14th Dalai Lama

== Social stances ==
=== Tibetan independence ===
Despite initially advocating for Tibetan independence from 1961 to 1974, the Dalai Lama no longer supports it. Instead he advocates for more meaningful autonomy for Tibetans within the People's Republic of China.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Dalai Lama Has Been the Face of Buddhism for 60 Years. China Wants to Change That|first=Charlie|last=Campbell|date=7 March 2019|url=https://time.com/longform/dalai-lama-60-year-exile/|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917223508/https://time.com/longform/dalai-lama-60-year-exile/|url-status=live}}</ref> This approach is known as the "Middle Way". In 2005, the 14th Dalai Lama emphasized that Tibet is a part of China, and Tibetan culture and Buddhism are part of Chinese culture. 
<ref>https://www.cecc.gov/publications/commission-analysis/dalai-lama-tibet-is-a-part-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119134644/https://www.cecc.gov/publications/commission-analysis/dalai-lama-tibet-is-a-part-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china |date=19 January 2024 }} DALAI LAMA: "TIBET IS A PART OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA</ref> In a speech at [[Kolkata]] in 2017, the Dalai Lama stated that Tibetans wanted to stay with China and they did not desire [[Tibetan independence movement|independence]]. He said that he believed that China after opening up, had changed 40 to 50 per cent of what it was earlier, and that Tibetans wanted to get more development from China.<ref>{{Cite web|last=PTI|date=23 November 2017|title=Tibet Wants to Stay With China, Seeks Development: Dalai Lama|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/dalai-lama-tibet-china-development|access-date=5 December 2021|website=TheQuint|language=en|archive-date=5 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205021015/https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/dalai-lama-tibet-china-development|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2020, the Dalai Lama stated that he did not support Tibetan independence and hoped to visit China as a Nobel Prize winner. He said "I prefer the concept of a 'republic' in the People's Republic of China. In the concept of republic, ethnic minorities are like Tibetans, The Mongols, Manchus, and Xinjiang Uyghurs, we can live in harmony".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Xia |first1=Xiaohua | title= The Dalai Lama emphasizes that he does not support Tibetan independence and hopes to visit China as a Nobel Prize winner |url= https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shaoshuminzu/hx1-10022020091411.html |access-date=2 October 2020|website= RFA |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201002230324/https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shaoshuminzu/hx1-10022020091411.html | archive-date=2 October 2020}}</ref>

<blockquote> The Tibetan people do not accept the present status of Tibet under the People's Republic of China. At the same time, they do not seek independence for Tibet, which is a historical fact. Treading a middle path in between these two lies the policy and means to achieve a genuine autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet within the framework of the People's Republic of China. This is called the Middle-Way Approach, a non-partisan and moderate position that safeguards the vital interests of all concerned parties-for Tibetans: the protection and preservation of their culture, religion and national identity; for the Chinese: the security and territorial integrity of the motherland; and for neighbours and other third parties: peaceful borders and international relations.<ref>{{cite web |title=His Holiness's Middle Way Approach For Resolving the Issue of Tibet |url=https://www.dalailama.com/messages/tibet/middle-way-approach |website=dalailama.com |publisher=His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet |access-date=11 June 2022 |archive-date=16 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416172752/https://www.dalailama.com/messages/tibet/middle-way-approach |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote>

=== Abortion ===
The Dalai Lama has said that, from the perspective of the Buddhist precepts, [[abortion]] is an act of killing.<ref>Gary Stivers [https://web.archive.org/web/20081025010504/http://www.sunvalleyonline.com/news/article.asp?ID_Article=1146 Dalai Lama meets Idaho’s religious leaders], sunvalleyonline.com, 15 September 2005</ref> In 1993, he clarified a more nuanced position, stating, "... it depends on the circumstances. If the unborn child will be retarded or if the birth will create serious problems for the parent, these are cases where there can be an exception. I think abortion should be approved or disapproved according to each circumstance."<ref>{{cite news|author=Claudia Dreifus |work=The New York Times |date=28 November 1993 |url=http://www.tibet.ca/en/newsroom/wtn/archive/old?y=1993&m=12&p=5_1 |title=The New York Times Interview with the Dalai Lama |access-date=31 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525061331/http://www.tibet.ca/en/newsroom/wtn/archive/old?y=1993&m=12&p=5_1 |archive-date=25 May 2010 |url-status=live |author-link=Claudia Dreifus }}</ref>

=== Death penalty ===
The Dalai Lama has repeatedly expressed his opposition to the [[Capital punishment|death penalty]], saying that it contradicts the Buddhist philosophy of non-violence and that it expresses anger, not compassion.<ref>{{cite web|title= Dalai Lama Says Delhi Gang Rapists Should Not Be Executed, Death Penalty Not The Answer|date= 24 January 2013|url= https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dalai-lama-delhi-gang-rapists-should-not-be-executed_n_2544785|access-date= 14 December 2021|archive-date= 14 December 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211214073836/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dalai-lama-delhi-gang-rapists-should-not-be-executed_n_2544785|url-status= live}}</ref> During a 2005 visit to [[Japan]], a country which [[Capital punishment in Japan|has the death penalty]], the Dalai Lama called for the abolition of the death penalty and said in his address, "Criminals, people who commit crimes, usually society rejects these people. They are also part of society. Give them some form of punishment to say they were wrong, but show them they are part of society and can change. Show them compassion."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=44,1023,0,0,1,0|title=Buddhist Channel &#124; Japan|website=www.buddhistchannel.tv|access-date=14 December 2021|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214073836/https://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=44,1023,0,0,1,0|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dalai Lama has also praised [[Capital punishment in the United States|U.S. states that have abolished the death penalty]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/dalai-lama-praises-illinois-ban-on-death-penalty-talks-in-chicago/1888354/|title=Dalai Lama Praises Ban on Death Penalty|date=17 July 2011|access-date=14 December 2021|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214073835/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/dalai-lama-praises-illinois-ban-on-death-penalty-talks-in-chicago/1888354/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Democracy, nonviolence, religious harmony, and Tibet's relationship with India ===
[[File:Vienna 2012-05-26 - Europe for Tibet Solidarity Rally 194 HH sequence s.jpg|thumb|The Dalai Lama in Vienna, Austria, in&nbsp;2012]]

