The Dalai Lama, exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, arrived in New York on Sunday for medical treatment on his knees and was greeted by hundreds of supporters with applause and singing.
The 88-year-old waved from the open window of the limousine as it approached his Manhattan hotel and walked slowly towards the entrance, supported by assistants.
The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. The Nobel Peace Prize winner has been suffering from health problems for years.
Some supporters arrived hours early to ensure they would see the spiritual leader on his first trip to the United States since 2017.
“I knew I had to come here for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Waiting here for four or five hours is definitely worth it,” Tenzin Kunkyi said.
It is unclear whether the Dalai Lama, considered a dangerous separatist by Beijing, will meet American officials during the trip. He says he does not seek Tibetan independence.
Supporters, many dressed in colorful clothing, danced in the streets in front of the hotel.
“We wish the Dalai Lama long life and that he can visit China to say ‘Bye, bye’ to the Tibetan community,” said Byamba Suren, who left Virginia at 3 a.m. for New York.
Last week, a group of US lawmakers met with the Dalai Lama in India and said they would not allow China to influence the choice of his successor. They want to pressure Beijing to resume negotiations with Tibetan leaders, which have been stalled since 2010.
Source: Terra
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