By Krishna Dua 
Dalai Lama News: Latest Messages, Health and Events
At 90 years of age, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, continues to be one of the most influential and closely followed spiritual figures in the world. Living in exile in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh since 1959, he remains remarkably active within the limits of his age-related mobility constraints. In the first weeks of 2026 his public engagements, recorded messages and health updates have once again drawn global attention, particularly as discussions about his succession grow louder and more urgent every month.
This report compiles the most significant recent developments concerning the Dalai Lama as of early February 2026: his latest public statements, current health status, major events he has attended or has scheduled, the ongoing succession conversation, and the broader cultural and political resonance of his presence.
Current Health Status
The Dalai Lama’s office and attending physicians describe his health as “stable but consistent with advanced age”. He continues to experience age-related mobility challenges and uses a wheelchair for distances longer than a few dozen metres. He walks short distances with the support of aides and occasionally uses a walking frame during indoor teachings.
The most recent official health bulletin was issued on 15 January 2026 following routine medical check-ups at Fortis Hospital, New Delhi (21–23 December 2025):
“His Holiness is managing osteoarthritis of both knees, mild lumbar spondylosis and occasional lower-respiratory sensitivity due to seasonal changes. Cardiac and other major organ functions remain satisfactory for his age. He follows a disciplined regimen of light physiotherapy, breathing exercises, meditation and a predominantly vegetarian diet.”
During a small gathering in Dharamsala on 19 January 2026 he addressed health rumours directly:
“Many people ask me ‘Are you sick?’ I tell them: I am old. That is the only ‘disease’ I have. As long as my mind is clear and I can be useful, I will continue to speak and teach.”
Public appearances are now limited to 60–90 minutes per session. He no longer gives multi-day teachings without breaks and has cancelled or postponed several long-distance travels planned for 2025–26. Medical updates are released approximately every 6–8 weeks, indicating that his condition is stable enough not to require frequent bulletins.
Most Recent Public Statements (December 2025 – January 2026)
The Dalai Lama delivered or recorded several significant messages in the past two months:
- Teachings on Shantideva’s Bodhicaryavatara (Dharamsala, 5–8 January 2026) Four-morning series attended by 7,800 people (live-streamed to 1.6 million viewers). He focused on Chapter 6 (patience) and Chapter 8 (equalizing and exchanging self with others). Key quote: “Anger disguised as justice is still anger. Real justice comes from understanding the suffering of the other, not from destroying them.”
- Message on Martyrs’ Day / International Day of Non-Violence (30 January 2026) In a short recorded video released by the Dalai Lama Trust: “On this day we remember Mahatma Gandhi, who showed the world that truth and non-violence are the most powerful weapons. In 2026 we still need his courage to face hatred without hatred.”
- Statement on Tibet Policy (17 January 2026) Marking the 67th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising, he reiterated the Middle Way Approach: “We seek genuine autonomy within the People’s Republic of China so Tibetans can preserve our language, religion, culture and environment. Repression and forced assimilation will never bring genuine stability or harmony.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded on 18 January, calling the statement “disguised separatism” and repeating that any dialogue requires the Dalai Lama to “completely renounce separatist activities”.
- Recorded Message for International Day of Education (24 January 2026) Released through the Gaden Phodrang Foundation: “Education should not only fill the mind with facts, but also warm the heart with compassion. Without compassion, knowledge becomes dangerous.”
Major Events Attended or Scheduled in 2026
- Mind & Life Dialogue XXXVI (Dharamsala, 14–17 November 2025) – “Weaving Mind and Matter”. He spoke on contemplative science and AI ethics.
- Teachings in Bylakuppe – Tentatively scheduled for 15–19 March 2026 (subject to health clearance). Focus will be on Kamalashila’s Bhavanakrama.
- Kalachakra Empowerment – Tentative plan for July 2026 in Bodh Gaya (would be his 35th Kalachakra initiation). Final decision expected in April 2026.
- 91st Birthday Celebrations – 6 July 2026 will be observed quietly in Dharamsala with a public audience and teachings on Shantideva.
- Europe visit – Scaled-down programme in Switzerland only (May 2026, 4–5 days) confirmed; Germany leg postponed indefinitely.
Succession Discussion – Latest Position
The Dalai Lama has addressed succession on multiple occasions in recent years, most clearly in July 2025 (his 90th birthday message) and again in January 2026 during a private audience with members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile:
- The institution of the Dalai Lama will continue “as long as it serves the Tibetan people and the cause of compassion”.
- The decision on whether, how and where the next Dalai Lama will be born rests solely with him, senior lamas, the Tibetan people and the democratic institutions of the Central Tibetan Administration.
- No government or external authority has any legitimate role in the recognition process.
- He has left open the possibility that the next Dalai Lama could be female, could be born outside Tibet, or that the institution may not continue if the Tibetan people deem it unnecessary.
In the January 2026 private audience he added: “If I pass away outside Chinese-controlled territory, the search and recognition should take place in a free country following our traditional methods.” Many interpreted this as a clear indication that he does not want the next Dalai Lama to be selected under Chinese supervision.
Beijing continues to insist that it alone has historical authority to approve reincarnations of high lamas, including the Dalai Lama, citing Qing-dynasty precedents.
Global Reach and Cultural Influence in Early 2026
Despite physical limitations, the Dalai Lama’s digital presence remains strong:
- Official YouTube channel (@DalaiLama) crossed 4.3 million subscribers in January 2026.
- Verified X account (@DalaiLama) has 19.7 million followers.
- Weekly short teachings (3–8 minutes) continue to be uploaded in Tibetan, English, Hindi, Chinese, Spanish and German.
His January 2026 teachings on Shantideva were watched live by 1.6 million people and have been viewed more than 9 million times since.
In India, his annual winter teachings in Dharamsala (January) and summer teachings in Bylakuppe (March–April) continue to draw 8,000–12,000 attendees each time, mostly Tibetans and Himalayan Buddhists from Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal.
Conclusion
At 90, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, continues to defy the limitations of age. He teaches, laughs gently at his own frailty, engages with scientists, cautions against the misuse of artificial intelligence, forgives those who oppress his people, and keeps reminding the world that compassion is not weakness but the highest form of intelligence.
Whether one agrees with his political stance on Tibet or his Middle Way Approach, it is difficult to deny the moral clarity he still brings to global conversations or the hope he continues to inspire in millions of people across cultures and continents.
In early 2026, as the question of his succession grows louder, the Dalai Lama’s central message remains unchanged: peace begins in the mind, kindness is the ultimate strength, and no wall—physical, ideological or emotional—is permanent.