by Cath Evans
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who turned 89 on 6 July 2024, has experienced some minor knee discomfort for some while. However, this discomfort recently required that he seek medical attention outside northern India where he has lived in exile for 65 years.
It was with great compassion and love for all sentient beings that His Holiness decided to have a total knee replacement. This involved a long flight to the United States followed by major surgery, and a period of rehabilitation.
On 23 June 2024, His Holiness arrived in New York after a short stop in Switzerland. He waved from the open window of a limousine as it approached his Manhattan hotel. Greeted by hundreds of Tibetans he then walked slowly to the entrance, supported by aides.
Successful surgery
On 28 June His Holiness underwent a successful right knee replacement at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), in New York City.
Afterwards, His Holinesses’ personal physician Dr Tsetan Sadutshang emphasised, “This is the best hospital for knee surgery in the US and the orthopaedic surgeons are the best in the country. Therefore, please feel at ease, everyone.”
Dr Tsetan Sadutshang added that just hours after the operation, “His Holiness returned to his room in the hospital in a very stable condition and has already had his lunch.” A hospital medical spokesperson also announced that His Holiness was expected to make a full recovery and that he would be discharged Saturday morning, 29 June.
Tibetans and Buddhists around the world rejoiced at the news. Meanwhile, the Park Hyatt in Manhattan became a place of worship for devotees. Large numbers of followers flocked to the hotel to pray and circumambulate the building, expressing their devotion and wishing for His Holiness’ swift recovery.
A positive recovery process
In a medical bulletin, Dr. David J. Mayman, Chief of the Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service at HSS, described the recovery process.
“During the first week after knee replacement, the primary objective is to minimize inflammation and swelling. His Holiness is mobile and walking with our physical therapy team…I would expect His Holiness to continue to improve in terms of his knee and walking over this coming year.”
Given his positive progress, the Dalai Lama soon left his hotel for more spacious accommodation to aid his continuing recovery.
Long life prayers and return to India
On 16 August, His Holiness the Dalai lama visited the Dalai Lama Centre in Ithaca in New York where he took part in a consecration ceremony. This event marked his first public appearance since undergoing knee surgery. Hundreds of Tibetans welcomed him at this event.
Before departing New York, His Holiness attended a long-life prayer ceremony offered by 17,000 people from the Tibetan community of North America and their American friends.
The Dalai Lama also attended a long-life prayer ceremony offered by a capacity crowd of 15,000 people in Zurich, Switzerland, before returning to India on the 28 August.
We pray that His Holiness has a long healthy life, that he experiences excellent conditions and continues to teach living beings for many, many years into the future.