His Holiness lays to rest rumours over his health, says he is healthy
DHARAMSALA, Oct 1: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sep 30 said he is healthy and his followers need not worry about his health, though he has some minor issues with his knees for which the doctors at Mayo Hospital in Rochester, USA have advised him to rest.
He was speaking to Tibetans from Minnesota at the Mayo Civic Centre who had sought a brief private audience.
“Overall, I’m very well, and there’s no need for any of you to worry,” His Holiness announced, much to the joy of the Tibetans present at the meeting and all over the world who have been worried about his health following a statement released on Sep 25 by his private office. The release stated that His Holiness’ planned October visit to the US has been cancelled after Doctors advised him to rest for the next several weeks.
Addressing the gathering, His Holiness said: “As some of you may know, for the last 10 years or so, I’ve been coming to the Mayo Hospital almost every year for routine physical check-ups. Even in India, I go for physical check-ups every 6 months or so at New Delhi. And that’s why I’m here this time also.”
“The last time I went for a check-up at New Delhi, the doctors told me that I am in excellent health with no major ailments whatsoever. However, for the last 2 or 3 years, I’ve had some minor issues with my knees. Therefore, a good friend of mine recently recommended a German doctor, who is a renowned bone specialist,” His Holiness explained.
“After examining some X-rays of my knees, the German doctor told me that these things are normal at my age. He even said to me jokingly that I am 80, not 18 anymore. I believe what he said is true. As you age, your physical body deteriorates, so you need to be aware of your health, do check-ups and take care of small issues and symptoms,” His Holiness said.
Though some of his upcoming schedule remains cancelled at the advice of the doctors, His Holiness told the gathering that he will participate in the Mind and Life conference with scientists in November and the remaining Lamrim teachings in South India in December will go on as scheduled.
His Holiness will arrive in Dharamsala on Oct 3.
