(Reproduced from original below)
Following the successful conclusion of his tour of the United Kingdom, Canada, the U.S. and Germany, His Holiness is currently on a personal visit in the United States. During his maiden visit to the United Kingdom and Canada, His Holiness gave extensive teachings and empowerments to his devotees.
While in Germany, His Holiness had to cut short his visit and return to the United States due to serious illness and hospitalization in New York of his 80-year-old senior attendant, Gelek Kunchok, who has cared for His Holiness since his childhood.
In the United States, His Holiness went through a comprehensive health check up which revealed new health concerns. His Holiness’ physicians have advised him to take time for further treatment and full rest and recovery. This is difficult in India because of his busy schedule. Therefore, His Holiness has decided to extend his stay in the United States until he recovers fully.
Tsurphu Labrang has come to learn that there are various rumours circulating about the reasons for extension of His Holiness’ stay in the United States. These are false and should not be heeded. His Holiness is in the United States purely for medical reasons as outlined above.
His Holiness Karmapa has expressed his profound gratitude and deep devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his unwavering guidance through the decades and his deep appreciation to the Central Tibetan Administration for all the support it has provided which has greatly facilitated his stay and activities in India.
His Holiness is also deeply grateful to the Government of India for the hospitality extended to Tibetan refugees in India, and especially to him personally after his arrival in India in January 2000. India has been his home for the past 17 years and His Holiness looks forward to returning to India and continue his dharma activities.
Tsurphu Labrang
Office of His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa
Dharamshala
