Tibetans Come Forward to Explain Cultural Misunderstanding

The Buddhist Channel, 17 April 2023

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- After the recent controversy surrounding the Dalai Lama's comments regarding a pop kiss and "eating his tongue," Tibetans are now speaking up to clarify that it was a cultural misunderstanding. There are several versions of the argument, but one account is increasingly gaining attention.

According to this explanation, the Dalai Lama was enacting a game that Tibetan elders play with children. In this game, grandparents give a pop kiss to small children and also give them a small candy or piece of food directly mouth to mouth.

After this, the elder says the phrase “Ok, now ‘eat my tongue” (not ‘suck,’ as His Holiness misspoke due to his less proficient English). The Tibetan phrase is “Che le sa”. The phrase translates to “I‘ve given you all my love and the candy, so that’s it—all that’s left to do is eat my tongue.” The children are aware that this is a playful custom.

The game is not commonly practiced in the capital of Lhasa, but it is more common in the Amdo region, where the Dalai Lama was born. This may be the reason why many Tibetans originally commenting on the matter did not recognize the game.

Nevertheless, more Tibetans are now coming forward to clarify the cultural context of the Dalai Lama's comments. They explain that this game is a long-standing tradition and not something meant to be taken literally. Many Tibetans believe that this is a way for grandparents to express their love and affection for their grandchildren.

This explanation is gaining traction among those who were initially offended by the Dalai Lama's comments. It is hoped that this clarification will help to alleviate any misunderstandings and promote cultural understanding and appreciation.