The Dalai Lama says that he is active in spreading India's message of [[nonviolence]] and religious harmony throughout the world.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2019 |title=World Needs India's Ancient Traditions of Non-violence and Compassion, Says Dalai Lama |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/world-needs-indias-ancient-traditions-of-non-violence-and-compassion-says-dalai-lama-2394929.html |website=[[CNN-News18]] |language=en |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621022451/https://www.news18.com/news/india/world-needs-indias-ancient-traditions-of-non-violence-and-compassion-says-dalai-lama-2394929.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "I am the messenger of India's ancient thoughts the world over." He has said that democracy has deep roots in India. He says he considers India the master and Tibet its disciple, as great scholars went from India to Tibet to teach Buddhism. He has noted that millions of people lost their lives in violence and the economies of many countries were ruined due to conflicts in the 20th century. "Let the 21st century be a century of tolerance and dialogue."<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/im-messenger-of-indias-ancient-thoughts-dalai-lama/541448 I'm messenger of India's ancient thoughts: Dalai Lama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091118082440/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/im-messenger-of-indias-ancient-thoughts-dalai-lama/541448 |date=18 November 2009 }}, [https://archive.today/20120903155544/http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/arunachalpradesh/I-m-messenger-of-India-s-ancient-thoughts-the-Dalai-Lama/Article1-476436.aspx I'm messenger of India's ancient thoughts: The Dalai Lama – Hindustan Times], [http://content.usatoday.com/topics/quote/Religion+and+beliefs/Leaders,+Experts/Dalai+Lama/07vj4sKh2wbTR/06zWaNQ1qJ3u0/1 Dalai Lama Story Page – USATODAY.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003140427/http://content.usatoday.com/topics/quote/Religion+and+beliefs/Leaders,+Experts/Dalai+Lama/07vj4sKh2wbTR/06zWaNQ1qJ3u0/1 |date=3 October 2012 }}, [http://tibet.ca/en/newsroom/wtn/7998 Canada Tibet Committee|Newsroom|WTN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302160117/http://tibet.ca/en/newsroom/wtn/7998 |date=2 March 2012 }} "I'm messenger of India's ancient thoughts": Dalai Lama; 14 November 2009; Itanagar. Indian Express Newspaper; Hindustan Times Newspaper; PTI News; Dalai Lama Quotes Page&nbsp;– USATODAY.com; Official website; [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article439859.ece Signs of change emanating within China: Dalai Lama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328231256/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article439859.ece |date=28 March 2014 }}; By Shoumojit Banerjee; 27 May 2010; ''The Hindu'' newspaper</ref>

The Dalai Lama has also critiqued proselytisation and certain types of conversion, believing the practices to be contrary to the fundamental ideas of religious harmony and spiritual practice.<ref>{{Cite web|author=The 14th Dalai Lama|date=30 June 2021|title=Teaching Requested by Asian Buddhists – Day…|url=https://www.dalailama.com/news/2020/teaching-requested-by-asian-buddhists-day-two|access-date=30 June 2021|website=The 14th Dalai Lama|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183024/https://www.dalailama.com/news/2020/teaching-requested-by-asian-buddhists-day-two|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=The 14th Dalai Lama|date=30 June 2021|title=The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama|url=https://www.dalailama.com/news/2019/first-day-of-teachings-for-asians/amp|access-date=30 June 2021|website=The 14th Dalai Lama|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181344/https://www.dalailama.com/news/2019/first-day-of-teachings-for-asians/amp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="www2.kenyon.edu">{{Cite web|title=The Dalai Lama Speaks Out Against Fashionable Buddhism in Europe|url=https://www2.kenyon.edu/Depts/Religion/Fac/Adler/Reln260/DalaiLama/DL01-1.htm|access-date=30 June 2021|website=www2.kenyon.edu|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181403/https://www2.kenyon.edu/Depts/Religion/Fac/Adler/Reln260/DalaiLama/DL01-1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="abcnews.go.com">{{Cite web|title=Dalai Lama Criticizes Proselytizing|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=81617&page=1|access-date=30 June 2021|website=ABC News|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182812/https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=81617&page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> He has stated that "It's very important that our religious traditions live in harmony with one another and I don't think proselytizing contributes to this. Just as fighting and killing in the name of religion are very sad, it's not appropriate to use religion as a ground or a means for defeating others."<ref>{{Cite web|author=The 14th Dalai Lama|date=30 June 2021|title=Teaching Requested by Asian Buddhists – Day Two|url=https://www.dalailama.com/news/2020/teaching-requested-by-asian-buddhists-day-two|access-date=30 June 2021|website=The 14th Dalai Lama|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183024/https://www.dalailama.com/news/2020/teaching-requested-by-asian-buddhists-day-two|url-status=live}}</ref> In particular, he has critiqued Christian approaches to conversion in Asia, stating that he has "come across situations where serving the people is a cover for proselytization."<ref>{{Cite web|author=The 14th Dalai Lama|date=30 June 2021|title=First Day of Teaching for Asians|url=https://www.dalailama.com/news/2019/first-day-of-teachings-for-asians/amp|access-date=30 June 2021|website=The 14th Dalai Lama|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181344/https://www.dalailama.com/news/2019/first-day-of-teachings-for-asians/amp|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dalai Lama has labelled such practices counter to the "message of Christ" and has emphasised that such individuals "practice conversion like a kind of war against peoples and cultures."<ref name="www2.kenyon.edu" /> In a statement with Hindu religious leaders, he expressed that he opposes "conversions by any religious tradition using various methods of enticement."<ref name="abcnews.go.com" />

