Reportedly, the fortune of Dalai Lama is $130 million, a substantial portion of which has been contributed to humanitarian aid efforts around the world.
Dalai Lama is a title conferred upon the supreme spiritual figure of the Gelug or “Yellow Hat” school of Tibetan Buddhism by the Tibetan community.
This esteemed figure enjoys global reverence and often ranks among the world’s most respected men along with other religious leaders like Pope Francis. Dalai Lama’s wealth is evidence of his global popularity.
Nevertheless, the Dalai Lama has recently been embroiled in a scandal following the circulation of a viral video depicting him kissing a minor on the lips and then requesting the child to “suck his tongue.”
The incident took place in February, yet the footage gained wide circulation on social media in recent days, drawing widespread censure and sparking demonstrations.
In response to the backlash, the office of the Dalai Lama issued an apology for the incident and clarified that the leader often engages in light-hearted and playful banter, even in public and in front of cameras.
Dalai Lama mistreating a minor
The statement expressed remorse for any distress caused by the Dalai Lama’s actions and extended apologies to the child and his family, as well as to the leader’s numerous friends worldwide.
While some have defended the Dalai Lama’s behavior as a cultural expression, others have strongly criticized it as unacceptable and harmful, particularly within the context of child abuse.
The M3M Foundation, a philanthropic arm of the Indian real estate company M3M Group based in Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama resides in exile, issued a statement condemning all forms of child abuse and urging religious leaders to take a stand against exploitation and abuse of children through their conduct and words.
Although the Dalai Lama’s status as a revered spiritual leader remains unchanged, this recent incident has raised significant concerns and prompted crucial discussions about appropriate conduct and the obligation of religious leaders to set positive examples for their followers.
Who is Dalai Lama?
The Dalai Lama, originally named Lhamo Thondup, was born in 1935 and was identified as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.
His recognition as the Dalai Lama was based on the accurate identification of his possessions from his previous life.
He received his education and assumed the role of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa and assumed full political authority at the age of 15 when China invaded Tibet in 1950.
Following the annexation of Tibet by China, the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 where he established the Tibetan Government in Exile and became a global symbol of peace and non-violence.
Tenzin Gyatso, also recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama, is the current spiritual leader and political head of Tibet, revered as a living Bodhisattva.
Despite entering monastic life at a young age, his perspectives on intimacy have changed over time.
Dalai lama
Previously, he held the belief that intimacy only leads to temporary gratification and future troubles, but now maintains that all consensual intimate practices that do not harm others are ethically acceptable in contemporary society.
He has also advocated for acceptance and respect for individuals identifying as gay or transgender from a secular perspective.
The Dalai Lama is committed to advocating for the welfare of Tibetans and imparts teachings on Tibetan Buddhism through his global travels.
He participates in conferences on various subjects, such as religion and science, and engages with leaders from diverse faiths, philosophers, scientists, and world leaders.
His work encompasses a range of topics, including environmental concerns, women’s rights, nonviolence, interfaith dialogue, cognitive neuroscience, reproductive health, economics, physics, astronomy, Buddhism and science, and intimacy.
The Dalai Lama has garnered numerous awards for his contributions, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and the US Congressional Gold Medal in 2006.
Dalai Lama’s wealth is a surprising facet of his life. Who knew being a religious leader could be so lucrative. Despite his accomplishments, the Dalai Lama has faced controversy and critique.
