White Lama

In memory of our sweet soulful friend, Ted Baker

In 1947 American Theos Bernard set out on a rugged mountain trail for the monasteries of Tibet. He was never seen nor heard from again. As the first westerner to study with yogis in the secretive monasteries of Shangri-la, tales of his exploits graced the pages of leading publications across the US. In some circles he was known as the White Lama, a reincarnated spirit destined to bring Tibetan teachings to the west.

Born in 1904, he grew up at a time when eastern spirituality was shrouded in mystery, rife with scandals and exploited by charlatans and con men. As an explorer, yoga teacher and showman he played a surprising role in the growth of America's religious counterculture - and stories of his life once captured the national imagination before he faded into obscurity.

White Lama: The Improbable Legacy of Theos Bernard 

Conceived by Nikki Appino and created in collaboration with Philip Glass, Tenzin Choeygal, Ted Baker and Kevin Joyce.