday Dalai Lama: The 14th Dalai Lama turns 88</strong></p>

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<p>Despite relinquishing his temporal authority, the Dalai Lama continues to symbolise the Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule in Tibet. However, Tibetans in exile have been concerned that the Chinese government might attempt to manipulate the selection of the Dalai Lama's successor. Despite being in exile for over six decades, the Dalai Lama maintains a significant following in Tibet.</p>

<p>To address this issue, the Tibetan government in exile has repeatedly emphasised that the Dalai Lama has the exclusive right to choose his successor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This sentiment was also supported during a recent convention of world parliamentarians held in the United States.</p>

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The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, celebrated his 88th birthday on Thursday, receiving warm wishes from various individuals and leaders around the world.

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, celebrated his 88th birthday on Thursday, receiving warm wishes from various individuals and leaders around the world. Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to the Dalai Lama to convey his greetings on the special occasion. PM Modi tweeted, “Spoke to His Holiness @DalaiLama and conveyed heartfelt greetings to him on his 88th birthday. Wishing him a long and healthy life.” Spoke to His Holiness @DalaiLama and conveyed heartfelt greetings to him on his 88th birthday. Wishing him a long and healthy life. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2023 × Earlier, the spiritual leader also released a video message, in which he prayed “to be able to bring peace to the world and spread an understanding of the oneness of humanity.” × Why is PM Modi's birthday wish significant? The exchange of phone calls and public announcements between the Indian Prime Minister and the Tibetan spiritual leader hold significant diplomatic importance due to the strained relations between Beijing and the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government refers to the Dalai Lama as a "splittist," while India has consistently emphasised the need for both sides to respect each other's sensitivities, interests, and concerns. Also read: Exclusive: China's exit bans prevent Tibetans from visiting Dalai Lama in India Although the Dalai Lama resides in exile, his followers in Tibet and around the world celebrate his birthday with great enthusiasm. The main temple of the Dalai Lama in Mcleodganj became the centre of festivities for the Tibetan community in exile today. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, also attended the birthday celebrations. Dalai Lama: The symbol of resistance against China It is worth noting that since his voluntary retirement from his political role within the Tibetan government in exile in 2011, the Dalai Lama refrains from delivering any political messages on the occasion of his birthday. Instead, he focuses on his spiritual teachings and humanitarian endeavours. Watch: Happy Birthday Dalai Lama: The 14th Dalai Lama turns 88 × Despite relinquishing his temporal authority, the Dalai Lama continues to symbolise the Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule in Tibet. However, Tibetans in exile have been concerned that the Chinese government might attempt to manipulate the selection of the Dalai Lama's successor. Despite being in exile for over six decades, the Dalai Lama maintains a significant following in Tibet. To address this issue, the Tibetan government in exile has repeatedly emphasised that the Dalai Lama has the exclusive right to choose his successor. This sentiment was also supported during a recent convention of world parliamentarians held in the United States. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Tibetan leader Dalai Lama turns 88, receives birthday wishes from Indian PM Narendra Modi

Tibetans in Nepal celebrate Dalai Lama's 88th birthday

<p>In an interview with Bloomberg, Twitter co-founder Evan Williams stated that he was personally paying Dalai Lama's cell phone bill for many years after the Tibetan spiritual leader opened his account on the social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Williams remembered the fun moment when he was given the task of introducing Twitter to Dalai Lama and made him open an account on the micro-blogging application. Williams said that after meeting Dalai Lama, he came to know that the Tibetan spiritual leader wasn't actually briefed about the product and its working.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Dalai Lama's Blackberry phone and its bill</strong></h2>

<p>So Williams had to handhold him a little, get him to open an account on Twitter and even provided him with a Blackberry phone so that the spiritual leader can use Twitter. However, Dalai Lama was not the only one who got his account opened by Williams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He revealed that he also assisted popular American TV show host Oprah Winfrey in opening her Twitter account and also&nbsp;posted her first tweet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/his-holiness-the-14th-dalai-lama-attends-a-prayer-ceremony-in-dharamshala-on-may-24-595961">In Pics | Dalai Lama attends a prayer ceremony in Dharamshala</a></p>

<p>"Another memorable one (apart from Oprah Winfrey) was the Dalai Lama, who supposedly wanted to be on Twitter. It was super awkward. He's delightful obviously but it felt like I was there to sell him on Twitter. And I said, 'So, we are going to get you on'&nbsp;and he's like 'I don't need that'. But I was told that's why we're here. I thought this was all sold through already. This was pre-iPhone, I think. And so, we got his account all set up. So, we just gave him the Blackberry. And he used this account or one of his people used this account for years but my wife and I paid the bill for the Blackberry. So, we were paying the Dalai Lama's cell phone bill for a very long time," recounted Williams with joy.</p>

<p>The Twitter account of Dalai Lama says that he joined the social media platform in February 2009. Currently, Dalai Lama enjoys 18.8 million followers and generally his tweets centre around compassion, global peace, humanity and education.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jack Dorsey launched Twitter in March 2006. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Williams at Oprah Winfrey show</strong></h2>

<p>Remembering his appearance on 17 April 2009&nbsp;at the Oprah Winfrey Show, Williams said that he made her post her first tweet.</p>

<p>"I got invited on Oprah. The plan was I'd talk about Twitter. She'd ask me a couple of questions. She'd send her first tweet on air. And then she hit the key with the yellow tape on it. It didn't send the tweet and the tweet went away. So, I typed in her tweet," stated Williams.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Dalai Lama attends the Global Buddhist Summit on day 2</strong></p>

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<p>Oprah Winfrey's first tweet, which Williams had helped in pushing out, reads: "HI TWITTERS. THANK YOU FOR A WARM WELCOME. FEELING REALLY 21ST CENTURY"</p>

<p>Oprah Winfrey joining the social media application was considered a turning point for Twitter in its early days. Now after 14 years, Oprah has garnered 42.3 million followers on the social media platform and Twitter was bought by Elon Musk for $44 billion last year.</p>

