Dalai Lama Quashes Rumours Of Ill Health On 89th Birthday

On his 89th birthday, the Dalai Lama announced on Saturday that he is recovering from knee surgery and feels “physically fit,” dismissing rumors of ill health.

“Recently, I had surgery on my knee, which has been giving me some problems. However, I am recovering and have no issues at all now,” the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism said in a video message from the United States, where he is recuperating.

“There may be people trying to confuse you about my health, saying that the Dalai Lama has gone to a hospital and is undergoing treatments, making my condition sound grave. You don’t need to trust such misinformation,” he said.

As the spiritual leader ages and faces health challenges, the issue of appointing his successor looms large for Tibetans seeking greater autonomy in China or outright independence. Tibetan Buddhists believe that learned monastics are reincarnated after death as newborns.