In 1993, the Dalai Lama attended the [[World Conference on Human Rights]] and made a speech titled "Human Rights and Universal Responsibility".<ref>{{cite web |last = Yeshe |first = Jamphel |title = Address by His Holiness The XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet To the United Nations World Conference on Human Rights |url = http://www.subliminal.org/tibet/responsibility.html |access-date = 10 October 2014 |archive-date = 3 April 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190403134010/http://www.subliminal.org/tibet/responsibility.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 2001, in response to a question from a [[Seattle]] schoolgirl, the Dalai Lama said that it is permissible to shoot someone in self-defense (if the person was "trying to kill you") and he emphasised that the shot should not be fatal.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bernton |first=Hal |date=15 May 2001 |title=Dalai Lama urges students to shape world |website=[[Seattle Times]] |location=Portland |url=http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=dalai15m0&date=20010515 |url-status=dead |access-date=19 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309075727/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20010515&slug=dalai15m0 |archive-date=9 March 2020}}</ref>

In 2013, the Dalai Lama criticised Buddhist monks' [[2013 Burma anti-Muslim riots|attacks on Muslims]] in [[Myanmar]] and rejected [[Buddhism and violence|violence by Buddhists]], saying: "Buddha always teaches us about forgiveness, tolerance, compassion. If from one corner of your mind, some emotion makes you want to hit, or want to kill, then please remember Buddha's faith. ... All problems must be solved through dialogue, through talk. The use of violence is outdated, and never solves problems."<ref>{{cite news |last=Lila |first=Muhammad |title=International Dalai Lama Pleads for Myanmar Monks to End Violence Amid Damning Rights Report |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/dalai-lama-pleads-myanmar-monks-end-violence-amid/story?id=19013148 |access-date=19 June 2015 |work=[[ABC News]] |date=22 April 2013 |location=[[Dharamshala]] |archive-date=8 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508073833/https://abcnews.go.com/International/dalai-lama-pleads-myanmar-monks-end-violence-amid/story?id=19013148 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2013, he said "Really, killing people in the name of religion is unthinkable, very sad."<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-dalailama-idUSBRE9460RC20130507 |title = Dalai Lama decries Buddhist attacks on Muslims in Myanmar |publisher = Reuters |date = 7 May 2013 |access-date = 12 October 2013 |archive-date = 9 May 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130509041004/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/07/us-usa-dalailama-idUSBRE9460RC20130507 |url-status = live }}</ref> In May 2015, the Dalai Lama called on Myanmar's [[Nobel Peace Prize]] winner [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] to do more to help the [[Rohingya people|Rohingya Muslims]] in Myanmar, and said that he had urged Suu Kyi to address the Rohingyas' plight in two previous private meetings and had been rebuffed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dalai Lama presses Aung San Suu Kyi over Rohingya migrants|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32925805|publisher=BBC|date=28 May 2015|access-date=1 July 2018|archive-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602225608/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32925805|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, after [[Chinese dissident]] and [[2010 Nobel Peace Prize|Nobel Peace Prize]] laureate [[Liu Xiaobo]] died of organ failure while in Chinese government custody, the Dalai Lama said he was "deeply saddened" and that he believed that Liu's "unceasing [[Chinese democracy movement|efforts in the cause of freedom]] will bear fruit before long."<ref>"[https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/message-from-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama His Holiness the Dalai Lama Deeply Saddened by Liu Xiaobo's Passing…"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026105315/https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/message-from-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama |date=26 October 2019 }}. The 14th Dalai Lama. 18 July 2017.</ref>