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In an interview with Bloomberg, Twitter co-founder Evan Williams stated that he was personally paying Dalai Lama's cell phone bill for many years after the Tibetan spiritual leader opened his account on the social media platform.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Twitter co-founder Evan Williams stated that he was personally paying Dalai Lama's cell phone bill for many years after the Tibetan spiritual leader opened his account on the social media platform. Williams remembered the fun moment when he was given the task of introducing Twitter to Dalai Lama and made him open an account on the micro-blogging application. Williams said that after meeting Dalai Lama, he came to know that the Tibetan spiritual leader wasn't actually briefed about the product and its working. Dalai Lama's Blackberry phone and its bill So Williams had to handhold him a little, get him to open an account on Twitter and even provided him with a Blackberry phone so that the spiritual leader can use Twitter. However, Dalai Lama was not the only one who got his account opened by Williams. He revealed that he also assisted popular American TV show host Oprah Winfrey in opening her Twitter account and also posted her first tweet. ALSO READ | In Pics | Dalai Lama attends a prayer ceremony in Dharamshala "Another memorable one (apart from Oprah Winfrey) was the Dalai Lama, who supposedly wanted to be on Twitter. It was super awkward. He's delightful obviously but it felt like I was there to sell him on Twitter. And I said, 'So, we are going to get you on' and he's like 'I don't need that'. But I was told that's why we're here. I thought this was all sold through already. This was pre-iPhone, I think. And so, we got his account all set up. So, we just gave him the Blackberry. And he used this account or one of his people used this account for years but my wife and I paid the bill for the Blackberry. So, we were paying the Dalai Lama's cell phone bill for a very long time," recounted Williams with joy. The Twitter account of Dalai Lama says that he joined the social media platform in February 2009. Currently, Dalai Lama enjoys 18.8 million followers and generally his tweets centre around compassion, global peace, humanity and education. Jack Dorsey launched Twitter in March 2006. Williams at Oprah Winfrey show Remembering his appearance on 17 April 2009 at the Oprah Winfrey Show, Williams said that he made her post her first tweet. "I got invited on Oprah. The plan was I'd talk about Twitter. She'd ask me a couple of questions. She'd send her first tweet on air. And then she hit the key with the yellow tape on it. It didn't send the tweet and the tweet went away. So, I typed in her tweet," stated Williams. WATCH | Dalai Lama attends the Global Buddhist Summit on day 2 Oprah Winfrey's first tweet, which Williams had helped in pushing out, reads: "HI TWITTERS. THANK YOU FOR A WARM WELCOME. FEELING REALLY 21ST CENTURY" Oprah Winfrey joining the social media application was considered a turning point for Twitter in its early days. Now after 14 years, Oprah has garnered 42.3 million followers on the social media platform and Twitter was bought by Elon Musk for $44 billion last year. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Here's why Twitter ex-CEO Evan Williams was paying Dalai Lama's cell phone bills for years

In Pics | Dalai Lama attends a prayer ceremony in Dharamshala

<p>China under Xi Jinping has been preventing millions of people from leaving the country, according to a new report by Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders. Speaking to WION after the release of the report, the NGO said the so-called exit bans are preventing Tibetans from getting passports to visit the Dalai Lama in India.</p>

<p>The exit bans are often deployed to target persecuted ethnic minorities such as Uyghur Muslims and Tibetan Buddhists, the Safeguard Defenders report suggests.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-china-targets-dissidents-in-53-countries-with-its-overseas-police-stations-583846">Explained | How China targets dissidents in 53 countries with its overseas 'police stations'</a></strong></p>

<p>"Acquiring a passport if you are Tibetan or Uyghur is almost impossible and has been difficult for many years," Dinah Gardner, Research Director at the Taiwan Office of Safeguard Defenders told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The passport control on Tibetans</strong></h2>

<p>"From at least since 2012, China has actively tried to prevent Tibetans inside China from visiting the Dalai Lama in India," Gardner told WION.</p>

<p>"Tibetans who follow the Dalai Lama are seen as a risk to the Chinese Communist Party's monopoly on power," Gardner added while referring to Beijing's territorial assertion about Tibet being part of China.</p>

<p>For centuries, Tibet was India’s actual neighbour, as India’s contested boundaries with China along the 3500 km Line of Actual Control is with the Tibetan Autonomous Region in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh states. Four years after China completed the territorial takeover of Tibet, in 1954, New Delhi signed an agreement with Peking (now Beijing), agreeing to recognise Tibet as "Tibet region of China".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;China has over 100 secret police stations in 53 countries | Explained</strong></p>

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<p>In 1959, following the Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama (spiritual leader of Tibetan people) and many of his followers fled to India.</p>

<p>A Tibetan government in-exile functions from Dharamsala in India's Himachal Pradesh state.</p>

<h2><strong>What the Safeguard Defenders report says on exit bans</strong></h2>

<p>The exit bans are usually enforced by Beijing "through passport denial and confiscation," Gardner said while referring to Beijing's deployment of ethnicity-based controls.</p>

<p>The group estimates that "tens of thousands" of Chinese are banned from exit at any one time. It also cites a 2022 academic paper by Chris Carr and Jack Wroldsen that found 128 cases of foreigners being exit-banned between 1995 and 2019, including 29 Americans and 44 Canadians.</p>

<p>The report cites estimates by human rights groups that said that at least 14 million people were affected by exit bans in China in 2015.</p>

<h2><strong>How China prevents ethnic groups from exiting the country</strong></h2>

<p>China has a two-track system for issuing passport since 2002.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fast-track system for issuing passports is predominantly deployed in the Han-majority areas and is tasked with handling passport applications and renewals within 15 days of application.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the so-called autonomous regions, such as Buddhist-populated Tibet and Uyghur-populated Xinjiang, a much-slower system that involves at least seven levels of gatekeeping is deployed for issuing passports.</p>

<p>"In this much more cumbersome system, passport applications could take years, that is if they are approved at all," Safeguard Defenders report said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why does China prevent Tibetans, Uyghurs from leaving the country?</strong></h2>

<p>The Safeguard Defenders report said that the discriminatory policy was partly designed to prevent travel for religious reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For example, stopping Tibetan Buddhists from attending teachings of the Dalai Lama in India and Muslims, such as Uyghurs and Hui, from making pilgrimages to Mecca in Saudi Arabia," the report said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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China under Xi Jinping has been preventing millions of people from leaving the country, according to a new report by Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders.

