The 90-year-old Dalai Lama is scheduled to receive medical care for his left knee in New Delhi this month, his office announced Thursday, as the spiritual leader continues to address ongoing health concerns.
The leader of Tibetan Buddhists plans to depart Friday from his residence in exile in the mountain town of Dharamshala for India’s capital. His devoted supporters, who have grown increasingly worried about his wellbeing in recent years, traditionally conduct extensive prayer ceremonies before any scheduled medical treatments.
“He will undergo medical treatment on his left knee,” his office stated on X, noting that he is anticipated to journey to India’s Ladakh region by late June for a prolonged visit.
The Nobel Peace Prize recipient underwent an operation on the same knee in New York in 2024, although he later informed Reuters it was “nothing serious,” despite moving carefully with assistance from his staff. He currently relies on a golf cart when traveling longer distances around his residence.
The 14th Dalai Lama expressed last year his desire to live past 130 years, expanding upon his previous forecast, and has comforted supporters by promising he will be reborn following his death.
The most enduring leader of Tibetan Buddhism has resided in Dharamshala since escaping Tibet in 1959 after an unsuccessful rebellion against Chinese authority.
China, which aims to strengthen its dominance over Tibet, views the Dalai Lama as a separatist and insists it must authorize his replacement, referencing an ancient ceremony. The Dalai Lama has encouraged his supporters to refuse anyone selected by Beijing.