The Dalai Lama has consistently praised India.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Slodkowski |first1=Antoni |last2=Lies |first2=Elaine |date=10 November 2021 |title=Dalai Lama: China's leaders 'don't understand variety of cultures' |language=en |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/dalai-lama-says-prefers-stay-india-since-taiwan-china-relations-delicate-2021-11-10/ |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621022450/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/dalai-lama-says-prefers-stay-india-since-taiwan-china-relations-delicate-2021-11-10/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |date=6 April 2017 |title=India best country to uphold religious harmony, tolerance: Dalai Lama |work=[[Business Standard India]] |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/india-best-country-to-uphold-religious-harmony-tolerance-dalai-lama-117040601546_1.html |access-date=20 June 2022 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621022450/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/india-best-country-to-uphold-religious-harmony-tolerance-dalai-lama-117040601546_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2018, he said Muslim countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan and Syria should learn about religion from India for peace in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2018 |title=Muslim nations must learn about religion from India: Dalai Lama |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/muslim-nations-must-learn-about-religion-from-india-dalai-lama-5478444/ |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621022450/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/muslim-nations-must-learn-about-religion-from-india-dalai-lama-5478444/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=[[Press Trust of India]] |date=4 December 2018 |title=Muslim Nations Must Learn About Religion From India: Dalai Lama |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/dalai-lama-india-pakistan-relations |website=[[The Quint]] |language=en |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621022450/https://www.thequint.com/news/india/dalai-lama-india-pakistan-relations |url-status=live }}</ref> When asked in 2019 about attacks on the minority community in India including a recent one against a Muslim family in [[Gurgaon]], he said: "There are always a few mischievous people, but that does not mean it a symbol of that nation".<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2019 |title=Few Incidents of Attacks on Minorities Can't Become Symbolic of A Nation, Says Dalai Lama |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/few-incidents-of-attacks-on-minorities-cant-become-symbolic-of-a-nation-says-dalai-lama-2089547.html |website=[[CNN-News18]] |language=en |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621022450/https://www.news18.com/news/india/few-incidents-of-attacks-on-minorities-cant-become-symbolic-of-a-nation-says-dalai-lama-2089547.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=[[Press Trust of India]] |date=5 April 2019 |title='Few Attacks on Minorities Cannot Symbolise a Nation': Dalai Lama |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/few-attacks-on-minorities-cannot-symbolise-a-nation-dalai-lama |website=[[The Quint]] |language=en |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=9 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109180856/https://www.thequint.com/news/india/few-attacks-on-minorities-cannot-symbolise-a-nation-dalai-lama |url-status=live }}</ref> He reiterated in December 2021 that India was a role model for religious harmony in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 December 2021 |title=What Dalai Lama Said On India's Role In World's Religious Harmony |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/dalai-lama-dalai-lama-news-what-dalai-lama-said-on-indias-role-in-religious-harmony-in-the-world-2659307 |website=[[NDTV]] |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=12 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312233226/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/dalai-lama-dalai-lama-news-what-dalai-lama-said-on-indias-role-in-religious-harmony-in-the-world-2659307 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2021 |title=India role model for religious harmony in the world, says Dalai Lama |url=https://en.trend.az/world/other/3529518.html |website=[[Trend News Agency]] |language=en |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=12 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312233228/https://en.trend.az/world/other/3529518.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Diet and animal welfare ===
{{blockquote|People think of animals as if they were vegetables, and that is not right. We have to change the way people think about animals. I encourage the Tibetan people and all people to move toward a vegetarian diet that doesn't cause suffering.|Dalai Lama<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.universalcompassion.org/ |title = Universal Compassion Movement |publisher = Universalcompassion.org |date = 25 November 2010 |access-date = 17 July 2013 |archive-date = 26 August 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130826175834/http://www.universalcompassion.org/ |url-status = live }}</ref>}}

The Dalai Lama advocates compassion for animals and frequently urges people to try [[vegetarianism]] or at least reduce their consumption of meat. In Tibet, where historically meat was the most common food, most monks historically have been [[omnivore]]s, including the Dalai Lamas. The Fourteenth Dalai Lama was raised in a meat-eating family but converted to vegetarianism after arriving in India, where vegetables are much more easily available and vegetarianism is widespread.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Food Science, An Ecological Approach|last=Edelstein|first=Sari|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Publishers|year=2013|isbn=978-1-4496-0344-1}}</ref> He spent many years as a vegetarian, but after contracting [[hepatitis]] in India and suffering from weakness, his doctors told him to return to eating meat which he now does twice a week.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kristof|first=Nicholas|title=Dalai Lama Gets Mischievous|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/16/opinion/nicholas-kristof-dalai-lama-gets-mischievous.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=16 July 2015|access-date=22 August 2019|archive-date=22 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822111340/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/16/opinion/nicholas-kristof-dalai-lama-gets-mischievous.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This attracted public attention when, during a visit to the White House, he was offered a vegetarian menu but declined by replying, as he is known to do on occasion when dining in the company of non-vegetarians, "I'm a Tibetan monk, not a vegetarian".<ref>{{cite book |last=Iyer |first=Pico |title=The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama |publisher=Knopf Publishing Group |date=2008 |page=203 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ExP5VoHTyzgC&pg=PP1 |isbn=978-1-4088-0692-0 |access-date=24 October 2020 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204609/https://books.google.com/books?id=ExP5VoHTyzgC&pg=PP1 |url-status=live }}</ref> His own home kitchen, however, is completely vegetarian.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.shabkar.org/teachers/tibetanbuddhism/dalai_lama.htm |title = H.H. Dalai Lama |publisher = Shabkar.org |access-date = 17 July 2013 |archive-date = 5 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210105230628/http://www.shabkar.org/teachers/tibetanbuddhism/dalai_lama.htm |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 2009, the English singer [[Paul McCartney]] wrote a letter to the Dalai Lama inquiring why he was not a vegetarian. As McCartney later told ''[[The Guardian]]'', "He wrote back very kindly, saying, 'my doctors tell me that I must eat meat'. And I wrote back again, saying, you know, I don't think that's right. [...] I think now he's vegetarian most of the time. I think he's now being told, the more he meets doctors from the west, that he can get his protein somewhere else. [...] It just doesn't seem right – the Dalai Lama, on the one hand, saying, 'Hey guys, don't harm sentient beings... Oh, and by the way, I'm having a steak.{{'"}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Ellen|first=Barbara|date=17 July 2010|title=Interview: Paul McCartney|work=The Guardian|location=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/18/paul-mccartney-vegetarianism|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915150250/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/18/paul-mccartney-vegetarianism|archive-date=15 September 2013}}</ref>