China under Xi Jinping has been preventing millions of people from leaving the country, according to a new report by Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders. Speaking to WION after the release of the report, the NGO said the so-called exit bans are preventing Tibetans from getting passports to visit the Dalai Lama in India. The exit bans are often deployed to target persecuted ethnic minorities such as Uyghur Muslims and Tibetan Buddhists, the Safeguard Defenders report suggests. ALSO READ | Explained | How China targets dissidents in 53 countries with its overseas 'police stations' "Acquiring a passport if you are Tibetan or Uyghur is almost impossible and has been difficult for many years," Dinah Gardner, Research Director at the Taiwan Office of Safeguard Defenders told WION. The passport control on Tibetans "From at least since 2012, China has actively tried to prevent Tibetans inside China from visiting the Dalai Lama in India," Gardner told WION. "Tibetans who follow the Dalai Lama are seen as a risk to the Chinese Communist Party's monopoly on power," Gardner added while referring to Beijing's territorial assertion about Tibet being part of China. For centuries, Tibet was India’s actual neighbour, as India’s contested boundaries with China along the 3500 km Line of Actual Control is with the Tibetan Autonomous Region in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh states. Four years after China completed the territorial takeover of Tibet, in 1954, New Delhi signed an agreement with Peking (now Beijing), agreeing to recognise Tibet as "Tibet region of China". ALSO WATCH | China has over 100 secret police stations in 53 countries | Explained × In 1959, following the Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama (spiritual leader of Tibetan people) and many of his followers fled to India. A Tibetan government in-exile functions from Dharamsala in India's Himachal Pradesh state. What the Safeguard Defenders report says on exit bans The exit bans are usually enforced by Beijing "through passport denial and confiscation," Gardner said while referring to Beijing's deployment of ethnicity-based controls. The group estimates that "tens of thousands" of Chinese are banned from exit at any one time. It also cites a 2022 academic paper by Chris Carr and Jack Wroldsen that found 128 cases of foreigners being exit-banned between 1995 and 2019, including 29 Americans and 44 Canadians. The report cites estimates by human rights groups that said that at least 14 million people were affected by exit bans in China in 2015. How China prevents ethnic groups from exiting the country China has a two-track system for issuing passport since 2002. The fast-track system for issuing passports is predominantly deployed in the Han-majority areas and is tasked with handling passport applications and renewals within 15 days of application. In the so-called autonomous regions, such as Buddhist-populated Tibet and Uyghur-populated Xinjiang, a much-slower system that involves at least seven levels of gatekeeping is deployed for issuing passports. "In this much more cumbersome system, passport applications could take years, that is if they are approved at all," Safeguard Defenders report said. Why does China prevent Tibetans, Uyghurs from leaving the country? The Safeguard Defenders report said that the discriminatory policy was partly designed to prevent travel for religious reasons. "For example, stopping Tibetan Buddhists from attending teachings of the Dalai Lama in India and Muslims, such as Uyghurs and Hui, from making pilgrimages to Mecca in Saudi Arabia," the report said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive: China's exit bans prevent Tibetans from visiting Dalai Lama in India - Safeguard Defenders to WION

Dalai Lama attended the Global Buddhist Summit on day 2 in New Delhi on Friday. Earlier India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi. This summit marks the significance and importance of India in Buddhism. Delegates from about 30 countries will participate in the event.

Dalai Lama attends the Global Buddhist Summit on day 2

<p>Tibetan spiritual guru Dalai Lama on Friday attended the Global Buddhist Summit, a two-day event hosted by India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBS) on 20 and 21 April. &nbsp;Dalai Lama spoke for a length of about thirty minutes to a group of monks and other delegates who had assembled here on day 2 of the gathering, according to PTI news agency citing sources.</p>

<p>In his address, the spiritual guru highlighted the ideals and philosophy of Buddhism. ''In his nearly half-an-hour address, the Tibetan spiritual leader spoke of compassion, wisdom and meditation,'' a source told PTI.</p>

<p>Dalai Lama said that these are three ideals which are central to the philosophy and teachings of Lord Buddha. There was no confirmation of the Dalai Lama's visit. He was issued an invitation to the event, organisers said on Monday during a news conference. However, it had not been determined if he would attend.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the opening session of the groundbreaking summit.</p>

<p>PM Modi during his address mentioned the challenges posed by the present times. His address figured concerns including war, climate change, economic instability, terrorism and religious extremism.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-hits-back-at-g7-says-position-as-nuclear-state-final-and-irreversible-584618">North Korea hits back at G7, says position as nuclear state 'final and irreversible'</a></p>

<p>The prime minister said that these challenges can be overcome with the help of Lord Buddha's teachings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are two parts to the summit. One is academic session and the other one is Sangha session. The inaugural session was open for the media to attend however, the second session was not.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Early on Friday morning, a government-in-exile official from the Central Tibetan Administration, also known as the CTA, informed PTI that "His Holiness will attend the event." The conference is being hosted at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-recruitment-ad-calling-for-real-men-to-fight-in-ukraine-584624">Russian recruitment ad calling for 'real men' to fight in Ukraine</a></p>

<p>It is a first-of-its-kind summit hosted by India. India is the birthplace of Buddha and has a unique advantage in spreading the culture of Buddhism across the world. Events such as Buddha Purnima, which commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and nirvana, can be used as a platform to promote Buddhist teachings and practices.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Have British schools become breeding grounds for Anti-Hindu hate?</strong></p>

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<p>Through events like these, India can showcase its rich Buddhist heritage and encourage people from all over the world to visit the country and explore its Buddhist sites. By leveraging its Buddhist legacy, the country can also play a major role in promoting peace, compassion, and mindfulness globally.</p>

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Tibetan spiritual guru Dalai Lama on Friday attended the Global Buddhist Summit, a two-day event hosted by India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBS) on 20 and 21 April.

