In 2012, Nicholas Vreeland became the first westerner appointed as abbot of a major Tibetan government monastery in India.
“Dandy. Playboy. Seeker.”
Synopsis
In 2012, Nicholas Vreeland became the first westerner appointed as abbot of a major Tibetan government monastery in India.
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Synopsis
Nicholas Vreeland stands in the Rato Dratsang Monastery in Karnataka, India, where he has spent most of his adult life as a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Born into privilege as the grandson of fashion editor Diana Vreeland, he left a glamorous lifestyle to pursue a spiritual path. The film follows Vreeland's struggle to balance his passion for photography with his monastic duties. After the Great Recession halts funding for the monastery's rebuilding, he uses his skills to raise necessary funds. In 2012, the Dalai Lama appoints him as abbot.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Nicholas Vreeland, a unique monk and photographer.
- See Rato Dratsang Monastery in Karnataka, India.
- Find out how Vreeland raised funds through photography.
Did You Know
- Nicholas Vreeland is the first westerner to be made abbot of a Tibetan monastery.
- The film features the 14th Dalai Lama and actor Richard Gere.
- Vreeland struggled with his attachment to photography while being a monk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nicholas Vreeland?
Nicholas Vreeland is an American Tibetan Buddhist monk and photographer, known for being the first westerner appointed as abbot of a major Tibetan government monastery.
What significant role did the Dalai Lama play in Nicholas Vreeland's life?
In 2012, the Dalai Lama appointed Nicholas Vreeland as the abbot of Rato Dratsang Monastery.
What was the impact of the Great Recession on Vreeland's monastery?
Funding for the rebuilding of the monastery was cancelled due to the Great Recession, leading Vreeland to use his photography skills to raise necessary funds.
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