NEW DELHI, June 4 (Bernama-dpa) – The Dalai Lama will travel to New Delhi from his home in exile in northern India for treatment on his left knee, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
The office of the 90-year-old spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists said on Thursday that he has faced a series of age-related health issues in recent years, raising concern among followers worldwide.
The office did not disclose details of the knee procedure but said that after recovering, he plans to spend an extended period in the Himalayan region of Ladakh.
Bordering China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, Ladakh is home to several ancient monasteries and a large Tibetan Buddhist population.
The Nobel Peace laureate fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and has lived in exile in the Indian hill town of Dharamsala ever since.
He used to travel widely, preaching reconciliation and peace but has increasingly cut down his international engagements due to his age and health concerns.
Last year, the Dalai Lama said he hoped to live to 130 and reaffirmed that he intended to reincarnate in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist tradition. China rejected the assertion, insisting that it has authority over the selection of his successor.
— BERNAMA-dpa