Tibetan spiritual guru Dalai Lama on Friday attended the Global Buddhist Summit, a two-day event hosted by India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBS) on 20 and 21 April. Dalai Lama spoke for a length of about thirty minutes to a group of monks and other delegates who had assembled here on day 2 of the gathering, according to PTI news agency citing sources. In his address, the spiritual guru highlighted the ideals and philosophy of Buddhism. ''In his nearly half-an-hour address, the Tibetan spiritual leader spoke of compassion, wisdom and meditation,'' a source told PTI. Dalai Lama said that these are three ideals which are central to the philosophy and teachings of Lord Buddha. There was no confirmation of the Dalai Lama's visit. He was issued an invitation to the event, organisers said on Monday during a news conference. However, it had not been determined if he would attend. On Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the opening session of the groundbreaking summit. PM Modi during his address mentioned the challenges posed by the present times. His address figured concerns including war, climate change, economic instability, terrorism and religious extremism. Also Read | North Korea hits back at G7, says position as nuclear state 'final and irreversible' The prime minister said that these challenges can be overcome with the help of Lord Buddha's teachings. There are two parts to the summit. One is academic session and the other one is Sangha session. The inaugural session was open for the media to attend however, the second session was not. Early on Friday morning, a government-in-exile official from the Central Tibetan Administration, also known as the CTA, informed PTI that "His Holiness will attend the event." The conference is being hosted at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi. Also Read | Russian recruitment ad calling for 'real men' to fight in Ukraine It is a first-of-its-kind summit hosted by India. India is the birthplace of Buddha and has a unique advantage in spreading the culture of Buddhism across the world. Events such as Buddha Purnima, which commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and nirvana, can be used as a platform to promote Buddhist teachings and practices. WATCH | Have British schools become breeding grounds for Anti-Hindu hate? × Through events like these, India can showcase its rich Buddhist heritage and encourage people from all over the world to visit the country and explore its Buddhist sites. By leveraging its Buddhist legacy, the country can also play a major role in promoting peace, compassion, and mindfulness globally. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dalai Lama attends Global Buddhist Summit hosted by India, speaks of compassion, wisdom and meditation

India is going to host the world's first Global Buddhist Summit on April 20. Eminent Buddhist delegates from all around the world will be gathering in New Delhi. Dalai lama has already arrived in the national capital. What does this event entail? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | India to host maiden Global Buddhist Summit

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi. This summit marks the significance and importance of India in Buddhism. Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama is also likely to attend the summit. Delegates from about 30 countries will participate in the event.

Global Buddhist Summit begins in New Delhi, Dalai Lama likely to attend

<p>Days after a viral video of Dalai Lama's 'suck my tongue' remark stoked controversy, Tibetan Parliament in Exile issued a statement expressing sadness over the event and accused the Chinese government of making His Holiness a "target" of vilification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have been deeply hurt and saddened by the misinterpretation being currently given to an incident in a recent event with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, where without proper research irresponsible and careless sort of explanations and comments were being given to it in the media," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Giving reverence to Dalai Lama as a champion of world peace and the master of all teachings of the Buddha, the Parliament noted that the Central Tibetan Administration and Dalai Lama have been uninterrupted targets of vilification by the communist Chinese government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-of-pablo-escobars-cocaine-hippo-gets-struck-by-car-dies-582278">One of Pablo Escobar's ‘cocaine hippo’ gets struck by car, dies</a></p>

<p>"It is a campaign that the Chinese government has kept on pursuing at all times, and in every possible manner, both domestically and internationally, employing various sorts of media, private individuals and so forth. Its vile policy objective continues to attempt to destroy or otherwise degrade the Tibetan society," the Parliament in Exile statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While praising Dalai Lama for carrying out his noble duties, the statement called out on the Chinese government saying it cannot mislead people in the international community.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Swiss actress Lea Wyler's post on Dalai Lama's 'suck my tongue' remark&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The founder of ROKPA international, an international humanitarian organisation, Lea Wyler shared a Facebook post where she first explained the anecdote behind the Tibetan phrase "Che Le Sa" which means "Eat my tongue" and then goes on to rebuke all those who are pointing fingers at Dalai Lama over the recent controversy.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-thailand-celebrates-songkran-water-festival-582292">Thailand celebrates Songkran Water Festival</a></p>

<p>Under an all caps header, "A KEY POINT MISSING", Wyler elaborated that in Tibetan culture, it is common to see the old grandparents not only give a pop kiss to the small children, but also give a small candy or piece of food to children from their mouths, directly mouth to mouth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that this may not be the norm of culture of those who are raising questions on Dalai Lama but this is a commonly done thing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Continuing, Wyler said after the elder gives a pop kiss and a candy, since there is nothing left in their mouth, nothing left to give, they will say the phrase "Ok, now 'eat my tongue."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that Dalai Lama used the word 'suck' instead of eat as His Holiness's command on English language is less proficient and he simply misspoke the phrase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Facebook post, she shared: The Tibetan phrase is "Che le sa". They say that as in "I've given you all my love and the candy so that's it—all that's left to do is eat my tongue."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Joe Biden addresses Irish parliament, says he 'feels at home'</strong></p>

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<p>The actress said it is a "playful" thing that the children know. "This is not really done in the Lhasa region (capital of Tibet) so much, but it is more common in the Amdo region (where His Holiness is from). However, it is definitely a Tibetan custom."<br />
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Towards the end of the post, in a veiled reference to all those who spoke ill of Dalai Lama, Wyler wrote, "If we are honest with ourselves, we know that when we form an opinion on any topic without considering many aspects of context in any given situation, we are choosing to keep a significant degree of ignorance in our reasoning."&nbsp;<br />
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Days after a viral video of Dalai Lama's 'suck my tongue' remark stoked controversy, Tibetan Parliament in Exile issued a statement expressing sadness over the event and accused the Chinese government of making His Holiness a "target" of vilification.

