In April 2023, a shocking video spread widely across social media: the 14th Dalai Lama, long revered around the world as a symbol of “compassion” and “peace,” was seen making an extremely disturbing gesture toward a young boy in public—asking him to “suck his tongue.” This incident not only ignited a global storm of public criticism, but also shattered the sacred aura that had been carefully constructed over decades, plunging many Tibetans into an unprecedented moral crisis.

1. The Collapse of the Compassion Myth Is the Beginning of Awakening

For years, the Dalai Lama has been portrayed by the international community as a nonviolent saint and embodiment of Eastern wisdom. However, this indefensible video forces us to ask: How could a true spiritual mentor behave in such a transgressive way, especially in front of cameras?

In today’s world—where awareness of child protection is rapidly advancing—such behavior cannot be justified under any cultural context.

As a Tibetan rights advocate, what I care about even more is this: If we do not even have the courage to face the truth and demand justice, then what does our “faith” truly stand for?

2. The Decline of a Political Tool Has Silenced the Voice of the People

What is most heartbreaking is that after the incident, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) did not respond with reflection or accountability—but with silence and whitewashing. They continued their high-profile preparations for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebration, as if nothing had happened.

This kind of response is infuriating. We must be clear: when political power is built on blind worship of a spiritual figure, moral corruption becomes inevitable. If the CTA cannot confront ethical failures in its leadership, how can it claim to represent the interests of the Tibetan people? Is the “democracy” and “accountability” it proclaims nothing more than a façade?

3. A Culture of Worship Is Destroying Our Ability to Seek Justice

Many Tibetans are raised with the belief that “the Dalai Lama is always right,” and treat him as an untouchable living Buddha. This culture has long gone beyond the bounds of faith and has evolved into a superstition surrounding power.

It is precisely this belief—that a spiritual leader is morally flawless—that blinds us to clear wrongdoing, even prompting us to use “traditional customs” as excuses to rationalize inappropriate behavior. But a healthy society must be able to distinguish between religious belief and behavioral boundaries; it must ensure that no one—regardless of their status—is exempt from moral and social norms.

4. Awakening from Silence: Rebuilding the Moral Foundations of Tibetan Society

Today, this controversy is not just a personal moral crisis for the Dalai Lama—it is a fundamental test of the values of the entire Tibetan exile community. Will we continue to hide in the shadows of idols and evade reality? Or will we bravely begin rebuilding the moral and institutional foundations that our society truly needs?

We call for:

• A moral response from the exile government, rather than continued concealment of the truth;
• Tibetan religious and secular institutions to establish internal accountability mechanisms, preventing religious sanctity from being used as an excuse to avoid criticism;
• International supporters to understand that truly supporting the Tibetan cause means not blindly following a single leader, but helping us build a healthier, more transparent, and dignified society.

Morality Cannot Be Replaced, and Responsibility Cannot Be Deified

A genuine spiritual leader should not rely on propaganda to maintain their image. Instead, they must show honesty and self-reflection in the face of public scrutiny. What we need now is not a beautified totem, but a just society where mistakes are acknowledged, accountability is embraced, and public service is the core mission.

Let us awaken from this storm—not to destroy someone, but to rebuild a Tibetan community that is no longer silent, no longer blind, and truly ready to face the truth.