=== Economics and political stance ===
The Dalai Lama has referred to himself as a [[Marxism|Marxist]] and has articulated [[Criticism of capitalism|criticisms of capitalism]].<ref name="angrymarxist">{{cite web |title = The (Justifiably) Angry Marxist: An interview with the Dalai Lama |date = 30 August 2013 |url = https://tricycle.org/trikedaily/justifiably-angry-marxist-interview-dalai-lama/ |publisher = [[Tricycle: The Buddhist Review]] |access-date = 7 October 2021 |archive-date = 25 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210125170907/https://tricycle.org/trikedaily/justifiably-angry-marxist-interview-dalai-lama/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="GuardMarx" /><ref>Catherine Phillips (15 January 2015). [http://www.newsweek.com/i-am-marxist-says-dalai-lama-299598 ‘I Am Marxist’ Says Dalai Lama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924053129/http://www.newsweek.com/i-am-marxist-says-dalai-lama-299598 |date=24 September 2015 }}. ''Newsweek''. Retrieved 16 January 2015.</ref>

{{blockquote|I am not only a socialist but also a bit leftist, a communist. In terms of social economy theory, I am a Marxist. I think I am farther to the left than the Chinese leaders. [Bursts out laughing.] They are capitalists.<ref name="angrymarxist" />}}

He reports hearing of [[communism]] when he was very young, but only in the context of the destruction of the [[Mongolian People's Republic]]. It was only when he went on his trip to [[Beijing]] that he learned about [[Marxist philosophy|Marxist theory]] from his interpreter [[Phuntsog Wangyal|Baba Phuntsog Wangyal]] of the [[Tibetan Communist Party]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/1102-condolence-message-from-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-at-the-passing-away-of-baba-phuntsog-wangyal |title = Condolence Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Passing Away of Baba Phuntsog Wangyal |author = Dalai Lama |author-link = 14th Dalai Lama |date = 30 March 2014 |access-date = 3 May 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140408001643/http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/1102-condolence-message-from-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-at-the-passing-away-of-baba-phuntsog-wangyal |archive-date = 8 April 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref> At that time, he reports, "I was so attracted to Marxism, I even expressed my wish to become a [[Chinese Communist Party|Communist Party]] member," citing his favourite concepts of [[self-sufficiency]] and equal [[distribution of wealth]]. He does not believe that China implemented "true Marxist policy,"<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/0927/lhasa.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010129054600/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/0927/lhasa.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 29 January 2001 |title = Long Trek to Exile For Tibet's Apostle |author = 14th Dalai Lama |date = 27 September 1999 |access-date = 29 August 2010 |publisher = [[Time (magazine)|Time]]|volume=154|number=12}}</ref> and thinks the historical [[communist state]]s such as the [[Soviet Union]] "were far more concerned with their narrow national interests than with the [[International Workingmen's Association|Workers' International]]".<ref name="TibetMarx">{{cite web |url = http://hhdl.dharmakara.net/hhdlquotes1.html |title = Tibet and China, Marxism, Nonviolence |publisher = Hhdl.dharmakara.net |access-date = 2 May 2010 |archive-date = 20 November 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181120051343/http://hhdl.dharmakara.net/hhdlquotes1.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Moreover, he believes one flaw of historically "Marxist regimes" is that they place too much emphasis on destroying the ruling class, and not enough on compassion.<ref name="TibetMarx" /> He finds Marxism superior to capitalism, believing the latter is only concerned with "how to make profits," whereas the former has "moral ethics".<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/tibet/7747371/Marxist-Dalai-Lama-criticises-capitalism.html |title = 'Marxist' Dalai Lama criticises capitalism |date = 20 May 2010 |access-date = 28 August 2010 |work = [[The Sunday Telegraph]] |location = London |archive-date = 27 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210127082945/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/tibet/7747371/Marxist-Dalai-Lama-criticises-capitalism.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Stating in 1993:

