There is nothing in the Buddha's teaching, or the beliefs of any of the 3 major Buddhist sects, thsat supports such nonsense. Taken to its ultimate conclusion, it would prevent buddhist monks, hindreds of thousands of them, voting or playing any "lay" role (as they must do in Burma for example---and in a tibet facing Chinese genocide attempts). The pope is the Head of State of an independent country---does it make a mockery of his Holy office? NO ! Tibet has a long history of a Dalai Lamas, first and foremost monks, being involved in "lay" matters. One is not exclusive from the other----and Buddhist teaching says no such thing. BTW, may HH The dalai lama continue to inspire world opinion.