Message Transcription:

Today, Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet are celebrating my birthday with much joy and festivity. All Tibetans and people in the Himalayan regions also pray for me as well. I wish to say, "Thank you, everyone." I am nearly 90 now but I don't feel unhealthy, except for the slight discomfort in my legs. I would like to thank all my fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet for your prayers on my birthday.

I was born in the land of Dhomay (Amdo) and I bear the title of the Dalai Lama. I did my best while I was in Tibet and after coming into exile, I have served to the best of my ability. Accordingly, it seems I have been beneficial to a good measure. There is a growing interest in the Tibetan cause in the world, and I feel I have made a small contribution towards it. I wish to ask everyone, especially, the fellow Tibetans inside Tibet, to feel at ease and be relaxed. I feel a little physical discomfort but that is inevitable, isn't it, due to the aging process. Basically, I am doing very well. So, please relax and be at ease.

And, today, I have something special to tell you. Recently,I had surgery on my knee, which has given me some problem. However, I am recovering and have no problem at all now. So, please be happy and feel at ease. There may be people trying to confuse you about my health, saying that the Dalai Lama has gone to a hospital and is undergoing treatments, and so on, making my condition sound grave. You don't need to trust such misinformation. As far as I am concerned, of course, I had some little problem with my knees. The hospital did medical tests and examinations on my knee and the entire team has treated me with so much love and dedication in their service to help me. So, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of them. And to the general public, despite the surgery, I feel physically fit. So, I wish to ask you to be happy and relaxed.

Until now, with the title of the Dalai Lama, I have made a contribution, to a certain extent, to people in and outside of Tibet and many parts of the world, and most importantly, with regard to the Buddha's teaching. Still, I am determined to continue my service to the teaching; I am resolved to do so with all my heart. I wish to urge all Tibetans, wherever you are, to please keep making your prayers for me on my Birthday Celebration. Please do your best. That's all.

Thank you.

His Holiness' Birthday Celebration at GSTDL