Insta
Dalai Lama Tears Into Short-Sighted China In A Hilarious Interview With John Oliver
Swarajya Staff
Mar 07, 2017, 10:17 AM | Updated 10:17 AM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
When John Oliver, one of the wittiest men on the planet met his holiness the Dalai Lama, one of the most outspoken spiritual leaders, sparks were bound to fly, and their crackling chemistry was clearly visible for the world to see in the latest 'Last Week Tonight' episode, where both the personalities came together in a hilarious yet insightful interview.
On last night's show @iamjohnoliver sat down with the Dalai Lama to talk about China, reincarnation, and horse milk. https://t.co/JVtR1dbypJ
— Last Week Tonight (@LastWeekTonight) March 6, 2017
When asked if it was likely that could be the very last Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader told Oliver it's "very possible" even though he did not give a specific answer.
However, he was quick to give a definitive response when asked if he worries that China would appoint its own Dalai Lama, saying that "May I say so? That's also, you say, one of the foolish acts. Short-sighted. Without using the human brain properly. It's harmful. Our brain usually, you see, [has] the ability to create common sense. The Chinese hardliners, in their brains, that part of the brain is missing."
A visibly amused Oliver responded to the powerful statement with his typical wit saying, "I'm happy to sit here to criticise China with you, because the consequences for me are not necessarily as bad as they are for you," to which the Dalai Lama burst out laughing.
The interview also touched upon China's perception of Dalai Lama, whom Oliver says they likely picture as an actual demon with horns.
"Whatever they want to say, that is their freedom. I have no negative feeling. I just feel love, like that. I practice, you see, taking others' anger, suspicion, distrust and give them patience, tolerance and compassion. I practice that," the Tibetan spiritual leader said in response.
However, the Dalai Lama's infectious humor was on full display as he managed to stun Oliver with and anecdote from his life, where he said that during a visit to Mongolia he noticed a lot of people drinking vodka, so he suggested everyone drinks horse milk instead!
"Hold on, that is a huge claim! You cured Mongolia of alcoholism ... using horse milk?" said a clearly flabbergasted Oliver, to which the Dalai Lama simply responded saying, "yes".
The Dalai Lama had fled to India from Tibet in 1959 through Arunachal Pradesh, and has been running the Tibetan government-in-exile from Himachal Pradesh.
With inputs from ANI
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.