Dalai Lama set to return to Dharamshala after successful knee surgery in New York

Dharamshala, August 20, 2024:  The Dalai Lama is expected to return to Dharamshala, India, on August 28, following a successful knee replacement surgery performed on June 28 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, stated the office of the Dalai Lama today in Dharamshala. 

The 88-year-old spiritual leader has spent the past six weeks recuperating at the Nappi Farmhouse in Syracuse, New York, where he received exceptional care and worked closely with his physiotherapists to ensure a smooth recovery.

Earlier today, the Dalai Lama departed for New York after completing his recovery period. Dr. David Mayman, MD, Chief of the Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery, noted that the Dalai Lama is expected to continue improving over the next 6 to 12 months.

The information said that in recognition of the Dalai Lama’s recovery, the Tibetan Community of North America will hold a prayer ceremony for his long life at the UBS Arena in New York City on August 22. Another long life prayer ceremony is scheduled during a brief stopover in Zurich, Switzerland, at the Hallenstadion on August 25, before the Dalai Lama returns to Dharamshala.

The Dalai Lama has expressed deep gratitude to his friends Sam and Carol Nappi for their exceptional hospitality and for coordinating the arrangements that ensured the success of his surgery and recovery. The Dalai Lama also extended his heartfelt thanks to the medical teams at both the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and Upstate Medical University in Syracuse for their exemplary care and support.

Upon his return to Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama will resume his spiritual duties, with a series of teachings scheduled in September and early October. He will deliver teachings at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala on September 6-7, September 12-13, and September 30-October 2. A Long Life Offering Ceremony will be held on September 18, organized by the Tibetan Women's Association, Ex-Students of CST Dalhousie, and the Lhasa Districts.
 
The Dalai Lama's return marks a significant moment for his followers and the Tibetan community, as they prepare to welcome their spiritual leader back to his residence in India.