Since the Dalai Lama’s recognition, Jalue Dorje has spent much of his life training to become a monk, memorizing sacred scriptures, practicing calligraphy and learning the teachings of Buddha.

The youthful Buddhist lama sat on a throne near an altar decorated with flowers, fruits and golden statues of the Buddha, watching the celebrations of his 18th birthday in silence, with a faint smile.

The young Buddhist lama sat on a throne near an altar decorated with flowers, fruits and golden statues of the Buddha, watching the celebrations of his 18th birthday in silence, with a faint smile. Jalue Dorje knew it would be the last big party before he joins a monastery in the Himalayan foothills -- thousands of miles from his home in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights,

When Jalue Dorje was 2 years old, the Dalai Lama recognized him as the lama’s reincarnation. He just celebrated his 18th birthday and in a few months he will move to the Mindrolling Monastery in northern India after graduating from high school.

It's the last big party for Jalue Dorje before he joins a monastery in the Himalayan foothills — thousands of kilometers from his home in suburban Minneapolis

Jalue Dorje grew up like a typical American teen playing football and listening to rap music in a Minneapolis suburb. After graduation, he’ll head to northern India, more than 7,200 miles from home.