Days after a viral video of Dalai Lama's 'suck my tongue' remark stoked controversy, Tibetan Parliament in Exile issued a statement expressing sadness over the event and accused the Chinese government of making His Holiness a "target" of vilification. "We have been deeply hurt and saddened by the misinterpretation being currently given to an incident in a recent event with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, where without proper research irresponsible and careless sort of explanations and comments were being given to it in the media," read the statement. Giving reverence to Dalai Lama as a champion of world peace and the master of all teachings of the Buddha, the Parliament noted that the Central Tibetan Administration and Dalai Lama have been uninterrupted targets of vilification by the communist Chinese government. Also Read | One of Pablo Escobar's ‘cocaine hippo’ gets struck by car, dies "It is a campaign that the Chinese government has kept on pursuing at all times, and in every possible manner, both domestically and internationally, employing various sorts of media, private individuals and so forth. Its vile policy objective continues to attempt to destroy or otherwise degrade the Tibetan society," the Parliament in Exile statement added. While praising Dalai Lama for carrying out his noble duties, the statement called out on the Chinese government saying it cannot mislead people in the international community. Swiss actress Lea Wyler's post on Dalai Lama's 'suck my tongue' remark The founder of ROKPA international, an international humanitarian organisation, Lea Wyler shared a Facebook post where she first explained the anecdote behind the Tibetan phrase "Che Le Sa" which means "Eat my tongue" and then goes on to rebuke all those who are pointing fingers at Dalai Lama over the recent controversy. × Also Read | Thailand celebrates Songkran Water Festival Under an all caps header, "A KEY POINT MISSING", Wyler elaborated that in Tibetan culture, it is common to see the old grandparents not only give a pop kiss to the small children, but also give a small candy or piece of food to children from their mouths, directly mouth to mouth. She said that this may not be the norm of culture of those who are raising questions on Dalai Lama but this is a commonly done thing. Continuing, Wyler said after the elder gives a pop kiss and a candy, since there is nothing left in their mouth, nothing left to give, they will say the phrase "Ok, now 'eat my tongue." She said that Dalai Lama used the word 'suck' instead of eat as His Holiness's command on English language is less proficient and he simply misspoke the phrase. In the Facebook post, she shared: The Tibetan phrase is "Che le sa". They say that as in "I've given you all my love and the candy so that's it—all that's left to do is eat my tongue." Watch | Joe Biden addresses Irish parliament, says he 'feels at home' × The actress said it is a "playful" thing that the children know. "This is not really done in the Lhasa region (capital of Tibet) so much, but it is more common in the Amdo region (where His Holiness is from). However, it is definitely a Tibetan custom." Towards the end of the post, in a veiled reference to all those who spoke ill of Dalai Lama, Wyler wrote, "If we are honest with ourselves, we know that when we form an opinion on any topic without considering many aspects of context in any given situation, we are choosing to keep a significant degree of ignorance in our reasoning." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Suck my tongue' remark: Tibetan Parliament in Exile calls out China's 'vile' attempts to target Dalai Lama

<p>President of the Tibetan Govt in Exile, Penpa Tsering, has accused the Chinese government of orchestrating the recent viral video controversy surrounding the Dalai Lama. Tsering stated that the resurfacing of the video, which showed the Dalai Lama kissing a child at a public event, was part of a larger campaign to malign the reputation of the Tibetan spiritual leader.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "Everybody knows who benefits from the maligning, destruction of the reputation of His Holiness and the legacy of his holiness - it is the Chinese government."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-of-dalai-lama-asking-boy-to-suck-his-lips-goes-viral-sparks-row-580866">Dalai Lama apologises to boy's family over 'kissing' video</a></strong></p>

<p>Tsering who is the Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration also spoke out against Chinese aggression at India's northern border, stating that their actions were not helping anybody. Additionally, Tsering challenged the Chinese government to properly study Tibetan Buddhism before attempting to interfere in the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, warning that their actions could lead to a "lifelong problem."</p>

<p>Talking about the controversy involving the Dalai Lama, Tsering said, "It's really unfortunate that His Holiness’ actions have been taken in a totally different way. If you watch the whole video, then you will understand the grandfatherly affectionate demeanour of His Holiness Dalai Lama. His Holiness is 87 years old. Please understand, he is no more a young man to be accused of all the names. We also need to understand where it's coming from. You know that this event happened publicly in the presence of the media on the 28th of February. Now this resurfaced one month and 10 days later and who were the first instigators of the resurfacing of these viral videos."</p>

<p>"And everybody knows who benefits from the maligning, destruction of the reputation of His Holiness and the legacy of his holiness - it is the Chinese government, we all know that but unfortunately, what was going around in the social media was picked up by the mainstream news," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked whether Beijing was behind this entire saga, Tsering said that from prima facie evidence, this was spread widely inside China to create a perception of the Dalai Lama, adding it moved internationally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And if you look at the scale and the extent of how it was orchestrated, there is a bigger force. There's no doubt about it," the President of the Tibetan Govt in Exile added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As China came out with its views regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, Tsering said if Beijing wants to be responsible for reincarnation, it should study Tibetan Buddhism first.</p>

<p>"This is unique to Tibetan Buddhism, without understanding the concept of life after death, how can you be responsible, my challenge to the Chinese government is, do you want one lifelong problem? When the time comes, of course, His Holiness assures us that he would live for over another two decades, up to 113 years. I also keep saying that it remains to be seen whether his holiness outlives the Communist Party, or the Communist Party outlives the Dalai Lama. But then, again, China wants to use this as a political tool," he added.&nbsp;<br />
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President of the Tibetan Govt in Exile, Penpa Tsering, has accused the Chinese government of orchestrating the recent viral video controversy surrounding the Dalai Lama.

President of the Tibetan Govt in Exile, Penpa Tsering, has accused the Chinese government of orchestrating the recent viral video controversy surrounding the Dalai Lama. Tsering stated that the resurfacing of the video, which showed the Dalai Lama kissing a child at a public event, was part of a larger campaign to malign the reputation of the Tibetan spiritual leader. Speaking to WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "Everybody knows who benefits from the maligning, destruction of the reputation of His Holiness and the legacy of his holiness - it is the Chinese government." ALSO READ | Dalai Lama apologises to boy's family over 'kissing' video Tsering who is the Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration also spoke out against Chinese aggression at India's northern border, stating that their actions were not helping anybody. Additionally, Tsering challenged the Chinese government to properly study Tibetan Buddhism before attempting to interfere in the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, warning that their actions could lead to a "lifelong problem." Talking about the controversy involving the Dalai Lama, Tsering said, "It's really unfortunate that His Holiness’ actions have been taken in a totally different way. If you watch the whole video, then you will understand the grandfatherly affectionate demeanour of His Holiness Dalai Lama. His Holiness is 87 years old. Please understand, he is no more a young man to be accused of all the names. We also need to understand where it's coming from. You know that this event happened publicly in the presence of the media on the 28th of February. Now this resurfaced one month and 10 days later and who were the first instigators of the resurfacing of these viral videos." "And everybody knows who benefits from the maligning, destruction of the reputation of His Holiness and the legacy of his holiness - it is the Chinese government, we all know that but unfortunately, what was going around in the social media was picked up by the mainstream news," he added. On being asked whether Beijing was behind this entire saga, Tsering said that from prima facie evidence, this was spread widely inside China to create a perception of the Dalai Lama, adding it moved internationally. "And if you look at the scale and the extent of how it was orchestrated, there is a bigger force. There's no doubt about it," the President of the Tibetan Govt in Exile added. As China came out with its views regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, Tsering said if Beijing wants to be responsible for reincarnation, it should study Tibetan Buddhism first. "This is unique to Tibetan Buddhism, without understanding the concept of life after death, how can you be responsible, my challenge to the Chinese government is, do you want one lifelong problem? When the time comes, of course, His Holiness assures us that he would live for over another two decades, up to 113 years. I also keep saying that it remains to be seen whether his holiness outlives the Communist Party, or the Communist Party outlives the Dalai Lama. But then, again, China wants to use this as a political tool," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tibetan Govt in Exile President Penpa Tsering points to Chinese involvement in viral video of Dalai Lama

