Dalai Lama discharged from hospital after knee surgery

The Dalai Lama was discharged from a New York City hospital Saturday after undergoing successful knee replacement surgery, hospital staff said.

The Tibetan spiritual leader, who turns 89 on July 6, has experienced health problems for years. His knee issues required medical attention outside northern India where he has lived in exile for 65 years following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet.

After being discharged, he went to the Park Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan, where he is staying.

“He is expected to make a full recovery and was discharged Saturday morning, June 29th,” said Dr. David J. Mayman, chief of the adult reconstruction and joint replacement service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

“His Holiness’s personal medical team and office were in constant communication with the surgical and medical staff at HSS,” Mayman said. “We are grateful for their trust and assistance.”

The Nobel Prize winner enjoys strong support in the United States, especially among prominent lawmakers who have spoken out about human rights issues in Tibet, despite objections by China which views him as a separatist and bristles at his interactions with foreign officials.

Tibetans and well-wishers gathered outside the hospital and the Park Hyatt to greet His Holiness, holding khatas – Tibetan white scarves – and flowers, offering their blessings for his swift recovery.

“First of all, I am so happy to hear about the success of His Holiness’s surgery,” said Chemi Youdon, waiting outside the hotel to welcome the Dalai Lama with a bouquet in hand.

“Secondly, this is his visit to the United States after such a long time. And thirdly, though I had a glimpse of him at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey when he first arrived, as a Tibetan, you never get enough of his blessings.”

Pema Sonam, waiting outside the Park Hyatt in New York, said the surgery highlighted the importance of the Dalai Lama’s health. “It’s a blessing that His Holiness has visited the U.S., allowing us to receive his blessings after so many years. I want to thank the attending doctor and his team, staff, and everyone involved for doing such a wonderful job.”

No public engagements are planned for the immediate future, as His Holiness focuses on his health and well-being.