Dalai Lama Addresses Health and Succession Concerns

The Dalai Lama, now 89, has reassured followers about his health after recent knee surgery in New York, stating, "According to my dream, I may live 110 years." During an interview, he downplayed concerns regarding his well-being, affirming that his knee is improving and he has resumed blessing hundreds of visitors weekly at his residence in Dharamshala, India. Despite worries about his succession, he has indicated that his reincarnation could potentially be found in India, rejecting any successor appointed by China. The Tibetan parliament-in-exile is awaiting clearer guidance from him on succession as he approaches his 90th birthday in July. The Dalai Lama has been a unifying figure for Tibetans, emphasizing peaceful negotiation with China regarding Tibetan autonomy. His foundation, established in 2015, will oversee the selection of his successor, ensuring the continuation of Tibetan Buddhist traditions.