On February 28, the Dalai Lama was asked by an Indian boy, who was accompanied by his mother and other family members, at a public and live broadcasted event in Dharamsala, India for a hug. The video of this interaction is accessible in the public domain until today.
Almost a month later, a shortened clip of this event appeared on certain social media channels that focused on the Dalai Lama’s interaction with the boy without reporting the context. Many people have reacted to this video clip and criticised it as inappropriate and hurtful. News media followed with reports of their own.
Tibetans and Dalai Lama followers around the world hold Massive Protests strongly condemn defamatory, false allegations and misinterpretation of interaction with a faithful Indian young boy, following statement is written by His Eminence Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche.
Remembering the Gratitude. Clarification and Request.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has spent his entire life cherishing others more than himself, his whole life has been contributed for the unity of people, unity of religion as well as his Four Principal Commitments. No matter who they are rich or poor, dignitary or ordinary, Famous or unknown, young or old, friends or strangers, his nonviolent and altruistic thought always care those children he have met with pure in his intentions, and free of deceit or duplicity. Such conduct surely produce the greatest meritorious actions into everyone’s life.
Recently, His Holiness the Dalai Lama being the subject controversy across the mainstream media, after a video clip has been circulating that shows a recent meeting with a faithful boy. As a mater of fact, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has sacrificed his own needs and wants for the sake of peace and harmony throughout the world since the age of sixteen. He his alway been a paragon of transparency and morality, thoroughly impeccable in his thought, speech and conduct as a Bodhichitta, meeting with the boy could be an appearance of ultimate compassion and love. It is easily come to notice when we checked out the whole meeting video, even though such controversy, misunderstanding, misjudgement will never the cause of effects to his continually teach the dharma and benefiting many beings, but I would strongly request to delete or withdraw all misinterpretations being currently given to an incident in recent event, where without proper research irresponsible of explanation and comments were being published in the media.
I appreciate all people who have been told the truth to world and stand with His Holiness The Dalai Lama, His Holiness is a jewel for the entire world. I pray fervently that he may live for a long time and continue to benefit this world, Buddhism, and all beings.
Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche
15th April 2023