{{blockquote|Of all the modern economic theories, the economic system of [[Marxism]] is founded on moral principles, while [[capitalism]] is concerned only with gain and profitability. Marxism is concerned with the distribution of wealth on an equal basis and the equitable utilisation of the [[means of production]]. It is also concerned with the fate of the [[Proletariat|working classes]]—that is, the majority—as well as with the fate of those who are underprivileged and in need, and Marxism cares about the victims of minority-imposed [[Exploitation of labour|exploitation]]. For those reasons the system appeals to me, and it seems fair. I just recently read an article in a paper where His Holiness the Pope also pointed out some positive aspects of Marxism.<ref name="GuardMarx">[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2011/jun/20/dalai-lama-marxist-buddhism Of course the Dalai Lama's a Marxist] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319091647/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2011/jun/20/dalai-lama-marxist-buddhism |date=19 March 2021 }} by Ed Halliwell, ''The Guardian'', 20 June 2011</ref><ref name="TibetMarx" />}}On the [[India–Pakistan relations|relations between India and Pakistan]], the Dalai Lama in October 2019 said: "There is a difference between Indian and Pakistani Prime Minister's speech at the UN. Indian prime prime minister talks about peace and you know what his Pakistan counterpart said. Getting China's political support is Pakistan's compulsion. But Pakistan also needs India. Pakistani leaders should calm down and think beyond emotions and should follow a realistic approach".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manjeet Sehgal |date=15 October 2019 |title=Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama asks Pakistan PM Imran Khan to control emotions |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dalai-lama-pakistn-imran-khan-india-modi-china-chandigarh-1609626-2019-10-15 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621022450/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dalai-lama-pakistn-imran-khan-india-modi-china-chandigarh-1609626-2019-10-15 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jagdeep Singh Deep |date=16 October 2019 |title=Chinese students should come to India to know how democracy works: Dalai Lama |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chinese-students-should-come-to-india-to-know-how-democracy-works-dalai-lama-6071299/ |access-date=21 June 2022 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621022450/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chinese-students-should-come-to-india-to-know-how-democracy-works-dalai-lama-6071299/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Environment ===
The Dalai Lama is outspoken in his concerns about [[environmental problem]]s, frequently giving public talks on themes related to the environment. He has pointed out that many rivers in Asia [[Geography of Tibet|originate in Tibet]], and that the [[Retreat of glaciers since 1850|melting of Himalayan glaciers]] could affect the countries in which the rivers flow.<ref name="global">{{Cite news |url = https://www.smh.com.au/environment/think-global-before-local-dalai-lama-20091130-k17b.html |title = Think global before local: Dalai Lama |first = Joyce |last = Morgan |date = 1 December 2009 |access-date = 28 August 2010 |work = The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-date = 5 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210105185044/https://www.smh.com.au/environment/think-global-before-local-dalai-lama-20091130-k17b.html |url-status = live }}</ref> He acknowledged official Chinese laws against [[deforestation]] in Tibet, but lamented they can be ignored due to possible [[Corruption in the People's Republic of China|corruption]].<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Dalai_Lama_bemoans_deforestation_of_Tibet_999.html |title = Dalai Lama bemoans deforestation of Tibet |agency = [[Agence France-Presse]] |date = 21 November 2007 |access-date = 28 August 2010 |archive-date = 8 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210108015046/https://www.terradaily.com/reports/Dalai_Lama_bemoans_deforestation_of_Tibet_999.html |url-status = live }}</ref> He was quoted as saying "ecology should be part of our daily life";<ref>{{cite web |url = https://archive.org/details/DalaiLama_2006_09_19 |title = His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Address to the University at Buffalo |access-date = 2 May 2010|date = 19 September 2006 }}</ref> personally, he takes showers instead of baths, and turns lights off when he leaves a room.<ref name="global" />

Around 2005, he started campaigning for [[wildlife conservation]], including by issuing a religious ruling against wearing tiger and leopard skins as garments.<ref>{{Cite news |title = Dalai Lama Campaigns to End Wildlife Trade |date = 8 April 2005 |publisher = ENS |url = http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2005/2005-04-08-01.asp |access-date = 8 September 2007 |archive-date = 24 September 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924001013/http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2005/2005-04-08-01.asp |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title = Reports Fur Flies Over Tiger Plight |author = Justin Huggler |work = The New Zealand Herald|date = 18 February 2006 |url = http://www.tew.org/archived/wildlife.skins.issue.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013141142/http://tew.org/archived/wildlife.skins.issue.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 13 October 2007 }}</ref> The Dalai Lama supports the [[anti-whaling]] position in the [[whaling controversy]], but has criticised the activities of groups such as the [[Sea Shepherd Conservation Society]] (which carries out acts of what it calls aggressive nonviolence against property).<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2010/2010-06-23-02.html |title = Dalai Lama Reminds Anti-Whaling Activists to Be Non-Violent |location = Tokyo |date = 23 June 2010 |access-date = 28 August 2010 |agency = [[Environment News Service]] |archive-date = 12 October 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201012091040/http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2010/2010-06-23-02.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> Before the [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference]], he urged national leaders to put aside domestic concerns and take collective action against [[climate change]].<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AT16B20091130 |title = Dalai Lama says climate change needs global action |location = Sydney |date = 30 November 2009 |access-date = 28 August 2010 |work = [[Reuters]] |first = Michael |last = Perry |archive-date = 9 August 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100809023803/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AT16B20091130 |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Sexuality ===
The Dalai Lama's stances on topics of sexuality have changed over time.

