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ISANTI, Minn. — A young Buddhist lama celebrated his 18th birthday in a remarkable ceremony filled with traditional Tibetan practices and local community support. Jalue Dorje, who was seated on a throne surrounded by an altar adorned with flowers, fruits, and golden Buddha statues, watched the festivities quietly, a subtle smile on his face.
This celebration marked not just a birthday but also the impending transition of Dorje to a monastery in the Himalayan foothills — a considerable distance from his upbringing in a suburban Minneapolis environment, where he enjoyed the typical teenage activities of playing football and listening to rap music.
The event was a special enthronement ceremony recognizing Dorje’s status as a reincarnated lama, a designation acknowledged early in his life by revered figures such as the Dalai Lama. From his elevated position, he observed a vibrant display of cultural performances, including young women in white masks performing traditional dances, while a procession of hundreds, from children to elders, approached to present him with ceremonial scarves known as “khata,” which signify good fortune.
The air was filled with the scent of Tibetan cuisine, lovingly prepared by Dorje’s mother. Amidst the chanting monks clad in their maroon and gold robes, his high school football teammates joined in singing “Happy Birthday” as he prepared to cut his cake. Gifts from friends included shaker bottles for gym sessions and dinner vouchers to a popular dining spot.
“This experience was surreal,” Dorje reflected after the celebration. “Typically, I would observe from the sidelines, but this night, the spotlight was on me.”
In the years since the Dalai Lama’s endorsement, Dorje has dedicated himself to monastic training, delving into sacred texts, mastering calligraphy, and absorbing the teachings of Buddha. Post-graduation in 2025, he plans to move to northern India and become part of the Mindrolling Monastery, which is over 7,000 miles away from his home.
After an extensive period of meditation and ascetic living, Dorje aims to return to the United States and serve as a teacher within the Minnesota Buddhist community, hoping to emulate the peaceful impact of figures like the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Gandhi. “A great deal of sacrifice awaits me,” he acknowledged, recognizing the long journey ahead.
His dedication began early, with mornings filled with the recitation of prayers and scripture memorization, often rewarded by playful incentives from his father. “As a kid, I would wonder why I couldn’t sleep in or watch cartoons like others my age. My dad always told me it was akin to planting a seed that would eventually grow,” he said.
The recognition of Dorje began when he was an infant, identified by Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, a distinguished Tibetan Buddhist master. At just two years old, after receiving validation from other lamas, he met the Dalai Lama, who gave his parents advice to allow their son to stay in the United States for a while longer to learn English.
Fluent in both English and Tibetan, Dorje grew up immersed in popular culture, enjoying the manga series “Buddha” and being a dedicated sports fan, cheering for teams like the Timberwolves and Real Madrid. He also carried a rookie football card of player Drake Londo, which was tucked amid his traditional robes during the celebration.
On the football field, he embodied positivity, encouraging teammates to maintain perspective during the ups and downs of sports. “He’s an inspiring figure,” remarked Griffin Hogg, a former teammate who shared in Dorje’s journey of spiritual discovery. “Knowing him has allowed me to relax and appreciate life more.”
While he makes it a point to catch Monday Night Football, Dorje is equally committed to connecting with the Tibetan community, which is one of the largest in the United States. He balances his regular high school life with responsibilities tied to his cultural heritage.
“Dorje navigates between the typical teenager experience and his vibrant Tibetan culture here in Minnesota,” expressed Kate Thomas, a tutor and teachings coordinator at a local Buddhist institution. “He carries himself with grace, embracing his role in the community while longing to spend time with his friends.”
For Dorje, daily life is a balance of spiritual dedication and normalcy, often starting his mornings with sacred recitations followed by school, football practice, and community education. He also finds time to practice calligraphy and enjoys listening to contemporary rap artists.
His official enthronement took place in India back in 2019, yet recently he experienced another layer of recognition with around 1,000 attendees at the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota for the celebration.
“Jalue consistently brings us together; he’s always present for us,” expressed neighbor Zenden Ugen, who entertained guests with traditional dance. “It must be challenging to live a life chosen for you, yet he embraces this responsibility, inspiring those around him.”
Proud family members such as his uncle Tashi Lama see Dorje as a powerful future leader who will teach compassion and harmony among people, and refer to him affectionately as “Rinpoche,” which translates to “precious one” in Tibetan.
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