The Dalai Lama has offered an apology to those concerned after a video circulated online of him asking a boy to "suck his tongue".
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet with Tenzin Gyatso, who currently holds the title, referring to himself as "a simple Buddhist monk".
The religious leader is revered by millions worldwide and is often thought to be the reincarnation of his 13 predecessors.
As reported by CNN, at an event in Dharamshala, northern India, the Dalai Lama was seen hugging and kissing a child on the lips, before asking him to "suck his tongue".
See the footage below:During the video, the boy approaches the religious leader and asks if he is allowed to hug him. The 87-year-old points to his cheek and says: "First here", as he asks for a kiss.
Pointing to his lips, the Dalai Lama says: "Then I think finally here also", as he pulls the boy in by his chin for a kiss on the lips, before sticking out his tongue.
After footage of the event was circulated online, the 87-year-old has come under fire for his actions with the young boy, whose identity remains unknown.
Following the backlash, the religious leader released a statement on Twitter apologizing for the offense that the footage caused.
"A video clip has been circulating that shows a recent meeting when a young boy asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama if he could give him a hug," the statement began.
It continued: "His Holiness wishes to apologize to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused.
"His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident."
A Delhi-based child rights group Haq: Center for Child Rights, told CNN: "Some news refers to Tibetan culture about showing tongue, but this video is certainly not about any cultural expression, and even if it is, such cultural expressions are not acceptable."
The event was set up by the M3M Foundation, which is part of the Indian real estate company M3M Group based in Dharamshala.
As reported, the people of Tibet practiced a unique form of Buddhism, and after China released its communist anti-religious legislation, protests broke out in the region.
In March 1959, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet and now lives in permanent exile in Dharamshala, where he established a Tibetan shadow government.
In 1989, the religious leader was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent protests against the Chinese occupation of his home.
