Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Dec 24: The revered spiritual leader Dalai Lama reassured that his recovery is progressing well and reaffirmed his belief that he will live to the age of 110 during an interaction with a journalist at his residence in Dharamshala on Friday.
The Tibetan leader during his audience to over 300 visitors from India and abroad, stated, “I may live 110 years,” addressing his health. Referring to his recent recovery from knee surgery, he added, “The knee too is improving. Not much of a serious problem.”
Earlier this week, Dr. Zorba Paster, a physician from Madison and long-time member of the Dalai Lama’s medical team, confirmed the effectiveness of recent treatments. Dr. Paster noted that the Dalai Lama is now in good health and wrote in a column for the Wisconsin State Journal, “At 90 years old, he’s not as physically robust as he used to be, but his mind is sharp.”
The octogenarian Tibetan spiritual leader underwent knee replacement surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City in June, followed by a six-week recovery period at the Nappi Farmhouse in Syracuse, New York. During this time, he also engaged in religious activities. Since his return to Dharamshala in August, he has resumed his regular schedule, including public audiences and teachings.
On Wednesday, on the anniversary of founder Gelug school Lama Tsongkhapa’s passing, or parinirvana (gaden ngachod), His Holiness will attend a prayer offering ceremony at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala from around 1:30 pm.
His Holiness is scheduled to travel to the Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement in Karnataka on January 3, 2025. This visit will include engagements with the Tibetan community in southern India.