A monk since childhood, the Dalai Lama has said that sex offers fleeting satisfaction and leads to trouble later, while chastity offers a better life and "more independence, more freedom".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.smh.com.au/world/sex-invariably-spells-trouble-says-dalai-lama-20081129-6n91.html |title= Sex invariably spells trouble, says Dalai Lama |work= [[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date= November 29, 2008 |access-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231204154946/https://www.smh.com.au/world/sex-invariably-spells-trouble-says-dalai-lama-20081129-6n91.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He has said that problems arising from conjugal life sometimes even lead to suicide or murder.<ref name=Teleg>{{cite news |author = GMT 2|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/3534994/Sexual-intercourse-spells-trouble-says-Dalai-Lama.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081203142210/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/3534994/Sexual-intercourse-spells-trouble-says-Dalai-Lama.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 3 December 2008 |title = Sexual intercourse spells trouble, says Dalai Lama |work = The Telegraph|date = 29 November 2008 |access-date = 2 May 2010|location=London}}</ref> He has asserted that all religions have the same view about adultery.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2010/02/21/dalai-lama-says-self-discipline-important-woods/ |title= Dalai Lama says faith is important for Woods |author= [[Associated Press]] |work= [[Golfweek]] |date= February 21, 2010 |access-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231204154053/https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2010/02/21/dalai-lama-says-self-discipline-important-woods/ |url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url= https://www.thestar.com/sports/golf/tiger-who-dalai-lama-disses-golfer/article_f015a2c4-e3ee-5eea-bc32-5eb7a1fe8758.html |title= Tiger who? Dalai Lama disses golfer |work= [[Toronto Star]] |date= February 21, 2010 |access-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231204154105/https://www.thestar.com/sports/golf/tiger-who-dalai-lama-disses-golfer/article_f015a2c4-e3ee-5eea-bc32-5eb7a1fe8758.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In his discussions of the traditional Buddhist view on appropriate sexual behaviour, he explains the concept of "right organ in the right object at the right time," which historically has been interpreted as indicating that oral, manual and anal sex (both homosexual and heterosexual) are not appropriate in Buddhism or for Buddhists. However, he also says that in modern times all common, consensual sexual practices that do not cause harm to others are ethically acceptable and that society should accept and respect people who are [[gay]] or [[transgender]] from a secular point of view.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_budd2.htm|title=Buddhism and homosexuality|website=religioustolerance.org|access-date=22 April 2015|archive-date=17 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317083002/https://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_budd2.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In a 1994 interview with ''[[OUT Magazine]]'', the Dalai Lama clarified his personal opinion on the matter by saying, "If someone comes to me and asks whether [[homosexuality]] is okay or not, I will ask 'What is your companion's opinion?' If you both agree, then I think I would say, 'If two males or two females voluntarily agree to have mutual satisfaction without further implication of harming others, then it is okay.'"<ref>OUT Magazine February/March 1994</ref> However, when interviewed by Canadian TV news anchor [[Evan Solomon]] on ''[[CBC News: Sunday]]'' about whether homosexuality is acceptable in Buddhism, the Dalai Lama responded that "it is sexual misconduct".<ref>{{cite web|website=[[HuffPost]]|date=13 July 2009|title=Gay Marriage: What Would Buddha Do?|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gay-marriage-what-would-b_b_230855|first=James|last=Shaheen|access-date=April 6, 2023|archive-date=April 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406010916/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gay-marriage-what-would-b_b_230855|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his 1996 book ''Beyond Dogma'', he described a traditional Buddhist definition of an appropriate sexual act as follows: "A sexual act is deemed proper when the couples use the organs intended for sexual intercourse and nothing else ... Homosexuality, whether it is between men or between women, is not improper in itself. What is improper is the use of organs already defined as inappropriate for sexual contact."<ref>''Beyond Dogma'' by the Dalai Lama</ref> He elaborated in 1997, conceding that the basis of that teaching was unknown to him. He also conveyed his own "willingness to consider the possibility that some of the teachings may be specific to a particular cultural and historic context".<ref>"Dalai Lama Urges 'Respect, Compassion, and Full Human Rights for All', including Gays". Conkin, Dennis. ''Bay Area Reporter'', 19 June 1997.</ref>

In 2006, the Dalai Lama has expressed concern at "reports of violence and discrimination against" [[LGBT people]] and urged "respect, tolerance and the full recognition of human rights for all".<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://ilga.org/ilga/en/article/782 |title=His Holiness The Dalai Lama Issues Statement in Support of Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People |publisher=International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) |location=Geneva |date=3 April 2006 |access-date=20 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623030316/http://ilga.org/ilga/en/article/782 |archive-date=23 June 2013 }}</ref>

In a 2014 interview with [[Larry King]], the Dalai Lama expressed that [[same-sex marriage]] is a personal issue, can be ethically socially accepted, and that he personally accepts it. However, he also stated that if same-sex marriage is in contradiction with one's chosen traditions, then they should not follow it.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://time.com/15273/watch-dalai-lama-says-okay-to-same-sex-marriages/ |title= WATCH: Dalai Lama Says 'O.K.' to Same-Sex Marriages |first=  Dan |last= Kedmey |magazine= [[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=  March 7, 2014 |access-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231204144419/https://time.com/15273/watch-dalai-lama-says-okay-to-same-sex-marriages/ |url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url= https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/03/dalai-lama-says-he-supports-gay-marriage |title= Dalai Lama Says He Supports Gay Marriage |first= Jaime |last= Lutz |work= [[ABC News]] |date= March 8, 2014 |access-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231204144359/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/03/dalai-lama-says-he-supports-gay-marriage |url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dalai-lama-says-gay-marriage-is-ok-9175947.html |title= Dalai Lama says gay marriage is 'ok' |first= Antonia |last= Molloy |work= [[The Independent]] |date= March 7, 2014 |access-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-date= December 4, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231204144621/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dalai-lama-says-gay-marriage-is-ok-9175947.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Women's rights ===
{{See also|Women in Buddhism|Criticism of Buddhism#Women in Buddhism}}

In 2007, he said that the next Dalai Lama could possibly be a woman: "If a woman reveals herself as more useful the lama could very well be reincarnated in this form."<ref>{{cite news |last = Spencer |first = Richard |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1571850/Dalai-Lama-says-successor-could-be-a-woman.html |title = Dalai Lama says successor could be a woman |work = The Telegraph |date = 7 December 2007 |access-date = 19 November 2010 |location = London |archive-date = 6 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210106155514/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1571850/Dalai-Lama-says-successor-could-be-a-woman.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 2009, on [[gender equality]] and sexism, the Dalai Lama proclaimed at the [[National Civil Rights Museum]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee]]: "I call myself a [[feminist]]. Isn't that what you call someone who fights for [[women's rights]]?" He also said that by nature, women are more compassionate "based on their biology and ability to nurture and birth children". He called on women to "lead and create a more compassionate world," citing the good works of nurses and mothers.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/tamara-conniff/the-dalai-lama-proclaims_b_297285.html |title = Tamara Conniff: The Dalai Lama Proclaims Himself a Feminist: Day Two of Peace and Music in Memphis |work = HuffPost |date = 23 September 2009 |access-date = 17 July 2013 |archive-date = 15 November 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171115084047/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/tamara-conniff/the-dalai-lama-proclaims_b_297285.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

