Jalue Dorje, a teenager born in the United States, is now studying near the Himalayas to become a monk. Growing up in a Minneapolis suburb, he enjoyed rap music, video games, and football. However, he has also spent much of his life training for monastic life, memorizing sacred scriptures, practicing calligraphy, and learning Buddhist teachings. This path began when the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist leaders recognized him as a reincarnated lama at an early age.
Move to India and Pilgrimage
After graduating from high school last year, Dorje relocated to northern India to join a monastery in the Himalayan foothills, far from his home. Following his first semester of college-equivalent studies, he flew to Nepal to meet his parents. There, he participated in sacred rituals and teachings at monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley. At the conclusion of 12 days of rituals and prayers, he joined his parents on a pilgrimage to the ancient Maratika, or Halesi Mahadev, Caves in eastern Nepal. These caves are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, and pilgrims often adorn the walls with colorful powders, fruits, and flowers as offerings.
Future Aspirations
After several years of contemplation and asceticism, Dorje hopes to return to the United States to teach within Minnesota's Buddhist community. His ultimate goal is to become a leader of peace, inspired by figures such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama. He aims to follow their examples in promoting harmony and understanding.
This story was supported by the Associated Press's collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for the content.