<p>The Tibetan community across the globe is stunned to see how the Dalai Lama's viral video where he is asking a small boy to “suck” his tongue has been misinterpreted and hypersexualised to taint the image of their exiled spiritual leader.</p>

<p>Pushing back against reports in a section of media, the Tibetans are claiming that the video is being misused by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propagandists to discredit the Dalai Lama and legitimise China's control over Tibet.</p>

<p>In the viral video, the Dalai Lama is seen hugging the child and apparently asking him for a peck on his cheek. After that, he is seen kissing the boy on the lips. The leader then stuck his tongue out and asked the boy to “suck my tongue”.</p>

<p>In Tibetan culture, people have been following the tradition of sticking out their tongues, which goes back to the 9th century, to greet each other.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-of-dalai-lama-asking-boy-to-suck-his-lips-goes-viral-sparks-row-580866">Dalai Lama apologises to boy's family over 'kissing' video</a></p>

<p>The video of the spiritual leader suddenly went viral, with many calling the action inappropriate and even alleging it to be a case of child abuse.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sadly everything in the modern Western world is too hyper sexualised. The Dalai Lama jokingly made a kissing face to greet his friend Desmond Tutu, only those with a severe case of porn brain could see this as sexual <a href="https://t.co/qkNfDOUhzv">pic.twitter.com/qkNfDOUhzv</a></p>
— Drew Pavlou (@DrewPavlou) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewPavlou/status/1645650320662597632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>But US-based Tibetan journalist Tsering Kyi, while speaking to VICE World News, said that the Dalai Lama has been the target of CCP for the past 70 years and the viral video is just another attempt to discredit him while misinterpreting Tibetan culture.</p>

<p>“I still remember when the great Christian spiritual leader, Desmond Tutu, visited the Dalai Lama in India, and they hugged and kissed like two pure kids. It was a beautiful display of love, but some people with dirty minds interpreted it as something else back then too,” the journalist said.</p>

<p>“English is his second language, so sometimes His Holiness uses words that make some people uncomfortable. “However, it doesn't necessarily mean that he intends to be negative,” Kyi added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, another Tibetan, explaining their traditional way of greeting each other, said, "It's been our traditional way of greeting. I have also seen [the Dalai Lama] being playful with Tibetans. For us, it is sad that it has been misinterpreted by the international community. The event was held more than a month ago, why are we seeing this just now?”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | India: Tibetan leader Dalai Lama attends prayer for his long life in Dharamshala</strong></p>

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<p>The Dalai Lama’s office issued an apology on Monday after the viral video drew criticism.</p>

<p>Reacting to the apology in a Facebook post, a Tibetan mother of three children said, “No apology was ever needed from His Holiness. No apology. No explanation. No statement. Because pure unadulterated acts of love, faith, and compassion DO NOT require any apology.”</p>

<p>Tenzin Pema explained how the Tibetan culture has been misconstrued and hypersexualised to set a false narrative against the Dalai Lama.</p>

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<p>“Because an "oothuk" - foreheads touching to represent pure love, respect in our culture - does not require an apology. Because a kiss or a "po" on the lips given by elders to little children and by young children to elders is common in our culture and another sign of pure, unabashed love,” she said.</p>

<p>She also explained how “blow into the face" represents hope in Tibetan culture. “For the word "blow" or the act of "blow-ing" represents hope and faith and peace and contentment and fulfilment and compassion and kindness... in our culture and to our people,” Pema said.</p>

<p>She added that even the most highlighted part of the video “suck my tongue” was a wrong translation of the words "nge che le jip", which is a common playful refrain used by Tibetan elders.&nbsp;</p>

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The Tibetan community across the globe is stunned to see how the Dalai Lama's viral video where he is asking a small boy to “suck” his tongue has been misinterpreted and hypersexualised to taint the image of their exiled spiritual leader.

The Tibetan community across the globe is stunned to see how the Dalai Lama's viral video where he is asking a small boy to “suck” his tongue has been misinterpreted and hypersexualised to taint the image of their exiled spiritual leader. Pushing back against reports in a section of media, the Tibetans are claiming that the video is being misused by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propagandists to discredit the Dalai Lama and legitimise China's control over Tibet. In the viral video, the Dalai Lama is seen hugging the child and apparently asking him for a peck on his cheek. After that, he is seen kissing the boy on the lips. The leader then stuck his tongue out and asked the boy to “suck my tongue”. In Tibetan culture, people have been following the tradition of sticking out their tongues, which goes back to the 9th century, to greet each other. ALSO READ | Dalai Lama apologises to boy's family over 'kissing' video The video of the spiritual leader suddenly went viral, with many calling the action inappropriate and even alleging it to be a case of child abuse. Sadly everything in the modern Western world is too hyper sexualised. The Dalai Lama jokingly made a kissing face to greet his friend Desmond Tutu, only those with a severe case of porn brain could see this as sexual pic.twitter.com/qkNfDOUhzv — Drew Pavlou (@DrewPavlou) April 11, 2023 × But US-based Tibetan journalist Tsering Kyi, while speaking to VICE World News, said that the Dalai Lama has been the target of CCP for the past 70 years and the viral video is just another attempt to discredit him while misinterpreting Tibetan culture. “I still remember when the great Christian spiritual leader, Desmond Tutu, visited the Dalai Lama in India, and they hugged and kissed like two pure kids. It was a beautiful display of love, but some people with dirty minds interpreted it as something else back then too,” the journalist said. “English is his second language, so sometimes His Holiness uses words that make some people uncomfortable. “However, it doesn't necessarily mean that he intends to be negative,” Kyi added. Meanwhile, another Tibetan, explaining their traditional way of greeting each other, said, "It's been our traditional way of greeting. I have also seen [the Dalai Lama] being playful with Tibetans. For us, it is sad that it has been misinterpreted by the international community. The event was held more than a month ago, why are we seeing this just now?” WATCH | India: Tibetan leader Dalai Lama attends prayer for his long life in Dharamshala The Dalai Lama’s office issued an apology on Monday after the viral video drew criticism. Reacting to the apology in a Facebook post, a Tibetan mother of three children said, “No apology was ever needed from His Holiness. No apology. No explanation. No statement. Because pure unadulterated acts of love, faith, and compassion DO NOT require any apology.” Tenzin Pema explained how the Tibetan culture has been misconstrued and hypersexualised to set a false narrative against the Dalai Lama. × “Because an "oothuk" - foreheads touching to represent pure love, respect in our culture - does not require an apology. Because a kiss or a "po" on the lips given by elders to little children and by young children to elders is common in our culture and another sign of pure, unabashed love,” she said. She also explained how “blow into the face" represents hope in Tibetan culture. “For the word "blow" or the act of "blow-ing" represents hope and faith and peace and contentment and fulfilment and compassion and kindness... in our culture and to our people,” Pema said. She added that even the most highlighted part of the video “suck my tongue” was a wrong translation of the words "nge che le jip", which is a common playful refrain used by Tibetan elders. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tibetans say Dalai Lama’s ‘suck my tongue’ video highly misconstrued, 'hypersexualised'

