Jalue Dorje, a teenager from Minnesota, has taken an extraordinary path that bridges spiritual devotion and modern-day interests. Recognized by followers as the reincarnation of a Buddhist lama, Dorje recently embarked on a journey to Tibet for his spiritual studies, yet maintains a connection to contemporary American culture.
At the age of 19, Dorje is already fulfilling significant religious responsibilities, such as blessing thousands of worshippers in the Himalayan foothills. This is just one aspect of the extensive preparation he has been undergoing for the majority of his life. His commitment to his spiritual role is notable, yet it doesn’t overshadow his identity as a member of Generation Z.
Despite his religious duties, Dorje has a deep interest in sports, and he keeps up with the latest in rap music and video games. This blend of traditional and modern influences paints a portrait of a young man who is both a spiritual leader and a typical teenager.
His journey began when the Dalai Lama, along with other Tibetan Buddhist leaders, identified him as a reincarnated lama, or “tulku,” at the tender age of two. In Tibetan Buddhism, tulkus are believed to reincarnate voluntarily to continue their spiritual studies and teachings, a process that involves relearning the path of a monk.
Throughout his upbringing, Dorje’s parents have been supportive, guiding him through the rigorous educational path required of a tulku. However, the decision for him to move across the world after completing high school was not without its challenges. “He’s a tulku, but he’s my son,” his mother expressed, highlighting the duality of their pride and concern for their son’s unique destiny.
“He’s a tulku, but he’s my son,” his mother said.
Even so, Dorje took his prophecy in stride. He completed his formal education at a public school in Minnesota, which afforded him a rare opportunity to be a kid outside of his religious pursuits.
Between his early morning prayers and late night studies, Dorje excelled on the football turf with his high school teammates.
He kept a journal filled with plays he wanted to try out and kept it on his nightstand, sandwiched near a DVD collection of classic American cartoons like “The Simpsons” and the manga graphic novel series ″Buddha.”
Dorje consistently praised his parents for their tireless support while he was growing up, often taking on odd jobs like cleaning hotel rooms and doing laundry at hospitals all while shielding him from strangers who cast doubt on his purported reincarnation.
“It wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns every day. We overcame a lot,” Dorje said.
At heart, Dorje is still the same kid who readily accepted Pokémon card bribes from his father in exchange for memorizing Buddhist scriptures. Still, he has a matured appreciation for the long road that led him to his new home at the Mindrolling Monastery in Tibet.
While Dorje’s usual street-clothes have been swapped out for traditional Buddhist robes, he still insists on wearing a pair of white Crocs with charms of “The Simpsons” characters.
In his spare time, he builds Legos, treks to a nearby arcade to play FIFA soccer video games, and watches the NBA and NFL seasons on his laptop.
Dorje said that he’s even been able to connect with monks from all over Asia through simple conversation about pop culture and sports.
“Dudes are dudes!” he said.
Dorje found a “spiritual teacher” in 13-year-old Trulshik Yangsi Rinpoche, who is believed to be the reincarnation of the Tibetan Buddhist master who first recognized Dorje as a tulku.
“I’m profoundly grateful that I get to repay my debt to the one who found me and improving his English,” Dorje said.
Rinpoche, though, simply beamed as he declared that Dorje is “my best friend.”
When Dorje concludes his formal training at the monastery, he hopes to return to the US and teach at the Nyingmapa Taksham Buddhist Center in Crown Heights, Minnesota — his hometown.
“Everything leading up to this point in the history of all your lifetimes — the billions and billions of lifetimes you accumulated — leads to your family,” Dorje said.
Until then, Dorje assured that “this is just the beginning.”
With Post wires
