Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader with millions of followers around the world. His preachings are ardently followed by many. They believe that his lessons will help them lead a peaceful life and that his teachings bring a positive change in society.
But during a recent interview with BBC, Dalai Lama ended up making a controversial statement when asked about his idea of having a female successor.
“If female Dalai Lama comes, then [she] should be more attractive. People, I think, prefer not to see that [unattractive] face,” he said.
When the interviewer pointed out that his words seemed like he was objectifying women, Dalai Lama went on to justify his words surprisingly. “Real beauty is inner beauty, that’s true. I think the appearance is also important,” he said.
This was perhaps the most surprising moment in the interview. I asked the Dalai Lama if he stood by his earlier comment that if his successor was female, she should be attractive.
He said he did. Watch here:#DalaiLama #BBCDalaiLama. pic.twitter.com/QAy0EFDZTT
— Rajini Vaidyanathan (@BBCRajiniV) June 27, 2019
His regressive comments weren’t only limited to women but he continued saying more controversial things about migrants and refugees in the interview.
“A limited number (of refugees) is OK. But for the whole of Europe to eventually become a Muslim country? Impossible. Or an African country, also impossible,” said Dalai Lama, who himself is a refugee in self-exile since years.
The Dalai Lama says he’s a believer in the spirit of the European Union and supports the UK #remaining – but one of his quotes was once used in a poster for the #leave campaign. And it’s a controversial one. I asked him about this – and the answers are surprising. pic.twitter.com/4CdT7VfM1H
— Rajini Vaidyanathan (@BBCRajiniV) June 27, 2019
Twitter is going berserk over Dalai Lama’s ideology about women and migrants. His comments that did not go well with the netizens are receiving flak online.
Dalai Lama thinks if his successor is a female, she should be attractive.
Why?
Because,
"Dead People I think prefer not to see a 'dead face'."
He literally said that.pic.twitter.com/OmPyZ1zDkr— Zainab Sikander (@zainabsikander) June 28, 2019
Nothing like a touch of spiritual sexism to kickstart the day. The Dalai Lama knows best. https://t.co/XvrfTUQLhv
— Brown Sahiba (@Rajyasree) June 28, 2019
its too bad she couldn't have asked him why he didn't spend any money on makeup to make himself look more attractive.
— boblacksballast (@boblacksballas1) June 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/Humanbie/status/1144481272347017216
I always knew he is not a philosopher, visionary or a guy full of wisdom.
He is a random guy who was forced to do this job when he was a kid.— OldDelhiFilms (@OldDelhiFilms) June 28, 2019
I’m wondering… does the Dalai Lama think he’s just super physically attractive and that’s why this religion works? Good grief.
— heather🦋 (@heatherishangry) June 28, 2019
His interview, however, had some positive points as well when he openly criticized US President, Donald Trump’s actions and said: “His emotions are a little bit too complicated.” He also bashed Trump for his “America First” motto and said the US needs to take the global responsibility.
The interview was wide ranging.
The Dalai Lama was scathing about President Trump arguing he has “no moral principle”. He hit out at his America First policies.
Watch the clip here. #BBCDalaiLama. #DalaiLama #Trump. pic.twitter.com/kIhWauLhWl
— Rajini Vaidyanathan (@BBCRajiniV) June 27, 2019
Such words of disgrace for women and refugees from a spiritual leader are surely not acceptable. What are your thoughts on the entire scene?