Dalai Lama cancels US trip after health check up

The Tibetan Buddhist leader made his decision after traveling to the Mayo clinic in Minnesota for a "routine annual health check-up."

"The doctors have advised His Holiness to rest for the next several weeks," his office said in a statement on Friday. "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."

The Dalai Lama was set to visit Colorado, Utah and Philadelphia in October. His visit to the University of Colorado had been in planning for almost 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," university spokesman Ryan Huff said.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was also scheduled to visit the University of Utah and dedicate Tibetan Association Community Center in Salt Lake City, as well receive an award from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

President of the Utah Tibetan Association Lobsang Tsering said his "heart dropped" when he learned of the cancellation. However, Tsering added that for Tibetan people, "the most important thing is the well-being of His Holiness. And we all know he needed a rest."

World's most famous monk

Despite his age, Dalai Lama maintains a strenuous travel schedule, wrapping up his visit to Great Britain only days ago. In July, Dalai Lama celebrated his 80th birthday in California.

His newest trip to the Mayo Clinic coincided with US visits by both Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Catholic Church's leader, Pope Francis.

The Dalai Lama's diplomatic trips and contacts are closely monitored by China, which sees him as a symbol of Tibetan independence. The Buddhist leader fled Tibet in 1959, but remained influential and well-respected figure around the world.

According to Tibetan Buddhists' beliefs, Dalai Lamas reincarnate and return to lead their followers. The current Dalai Lama, 14th in the line, has not ruled out picking his reincarnation before his death.

dj/sms (Reuters, AFP, AP)