American-born Buddhist lama Jalue Dorje, who has been recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of an esteemed spiritual leader, recently celebrated his 18th birthday with a dual-purpose event at the Tibetan American Foundation in Minnesota. The occasion also served as an enthronement ceremony, marking a significant milestone in Dorje’s journey as a spiritual teacher.
Dorje, whose spiritual recognition was confirmed at age two, is expected to continue his training at Mindrolling Monastery in northern India after graduating from high school. The move more than 7 miles from his home in Minnesota to one of the most important institutions of Tibetan Buddhism will fully transition Dorje into his role as a lama, with the responsibility of serving as a spiritual guide, teacher and leader.
Nearly 1 people attended Dorje’s birthday and enthronement ceremony in Columbia Heights, a suburb north of Minneapolis. The event included traditional Tibetan dances, prayers and ceremonial offerings. The venue featured an altar decorated with golden Buddha statues, flowers and fruit, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetan diaspora in the United States and symbolizing a crucial transition in Dorje’s life as he prepares for a monastic role of contemplation and spiritual leadership.
In a speech, Dorje expressed his aspiration to follow the example of leaders such as the Dalai Lama and Mahatma Gandhi, saying, "I want to become a leader of peace." (Desert News) After years of spiritual training, Dorje plans to return to Minnesota to serve the state's Buddhist community, one of the largest Tibetan communities in the United States.
Dorje's recognition as a lama began when he was only four months old. Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, a revered master of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, identified Dorje through visions and spiritual signs. Several other lamas later confirmed him as the eighth reincarnation of Terchen Taksham Rinpoche, whose first incarnation was in 1655.
The Dalai Lama officially recognized Dorje as a reincarnated lama at the age of two. During a visit to Wisconsin in 2010, the Dalai Lama met with Dorje's family and advised them to let him grow up in the United States so that he could master English and have a balanced education before beginning his monastic life.
Dorje’s training officially began with his enthronement in India in 2019, and he is now fluent in both Tibetan and English. This linguistic duality reflects the Dalai Lama’s guidance, allowing Dorje to bridge Tibetan Buddhist traditions with contemporary Western culture.
While aware of his spiritual responsibilities, Dorje had a relatively typical American childhood. A sports enthusiast, he cheered on teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Atlanta Falcons, and played left guard on his high school football team. His daily routine included morning recitations of Buddhist prayers, school lessons, soccer practice, and evening tutoring sessions on Tibetan history and Buddhist scriptures.
To keep him motivated while memorizing scriptures, Dorje's father often rewarded him with Pokémon cards. According to the Associated pressDorje mixes these elements of a modern teenage lifestyle with his spiritual responsibilities, practicing calligraphy and running on a treadmill while listening to rap music.
Dorje’s decision to return to Minnesota after his monastic training reflects his commitment to preserving Tibetan Buddhist practices in the diaspora. The Tibetan community in Minnesota plays a vital role in maintaining cultural traditions, and Dorje wants to contribute by teaching and leading this community.
"He's someone who's going to be a leader, who's going to teach compassion, peace, love and harmony among living beings," his uncle, Tashi Lama, said. (Newsweek)
As Dorje prepares to move to India, his story highlights an intersection of ancient traditions and modern realities. His unique journey demonstrates the adaptability of Tibetan Buddhism in a multicultural and contemporary context, ensuring its continued relevance for future generations.
See more
A young Buddhist lama celebrates his last birthday at his home in Minnesota (Desert News)
Today he's a high school football player. Soon he'll be a Buddhist lama in the Himalayas (AP)
Minnesota Buddhist Lama Celebrates 18th Birthday Ahead of Himalayan Trip (Newsweek)
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