The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of exiled Tibetan Buddhism, arrived in New York on Sunday ahead of treatment for a knee injury and was greeted by hundreds of cheering and chanting supporters.
The 88-year-old waved from an open window as he approached his Manhattan hotel, then, supported by an aide, walked slowly to the entrance.
The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner has struggled with health issues for many years.
Some supporters arrived hours earlier than planned to catch a glimpse of the man on his first visit to the United States since 2017.
“I knew I had to come here for this once in a lifetime opportunity and waiting outside for the last four or five hours was definitely worth it,” Tenzin Kunki said.
“There’s a strong sense of community here, we all pass bread around, not only do we get to meet His Holiness and receive his blessing, but it also strengthens the bonds between Tibetans outside here,” she added.
It is unclear whether the Dalai Lama, who China views as a dangerous separatist and has said he does not seek independence for Tibet, will meet with U.S. officials during the visit.
Supporters in colorful robes danced in the street outside the hotel.
“We pray for the Dalai Lama’s long life and we sincerely hope that he will visit China and say ‘hello, hello’ to the Tibetan community,” said Byamba Sreng, who left Virginia at 3 a.m. for New York.
A delegation of US lawmakers met with the Dalai Lama in India last week and said they would not allow China to influence the selection of his successor.
They want to pressure Beijing to restart negotiations with Tibetan leaders, which have been stalled since 2010.
