American Teen Lama Prepares for Monastic Life in Himalayas

Jalue Dorje, recognized by the Dalai Lama as a reincarnated lama, celebrates his 18th birthday before heading to India.

Jalue Dorje, a Minneapolis-born Buddhist lama, is set to join the Mindrolling Monastery in India after graduating high school in 2025.
Dorje was identified as a reincarnated lama at four months old and later confirmed by the Dalai Lama, who advised his parents to raise him in the U.S. for fluency in English.
His recent 18th birthday celebration in Minnesota included traditional Tibetan rituals and a gathering of about 1,000 people from the local community.
Dorje balances his spiritual responsibilities with typical teenage interests like football and rap music, maintaining strong ties to both his American and Tibetan roots.
He aspires to return to the U.S. as a teacher of peace, inspired by figures like the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Gandhi.