In his first public appearance following an official announcement just days ago that he would cancel this month’s public engagements in the US on doctors’ orders, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that he remains in good health and reassured audience members that there was no need to worry. His Holiness was speaking ahead of his planned return on Saturday to his official residence in Dharamsala, northern India.

More than a thousand Tibetans living in the United States assembled at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota, on Wednesday to greet the 80-year-old spiritual leader of Tibet, who confessed to being somewhat tired following recent public appearances in London.

Speaking in Tibetan, 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 six months or so in New Delhi. And that’s why I’m here this time also. The last time I went for a check-up in New Delhi, the doctors told me that I am in excellent health with no major ailments whatsoever.” (The Tibet Post)

“However, for the last two or three 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. 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,” His Holiness said. (The Tibet Post)

“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,” he said. “Overall, I’m very well, and there’s no need for any of you to worry.” (The Tibet Post)

The Dalai Lama noted that doctors had advised him to rest for several weeks as he was feeling fatigued from traveling and his busy public schedule, adding, “However, the remaining Lamrim teachings in South India will go on as scheduled. I am also participating in a Mind and Life conference with scientists in South India. I intend to enjoy and carry out these events in a relaxed manner.” (Central Tibetan Administration)

Members of Minnesota’s Tibetan community appeared relieved after meeting the Dalai Lama. “He’s very, very well,” said Thupten Dadak, founder of the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. “He’s no different than a few years ago. Very charming, and very happy to see the community.” (Star Tribune)

His Holiness reminded the audience that a compassionate mind leads to a healthy body: “The more compassionate a person is, the more calm he will be and consequently a healthier person.” (Phayul.com)

The Dalai Lama’s planned visits this month had included Smith College in Massachusetts, the nearby Amherst College and University of Massachusetts at Amherst, as well as the University of Colorado in Boulder, and appearances in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

See more

I’m healthy, no need to worry: His Holiness urges Tibetans (The Tibet Post)
Dalai Lama Offers Anxious Tibetans Assurances on His Health (Radio Free Asia)
Dalai Lama on his health: No worries, stay assured (Phayul.com)
I’m Healthy, No Need to Worry: His Holiness Tells Tibetans (Central Tibetan Administration)
Minnesota Tibetan community relieved to see healthy-looking Dalai Lama (Star Tribune)
Dalai Lama Cancels US Visits in October on Medical Advice (Buddhistdoor Global)