At a 2014 appearance at the [[Tata Institute of Social Sciences]] in Mumbai, the Dalai Lama said, "Since women have been shown to be more sensitive to others' suffering, their leadership may be more effective."<ref>{{cite web |title=Secular Ethics for Higher Education |url=https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/launch-of-tata-institute-of-social-sciences-course-in-secular-ethics-for-higher-education/amp |website=His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet |publisher=The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama |access-date=13 August 2018 |archive-date=5 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105162041/https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/launch-of-tata-institute-of-social-sciences-course-in-secular-ethics-for-higher-education/amp |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2015, he said in a [[BBC]] interview that if a female succeeded him, "that female must be attractive, otherwise it is not much use," and when asked if he was joking, replied, "No. True!" He followed with a joke about his success being due to his own appearance.<ref>{{cite web |title = Dalai Lama Says If Successor Is Female, She Must Be Very Attractive |url = http://www.tricycle.com/blog/dalai-lama-says-if-successor-female-she-must-be-very-attractive |publisher = [[Tricycle: The Buddhist Review]] |date = 22 September 2015 |access-date = 24 September 2015 |archive-date = 25 September 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925002300/http://www.tricycle.com/blog/dalai-lama-says-if-successor-female-she-must-be-very-attractive |url-status = dead }}</ref> His office later released a statement of apology citing the interaction as a translation error.<ref name="Rodriguez">{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Adrianna |title=Dalai Lama apologizes for sexist remarks that female successor must be 'more attractive' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/07/03/dalai-lama-apologizes-female-successor-more-attractive-sexist-remarks/1637106001/ |access-date=14 April 2022 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414132912/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/07/03/dalai-lama-apologizes-female-successor-more-attractive-sexist-remarks/1637106001/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Health ===

In 2013, at the Culture of Compassion event in [[Derry]], [[Northern Ireland]], the Dalai Lama said that "Warm-heartedness is a key factor for healthy individuals, healthy families and healthy communities."<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/18/dalai-lama-culture-of-com_n_3111216.html |title = Dalai Lama 'Culture of Compassion' Talk: Key To Good Health Is 'Peace of Mind' (VIDEO) |work = HuffPost |date = 18 April 2013 |access-date = 20 February 2020 |archive-date = 19 October 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171019220126/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/18/dalai-lama-culture-of-com_n_3111216.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

==== Response to COVID-19 ====
In a 2020 statement in ''Time'' magazine on the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the Dalai Lama said that the pandemic must be combated with compassion, empirical science, prayer, and the courage of healthcare workers. He emphasised "emotional disarmament" (seeing things with a clear and realistic perspective, without fear or rage) and wrote: "The outbreak of this terrible coronavirus has shown that what happens to one person can soon affect every other being. But it also reminds us that a compassionate or constructive act – whether working in hospitals or just observing social distancing – has the potential to help many."<ref>[https://time.com/5820613/dalai-lama-coronavirus-compassion/ 'Prayer Is Not Enough.' The Dalai Lama on Why We Need to Fight Coronavirus With Compassion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418193728/https://time.com/5820613/dalai-lama-coronavirus-compassion/ |date=18 April 2020 }} 14 April 2020, ''time.com'', accessed 10 May 2021</ref>

=== Immigration ===
In September 2018, speaking at a conference in [[Malmö]], [[Sweden]], home to a large [[Immigration to Sweden|immigrant population]], the Dalai Lama said "I think Europe belongs to the Europeans," but also that Europe was "morally responsible" for helping "a refugee really facing danger against their life". He stated that Europe has a responsibility to refugees to "receive them, help them, educate them," but that they should aim to return to their places of origin and that "they ultimately should rebuild their own country".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20180912-dalai-lama-says-europe-belongs-europeans|title=Dalai Lama says 'Europe belongs to Europeans'|date=12 September 2018|access-date=17 September 2018|archive-date=14 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314054736/https://www.france24.com/en/20180912-dalai-lama-says-europe-belongs-europeans|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/dalai-lama-says-europe-belongs-to-europeans|title=Dalai Lama says 'Europe belongs to Europeans'|date=13 September 2018|access-date=17 September 2018|archive-date=17 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917105230/https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/dalai-lama-says-europe-belongs-to-europeans|url-status=live}}</ref>

Speaking to German reporters in 2016, the Dalai Lama said there are "too many" refugees in Europe, adding that "Europe, for example Germany, cannot become an Arab country." He also said that "Germany is Germany".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/05/31/the-dalai-lama-says-too-many-refugees-are-going-to-germany/|title=The Dalai Lama says 'too many' refugees are going to Germany|first=Max|last=Bearak|website=facebook.com via The Washington Post|access-date=17 September 2018|archive-date=17 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917105327/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/05/31/the-dalai-lama-says-too-many-refugees-are-going-to-germany/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/migrant-crisis-dalai-lama-says-germany-cannot-become-an-arab-country-20160601-gp8mhr.html|title=Migrant crisis: Dalai Lama says Germany 'cannot become an Arab country'|first=Max|last=Bearak|date=31 May 2016|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=17 September 2018|archive-date=16 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216142953/https://www.smh.com.au/world/migrant-crisis-dalai-lama-says-germany-cannot-become-an-arab-country-20160601-gp8mhr.html|url-status=live}}</ref>