Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama turned 89 on Saturday and in his birthday message said he is physically fit and is determined to continue his service to Buddha’s teachings. The Dalai Lama is in the US where he is recovering from a knee-replacement surgery.

“I am nearly 90 now but don’t feel unhealthy, except for the slight discomfort in my legs and would like to thank all my fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet for your prayers on my birthday”, he said in the text message issued here by his office. “Despite the surgery, I feel physically fit and wish to ask you to be happy and relaxed,” he said, adding “I am determined to continue my service to Buddha’s teachings.”