Next Dalai Lama Could be Woman - Tibetan Leader

The Dalai Lama, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize who fled the Chinese rule over Tibet in 1959 for the safety of India, is due to speak in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Darwin. Photo by EPA/BGNES

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has not ruled out the possibility of being succeeded by a woman.

"If the circumstances are such that a female Dalai Lama is more useful, then automatically a female Dalai Lama will come," he told a press conference in Sydney to launch a 10-day tour of Australia.

Asked about the gender conflict reignited by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard this week, the 77-year-old replied that the world faces a "moral crisis" of inequality and suffering and needs leaders with compassion.

"In that respect, biologically, females have more potential," the Dalai Lama said. "Females have more sensitivity about others' well-being.

"In my own case, my father, very short temper. On a few occasions I also got some beatings. But my mother was so wonderfully compassionate."

The Dalai Lama, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize who fled the Chinese rule over Tibet in 1959 for the safety of India, is due to speak in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Darwin.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!