<p>A video of spiritual guru Dalai Lama asking a boy to “suck his tongue” as he pays his respect has gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of criticism.</p>

<p>In the undated video, the 14th Dalai Lama can be purportedly seen asking the boy to kiss him on his right cheek, to which the kid obliges. Later, the spiritual leader can be seen pulling the boy’s face and touching his forehead. A few seconds after that, the video appears to show Dalai Lama telling him to “suck his tongue”. Notably, all this happened in front of the spectators who apparently didn’t find it offensive.</p>

<p>Since then, the clip has gone viral, shocking the netizens&nbsp;who have sought tough action against the 87-year-old.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Utterly shocked to see this display by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DalaiLama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DalaiLama</a>. In the past too, he’s had to apologize for his sexist comments. But saying - Now suck my tongue to a small boy is disgusting.<br />
<a href="https://t.co/z2qMGignHO">pic.twitter.com/z2qMGignHO</a></p>
— Sangita (@Sanginamby) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sanginamby/status/1644863714863239169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Disclaimer:&nbsp;WION could not verify the authenticity of the video</strong>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hours after the video went viral, Dalai Lama issued an apology, saying that he "regrets" his actions that may have hurt many.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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,"&nbsp;the official statement reads.</p>

<p>“Utterly shocked to see this display by the Dalai Lama. In the past, too, he’s had to apologize for his sexist comments. But saying - 'Now suck my tongue' to a small boy is disgusting,” a user tweeted.</p>

<p>Another user said, “What am I seeing? Is this the Dalai Lama? Needs to be arrested for paedophilia. Disgusting.”</p>

<p>“This is absolutely reprehensible behaviour by the Dalai Lama in full public view. It amounts to sexual misconduct and molestation. No child needs to be put in such a situation. Hope the authorities take cognizance. A case needs to be booked under POCSO,” another social media said in Twitter.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that Dalai Lama has landed in controversy. A few years ago, he faced brickbats when he said that if his successor were to be a woman, then “she should be attractive”.</p>

<p>Recently, the&nbsp;Dalai Lama announced that an eight-year-old boy from Mongolia is his reincarnation and would be the third most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. He was pictured with the boy taking part in the ceremony in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, recognising the boy as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche.</p>

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A video of spiritual guru Dalai Lama asking a boy to “suck his tongue” as he pays his respect has gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of criticism. In the undated video, the 14th Dalai Lama can be purportedly seen asking the boy to kiss him on his right cheek, to which the kid obliges.

A video of spiritual guru Dalai Lama asking a boy to “suck his tongue” as he pays his respect has gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of criticism. In the undated video, the 14th Dalai Lama can be purportedly seen asking the boy to kiss him on his right cheek, to which the kid obliges. Later, the spiritual leader can be seen pulling the boy’s face and touching his forehead. A few seconds after that, the video appears to show Dalai Lama telling him to “suck his tongue”. Notably, all this happened in front of the spectators who apparently didn’t find it offensive. Since then, the clip has gone viral, shocking the netizens who have sought tough action against the 87-year-old. Utterly shocked to see this display by the #DalaiLama. In the past too, he’s had to apologize for his sexist comments. But saying - Now suck my tongue to a small boy is disgusting. pic.twitter.com/z2qMGignHO — Sangita (@Sanginamby) April 9, 2023 × Disclaimer: WION could not verify the authenticity of the video. Hours after the video went viral, Dalai Lama issued an apology, saying that he "regrets" his actions that may have hurt many. "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," the official statement reads. “Utterly shocked to see this display by the Dalai Lama. In the past, too, he’s had to apologize for his sexist comments. But saying - 'Now suck my tongue' to a small boy is disgusting,” a user tweeted. Another user said, “What am I seeing? Is this the Dalai Lama? Needs to be arrested for paedophilia. Disgusting.” “This is absolutely reprehensible behaviour by the Dalai Lama in full public view. It amounts to sexual misconduct and molestation. No child needs to be put in such a situation. Hope the authorities take cognizance. A case needs to be booked under POCSO,” another social media said in Twitter. This is not the first time that Dalai Lama has landed in controversy. A few years ago, he faced brickbats when he said that if his successor were to be a woman, then “she should be attractive”. Recently, the Dalai Lama announced that an eight-year-old boy from Mongolia is his reincarnation and would be the third most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. He was pictured with the boy taking part in the ceremony in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, recognising the boy as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Dalai Lama apologises to boy's family over 'kissing' video

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama offered prayers in a special ceremony. The whole event was held in India's Dharamshala, where hundreds of devotees and monks gathered to pray for the leader in exile.

