Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama apologizes for asking a young boy to suck his tongue

1:38pm April 10, 2023

by Emily Olson

The 87-year-old Buddhist high priest says he "regrets" kissing a young boy on the lips and asking him to "suck my tongue." A video capturing the incident went viral on social media, sparking outrage.

The Dalai Lama leaves the Zonal Hospital in Dharmsala, India, on Saturday after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Dalai Lama Gets A COVID-19 Shot And Urges Others To Get Vaccinated

3:01pm March 06, 2021

by Yuki Noguchi

The 85-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader scrapped plans to receive the injection at home, opting instead to travel to a clinic. "More people should have courage to take this injection," he said.

Flanked by Buddhist monks, the Dalai Lama, 84, greets visitors in September at a prayer ceremony at his monastery in Dharamsala, India.

Who Will Decide On The Dalai Lama's Successor — His Supporters Or Beijing?

9:25am November 10, 2019

by Lauren Frayer

"The Dalai Lama's reincarnation is a civilizational struggle between China and Tibetans over who controls Tibetan Buddhism," says Amitabh Mathur, a former Indian government adviser on Tibetan affairs.

Queue Listen Now

Mercedes-Benz Apologizes To China After Quoting Dalai Lama In A Car Post

7:50pm February 06, 2018

by Asia Burns

The German automaker said it is trying to "deepen its understanding of Chinese culture" after a #MondayMotivation Instagram post quoting the Dalai Lama garnered backlash on social media.

The Dalai Lama has a conversation with John Oliver — and fermented horse milk comes up.

Health & Safety

Looking Into The Horse Milk Story That The Dalai Lama Told John Oliver

1:01pm March 09, 2017

by Angus Chen

The spiritual leader says he brought down Mongolia's rate of alcoholism by encouraging a switch from vodka to horse milk.

The Chinese government-selected Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu (right), took part in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing on March 14.

In Tibet, A Long-Banned Buddhist Rite Takes Place, But Not Everyone's Pleased

10:55pm July 24, 2016

by Anthony Kuhn

The Beijing-selected Panchen Lama is conducting a key Tibetan Buddhist ritual. It's the first time in 50 years the rite has taken place in Tibet. Critics say that's because China wants more control.

Tibetan children in Dharamsala, India, wait to perform during Monday's celebration.

World News

Monsoon Takes A Break; Tibetans Celebrate Dalai Lama's 80th Birthday

2:03pm July 06, 2015

by Amy Yee

Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala, his home in exile, sang, danced and told us what their spiritual leader has meant to them.

Members of Exile Tibetan Women Association protest to demand the immediate release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, during a gathering to mark the 20th anniversary of his disappearance, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday.

20 Years After China Seized Boy Monk, Tibetans Call For His Release

3:01pm May 17, 2015

by Scott Neuman

In 1995, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was designated as the 11th Panchen Lama, Tibetan Buddhism's second-highest spiritual leader. He was promptly detained by Chinese authorities and never heard from again.

President Obama bows his head towards the Dalai Lama as he was recognized during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, on Thursday.

Obama Condemns 'Horrific Acts' In The Name Of Religion

4:56pm February 05, 2015

by Scott Neuman

The president said that God never justifies the killing of innocent people. He also referred to the Dalai Lama, who attended the National Prayer Breakfast for the first time, as his "good friend."

Vatican, Citing 'Delicate Situation,' Rejects Dalai Lama Meeting With Pope

8:48am December 15, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

It's an apparent reference to the Holy See's relations with China — they haven't had diplomatic ties since 1949. Tibet's spiritual leader is in Rome for a meeting of Nobel Peace Prize winners.