EducationFebruary 2024

Three Generations of Practice

An elder's lifelong meditation finds new purpose in the Love Economy

Dharamsala, IndiaMountain Heart
Three Generations of Practice

Tenzin Dorje has meditated every day for 60 years. Now, his practice is funding education for his grandchildren's generation.

The Full Story

Tenzin Dorje learned to meditate from his father, who learned from his father before him. For three generations, the Dorje family has maintained an unbroken practice — sitting in stillness each morning as the sun rises over the Himalayan peaks.

"Meditation was always our wealth," Tenzin says, his eyes crinkling with smile lines. "Just not the kind you could spend at the market."

When Love Token came to Mountain Heart, Tenzin was initially puzzled. "You want to pay us for sitting?" he asked. "We already do this. We have always done this."

But his grandson, Karma, saw the potential. "Grandfather," he said, "they're not paying you for sitting. They're recognizing the value of what you've known all along. Now the world will know too."

Within months, Tenzin had become the community's most prolific Love Farmer — not because he meditated more, but because he never stopped. His 60-year practice, now logged in the app, generated credits that the family used to buy school supplies for Karma and his cousins.

The Youth Training Program — fully funded by community credits — now teaches meditation to teenagers who might otherwise have dismissed it as "old people stuff." Tenzin leads a session every week.

"For 60 years, I gave my practice to the mountains," Tenzin reflects. "Now it comes back to my family. This is how it was always meant to work."

Today, three generations of Dorjes meditate together each morning. The children earn Love Points. The adults earn Love Credits. And Tenzin? He earns the satisfaction of knowing his life's practice has become his community's future.

The Impact

Real numbers from this story.

60+
Meditation Years
Tenzin's personal practice
45
Youth Trained
Teenagers learning meditation
100%
Education Goal
Youth program fully funded
215 days
Community Streak
Longest active streak

In Their Words

"Our ancestors meditated for enlightenment. We meditate for enlightenment AND for our children's education. Both are sacred."

Tenzin Dorje

Elder

"My grandfather showed me that tradition and innovation can dance together."

Karma Dorje

Grandson

"When Tenzin sits, the whole mountain seems to breathe with him."

Pema Lhamo

Community Member

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