PAD YATRA: A Green Odyssey weaves ancient Buddhist spiritual traditions, global environmentalism, and Tibetan and Himalayan culture into an award-winning documentary that spotlights the ways a community-based movement can begin to solve one of the most pressing problems of our time. Viewers are invited to join the adventure of 700 people, trekking across the Himalayas with a call to save the planet’s “3rd Pole,” a glacial region now devastated by the climate chaos associated with global warming. Led by His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, these brave trekkers commit themselves to take responsibility for the land they tread upon, collecting plastic litter, helping sick animals, and investigating areas devastated by "natural" disasters along the way. Shot with solar power by Himalayan monk Ngawang Sodpa, PAD YATRA: A Green Odyssey gives unprecedented access into religious communities rarely seen on film. An inspiring model of personal and collective responsibility for our planet for viewers everywhere.
University of Hawai'i | Dr. Leslie E. Sponsel, Professor of Anthropology, Author, Spiritual Ecology: A Quiet Revolution "This truly awesome film is disheartening because of the terrible suffering of innocent local people and their homeland caused by distant people through their careless pollution of the atmosphere resulting in global climate change. However, it is heartening because of the practical spiritual ecology of the Buddhist pilgrims unselfishly and courageously trekking through the treacherous terrain of the Himalayas to show by example their compassion and loving kindness for all beings and nature in general. It will stimulate viewers to think more seriously about acting green."
University of Washington | Dr. Nathalie Williams, Assistant Professor Department of Sociology & the Jackson School of International Studies "Superb cinematography and an open and realistic portrayal of the peoples and cultures of the Himalayas bring Pad Yatra to life. The Drukpa's combination of extensive Buddhist learning and an open and kind spirit make his example both impressive and accessible. Overall, Pad Yatra gives not just an example of what can and should be done to care for our planet, but also the reasons why we should want to do it"
Citation
Main credits
Lee, Wendy J. N. (film producer)
Lee, Wendy J. N. (film director)
Hannah, Daryl (narrator)
Other credits
Director of photography, Ngawang Sodpa; music, Pilar Díaz, Derek Zhao; editor, Wendy J.N. Lee.
