Dalai Lama Says A Female Successor Must Be “Very Attractive, Otherwise Not”

When asked about a female future successor, the 80-year-old stated that a female Dalai Lama’s “face should be very attractive” in order for her to be an effective leader.

The Dalai Lama is celebrated around the world for his perspectives, particularly his persistent message of spreading compassion.

Myrie retorted: “You are joking, I am assuming”. “Or you’re not joking?”

To this, the Dalai Lama answers, “No. True!”

Around 4:50 in the video, journalist Clive Myrie asks if there will be a 15th incarnation of the Dalai Lama after him-and if so, could the next Dalai Lama be a woman?

After awkwardly laughing at the response, Myrie incredulously asked, “So you can only have a female Dalai Lama if they’re attractive?”

“I mean if female Dalai Lama come, then that female must be very attractive” he replied “otherwise not much use”.

The Tibetan spiritual leader, who calls himself a feminist, stunned a BBC interviewer by saying that were a woman to eventually take over his position, she would be unsuitable if she were ugly.

The comment, read from this light, is then a joke criticizing the existing state of inequality that women face rather than a sexist remark.

However, it should be noted that the Dalai Lama has also given previous comments about women being more compassionate, which have also drawn public consternation. “The female biologically [has] more potential to show affection and compassion”.