Minnesota Buddhist Lama Celebrates 18th Birthday Before Himalayan Journey

The Tibetan Buddhist community in Minnesota recently celebrated a special spiritual milestone—honoring 18-year-old Jalue Dorje as a reincarnated lama, recognized by the head of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama himself.
Dorje marked his 18th birthday with an elaborate ceremony, blending traditions of Tibetan Buddhism with his American upbringing.
The event also symbolized a pivotal transition while he prepares to move to a monastery in northern India, where he will continue his spiritual training. As a lama, he is expected to live his life as spiritual teacher, leader, or guide.
His goal is “to become a leader of peace,” following the examples of Nelson Mandela and Gandhi.
At just four months old, Dorje was identified by Tibetan Buddhist leaders and later confirmed by the Dalai Lama at the age of two.
Despite the spiritual responsibilities that came with being identified as a lama, the Dalai Lama advised his parents to keep him in the United States to perfect his English and experience a typical childhood before joining a monastery.
Dorje explained how sacrifice has become a feature of his day-to-day existence since he was very young “As a child, even on the weekend, you’re like: ‘Why don’t I get to sleep more? Why can’t I get up and watch cartoons like other kids.’ But my dad always told me that it’s like planting a seed,” he said, “and one day it’s going to sprout.”
Monday’s celebration at the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota drew about 1,000 attendees, who participated in traditional dances, prayers, and ceremonial offerings.
Dorje, seated on a throne adorned with flowers and statues of the Buddha, observed the festivities with a smile.
“Usually, I’d be at the monk section looking up to whomever was celebrating. But that night it was for me,” Dorje said.
Although he has spent much of his life memorizing Buddhist Scriptures and practicing meditation, Dorje also grew up with experiences he shares with many other American teenagers.
He played high school football as a left guard, cheered for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta Falcons, and listened to rap artists including BossMan Dlow and Rod Wave.
Dorje’s special spiritual journey combined with his typical American upbringing has resonated with peers, including former teammate Griffin Hogg, who said Dorje’s journey inspired him to explore spirituality.
“He’s someone to look up to,” the 20-year-old said.
Dorje’s daily routine reflects his unique balance of cultural identities.
Mornings begin with the recitation of sacred texts, followed by school, football practice, and tutoring on Tibetan history. His evenings are often spent practicing calligraphy or exercising while listening to music.
“He has one foot in the normal high school life. And he has one foot in this amazing Tibetan culture that we have in the state of Minnesota,” said Kate Thomas, a tutor and coordinator at the Bodhicitta Sangha Heart of Enlightenment Institute.
Despite the challenges of being thrust into a spiritual role at a young age, friends and family say Dorje embraces his responsibilities with grace.
“He’s somebody who’s going to be a leader, who’s going to teach compassion and peace and love and harmony among living beings,” said his uncle, Tashi Lama.
After graduating in 2025, Dorje will join the Mindrolling Monastery in India, more than 7,200 miles from his home in Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
He plans to return to the United States after completing his training to serve Minnesota’s Buddhist community.
It is one of the largest Tibetan communities in the U.S., playing a key role in preserving cultural practices in the diaspora.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press