[10][11] In 1985 Vreeland became a monk, joining Rato Dratsang in the Mungod Tibetan refugee settlement in the South Indian state of Karnataka, India, the "only Western person there for a long time.

Considered one of the important Tibetan Government monasteries, it is known for its emphasis on the study of Buddhist philosophy and logic.

This historic appointment symbolizes a convergence of Eastern and Western cultures within Tibetan Buddhist institutions.

[24] Upon making the appointment,the Dalai Lama explained that Vreeland's "special duty [is] to bridge Tibetan tradition and [the] Western world.

[26] Variety noted "This pleasing documentary from Guido Santi and Tina Mascara charts the improbable story of Nicholas 'Nicky' Vreeland.