The Dalai Lama said he was in "excellent" health Saturday after doctors told him to scrap a tour of the United States as he returned to his home in northern India. The 80-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader walked unaided from his plane after it landed at Dharamsala airport and spoke with a small group of followers who had gathered to welcome him back, before telling reporters that there was no cause for concern.
"I'm okay," he said in brief comments. "I went for check-up, then basically excellent." He said that he had received some "advice" from his doctors but gave no further details. The exiled Buddhist leader, who maintains a punishing schedule, had been due to embark on a tour of the US when doctors told him to rest.