Upon his doctors’ advice, the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, has canceled his planned October visit to the United States.
A statement from the 80-year-old Nobel Peace Laureate’s office said that doctors from Minnesota's Mayo Clinic have urged the Dalai Lama "to rest for the next several weeks."
No details about his state of health were provided, although his India-based secretary, Tenzin Taklha, confirmed that the Dalai Lama will undergo an annual medical checkup at the said medical facility.
"We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by this decision and apologize to all the people who have worked so hard in organizing the visit as well as to the public. We thank you for your support and understanding," an official statement reads.
The Dalai Lama's current presence in the United States coincides with the gathering of heads of state and diplomats for the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, as well as the visit of Pope Francis, who met with President Barack Obama and addressed the UN on Friday.
Taklha, however, said that the Dalai Lama had no plans to meet with any world leaders in relation to the UN meeting.
The Dalai Lama was scheduled to speak and hold teaching sessions before audiences in Colorado, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Utah starting Oct. 17.
His University of Colorado appearance had been in the works for nearly two years.
"We’re certainly saddened by this news but we also hope the Dalai Lama's health improves very quickly and someday he may be able to come to campus," said university spokesman Ryan Huff.
Tsering Jurme, who is part of the Tibetan community in Philadelphia, also expressed disappointment over the outcome. Jurme has been working to bring the Dalai Lama to their area for a visit.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping made his UN debut as the leader of the nation that has ruled Tibet since 1950. He considers the Dalai Lama a separatist. The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 and said he is seeking the greater autonomy of the region instead of total Tibetan independence.
In the past, China has strongly objected to the Dalai Lama meeting with U.S. officials who, through State Department spokesperson Julia Straker, said the spiritual leader "is a respected world figure who is always welcomed to the United States."
Photo: Christopher Michel | Flickr
