Dalai Lama’s Old Controversies: The Dalai Lama is revered around the world as a representation of spiritual wisdom, compassion, and peace. He has, however, had his share of scandals throughout the years, some of which have provoked discussion, censure, and even indignation, like many significant personalities.

1. Dalai Lama in Controversy with Tibetan Government:
The Tibetan government’s historical connections to feudalism and theocratic authority are one of the oldest and most controversial issues. The pre-1959 Tibetan system, which was ruled by the Dalai Lama, has come under fire for allegedly upholding injustice and cruel treatment of serfs. The Dalai Lama insists that reforms had started before the Chinese rule, notwithstanding his acknowledgment of the shortcomings in the previous system.

2. Reincarnation Debate:
The reincarnation argument is another delicate one from his controversial timeline. The current Dalai Lama has said he may not reincarnate at all or may choose to reincarnate outside of Tibet, but the Chinese government has emphasized that it will have control over the process of choosing the next Dalai Lama. Political and religious conflicts have arisen as a result of this public stalemate, particularly among Tibetan populations living in exile.

Also Read: How Powerful is the Dalai Lama in Today’s World?

3. Female Dalai Lama:

In 2019, the Dalai Lama faced heavy backlash for making controversial remarks about the possibility of a female Dalai Lama. He stated that if a female Dalai Lama were ever chosen, she should be attractive. He also added that she would likely be born in another country. His comments sparked widespread criticism, with many calling them sexist and out of touch.

As outrage grew, the Dalai Lama issued a public apology. Critics pointed out that such statements contradicted his global image as a progressive and inclusive spiritual leader. Many argued that remarks like these undermine the values he represents and damage the credibility he holds on the world stage.

4. Dalai Lama asks the little boy to ‘suck my tongue’:

In 2023, a video surfaced and quickly went viral, showing the Dalai Lama interacting with a young boy in a manner that many viewers found awkward. Social media users flooded the internet with criticism and negative reactions. In response, his administration issued an apology, explaining that His Holiness often engages with people in playful, affectionate ways and did not intend to offend.

Despite facing several controversies over the years, the Dalai Lama continues to command global respect. World leaders, political figures, and religious communities across the globe still regard him as one of the most influential spiritual voices of our time. These incidents have sparked important conversations about accountability, cultural context, and how society’s view of spiritual figures is evolving in the modern era.

Also Read: Hollywood Actor Richard Gere Attends Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday 

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