India: Tibetan leader Dalai Lama attends prayer for his long life in Dharamshala

<p>A boy from Mongolia, whose name and age are unclear, is at the centre of a tense geopolitical chess game which is being played out between powerful governments in east Asia.&nbsp;According to a report by The Times on Wednesday (March 22), the boy's formal title is the tenth Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa, the third-most senior Lama of Tibetan Buddhism, and the head of that faith in Mongolia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Until this month, the boy's existence was little more than a rumour. But then, he appeared alongside the Dalai Lama — the supreme leader of Tibetan Buddhism —&nbsp;who lives in exile in India. The Times report said the boy's presence was mentioned in the account of a ceremony presided over by the Dalai Lama at his base in Dharamsala on March 8.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-my-permanent-residence-says-dalai-lama-reveals-no-point-to-return-to-china-544698">India is my 'permanent residence, no point to return to China', says Dalai Lama</a></strong></p>

<p>This development has gone unnoticed outside Buddhist and diplomatic circles. But in Mongolia, it has caused intense excitement among Buddhists, contempt among secular nationalists and alarm among those who fear this news would provoke the rage of Mongolia's powerful neighbour — China, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tsetsegmaa Demberel, a female devotee of Buddhism and one of the 600 Mongolians who attended the March 8 ceremony in Dharmasala, said, “For three days afterwards, I was elated and filled with joy.”<br />
<br />
“I am so proud that we have a global spiritual leader, who is a Mongolian,” Demberel added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the centre of the controversy is Beijing's hatred for the Dalai Lama, 87. Back in 1959, he fled Tibet after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule. He is based in India.</p>

<p>The Dalai Lama is upheld as a spiritual leader in predominantly Buddhist Mongolia, but Beijing regards him as a dangerous separatist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The belief of Tibetan Buddhists is that after death, the soul of a lama is reincarnated in a child, who is identified after lengthy rituals and divinations. However, China insists that only its appointees have the right to identify the reincarnations of lamas.</p>

<p>When the Dalai Lama named the new Panchen Lama in 1995, Beijing immediately arrested the child and replaced him with its candidate.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-indian-buddhist-organisation-passes-resolution-on-succession-of-the-14th-dalai-lama-544827">In a first, Indian Buddhist organisation passes resolution on succession of the 14th Dalai Lama</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2016, the Dalai Lama had visited Mongolia which was severely criticised by China. The Chinese government said the visit brought a negative impact on China-Mongolia relations. But before leaving Ulan Bator, the Dalai Lama said that Jetsun Dhampa — Tibetan Buddhism’s third-most-important lama — was reincarnated in Mongolia and the search was on to find him, The Times report said</p>

<p>This is the boy who was so discreetly presented in public for the first time, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing local media reports, The Times reported that the Mongolian boy is one of a pair of twins named Aguidai and Achiltai Altannar, although which one among them is not clear. He was born in 2015 in the United States and has dual nationality. The report also added that the boy has an elder sister and at least one other sibling.</p>

<p>The family is a long-standing patron of the Gandan Tegchinlen in Ulan Bator which is one of the greatest monasteries in Mongolia. But no one, including the boy's family and the government, will talk about the presentation which from the point of Mongolia’s foreign policy is fraught with peril.</p>

<p>Robbie Barnett, a Tibetan Buddhism expert at SOAS University of London, said, "It can be taken by China as a challenge to their past claim to sole authority in choosing lamas. These things can cascade into a confrontation with China, which could penalise Mongolia in damaging ways."<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A boy from Mongolia, whose name and age are unclear, is at the centre of a tense geopolitical chess game which is being played out between powerful governments in east Asia.

A boy from Mongolia, whose name and age are unclear, is at the centre of a tense geopolitical chess game which is being played out between powerful governments in east Asia. According to a report by The Times on Wednesday (March 22), the boy's formal title is the tenth Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa, the third-most senior Lama of Tibetan Buddhism, and the head of that faith in Mongolia. Until this month, the boy's existence was little more than a rumour. But then, he appeared alongside the Dalai Lama — the supreme leader of Tibetan Buddhism — who lives in exile in India. The Times report said the boy's presence was mentioned in the account of a ceremony presided over by the Dalai Lama at his base in Dharamsala on March 8. ALSO READ | India is my 'permanent residence, no point to return to China', says Dalai Lama This development has gone unnoticed outside Buddhist and diplomatic circles. But in Mongolia, it has caused intense excitement among Buddhists, contempt among secular nationalists and alarm among those who fear this news would provoke the rage of Mongolia's powerful neighbour — China, the report said. Tsetsegmaa Demberel, a female devotee of Buddhism and one of the 600 Mongolians who attended the March 8 ceremony in Dharmasala, said, “For three days afterwards, I was elated and filled with joy.” “I am so proud that we have a global spiritual leader, who is a Mongolian,” Demberel added. At the centre of the controversy is Beijing's hatred for the Dalai Lama, 87. Back in 1959, he fled Tibet after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule. He is based in India. The Dalai Lama is upheld as a spiritual leader in predominantly Buddhist Mongolia, but Beijing regards him as a dangerous separatist. The belief of Tibetan Buddhists is that after death, the soul of a lama is reincarnated in a child, who is identified after lengthy rituals and divinations. However, China insists that only its appointees have the right to identify the reincarnations of lamas. When the Dalai Lama named the new Panchen Lama in 1995, Beijing immediately arrested the child and replaced him with its candidate. ALSO READ | In a first, Indian Buddhist organisation passes resolution on succession of the 14th Dalai Lama In 2016, the Dalai Lama had visited Mongolia which was severely criticised by China. The Chinese government said the visit brought a negative impact on China-Mongolia relations. But before leaving Ulan Bator, the Dalai Lama said that Jetsun Dhampa — Tibetan Buddhism’s third-most-important lama — was reincarnated in Mongolia and the search was on to find him, The Times report said This is the boy who was so discreetly presented in public for the first time, the report added. Citing local media reports, The Times reported that the Mongolian boy is one of a pair of twins named Aguidai and Achiltai Altannar, although which one among them is not clear. He was born in 2015 in the United States and has dual nationality. The report also added that the boy has an elder sister and at least one other sibling. The family is a long-standing patron of the Gandan Tegchinlen in Ulan Bator which is one of the greatest monasteries in Mongolia. But no one, including the boy's family and the government, will talk about the presentation which from the point of Mongolia’s foreign policy is fraught with peril. Robbie Barnett, a Tibetan Buddhism expert at SOAS University of London, said, "It can be taken by China as a challenge to their past claim to sole authority in choosing lamas. These things can cascade into a confrontation with China, which could penalise Mongolia in damaging ways." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Unidentified Mongolian boy being hailed as new Buddhist Lama. How will China respond?

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