By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 16: Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has a substantial online presence is set to further grow with the official launch of the iOS App titled simply “Dalai Lama” on Thursday coinciding with the Ganden Ngachö, the anniversary of Je Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelukpa Tradition’s passing.
The new App has all the existing features of its web version, ‘dalailama.com’ as far as content is concerned, although with much sleeker user interface and ease for users accessing the content via mobile devices. “Stay up to date with what His Holiness is doing, his travels, and his teachings. Get official news, videos, and photos from His Holiness’s Office, including live video streams when they are available,” the official website stated.
Since its launch, the free App has been downloaded 6663 times and has a 4.4 ratings out of 5 on the app store at the time of reporting. The App is compatible with iOS 10.0 or later on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The Android version is expected to be launched in sometime.
A user review by Exsangus wrote, “This is an app our world needs so critically right now. There is so much wonderful content, including full length videos of talks given by the Dalai Lama, who teaches compassion, and loving-kindness. Downloading this app has not just improved my life, but the lives of those around me. There are very few apps that can make the world a better place. This is one of them.”
Another user Zappoblappo wrote, “I love this app! It brings me joy, helps me to improve my perspective on life, and provides an amazingly convenient social connection to the Dalai Lama.”
The Dalai Lama App however, like its web version has been banned in occupied Tibet and China and is unavailable in Appstore China. While the ban seemed inevitable to China which bans any content related to the exiled Tibetan leader, rights group International Campaigns for Tibet’s President on his twitter handle made a remark most apparently at the tech company which is known for its compliance to Beijing. He questioned Apple’s CEO, “Hey @tim_cook, would the Dalai Lama App be available for Tibetans in #Tibet and Chinese Buddhist in China? #recoprocity,” tweeted Matteo Mecacci.
