NEW DELHI (Reuters) – The Dalai Lama mentioned on Saturday he was recovering from knee surgical procedure and was feeling “bodily match”, dismissing rumours of ailing well being on his 89th birthday.
“I just lately had knee surgical procedure, which has prompted me some issues. Nevertheless, I’m recovering and now not have any issues,” mentioned the exiled Tibetan Buddhist religious chief in a video message from the USA, the place he’s recuperating.
“There could also be individuals who attempt to mislead you about my well being, saying that the Dalai Lama has gone to a hospital and is receiving remedy, and many others., making my situation appear critical. You shouldn’t belief such misinformation,” he mentioned.
The Dalai Lama, a charismatic determine who popularized Buddhism internationally, gained the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for preserving the Tibetan trigger alive in exile. He fled to India in 1959, 9 years after China despatched troops to the Himalayan area in 1950, claiming it was liberating Tibetan “serfs.”
Because the religious chief ages and battles well being issues, the appointment of his successor has turn out to be a looming problem for Tibetans combating for better autonomy from China or full independence. Tibetan Buddhists consider that discovered monks are reincarnated after dying as newborns.
The Dalai Lama has mentioned he’ll make clear problems with succession, together with whether or not and the place he can be reincarnated, round his 90th birthday.
“I’m virtually 90 years outdated now, however I don't really feel dangerous aside from some slight discomfort in my legs. I wish to thank all my Tibetan compatriots, inside and out of doors Tibet, for his or her prayers on my birthday,” he mentioned, including that some issues are a part of ageing.
On Saturday, tens of 1000’s of Buddhists and supporters world wide will collect to rejoice and pray for the lengthy lifetime of a pacesetter who they see because the strongest hope for an eventual return to Tibet.
(Reporting by Aditi Shah in New Delhi; enhancing by William Mallard)