WAKSAW Archaeological Alliance is honored to support and engage in the Padmasambhava, Uḍḍiyāna, and Tibet Seminar Series — a research and dialogue platform dedicated to understanding the intertwined cultural and spiritual histories of Kashmir, Uḍḍiyāna (Swat), and Tibet.

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The seminar applies interdisciplinary approaches to the study of Padmasambhava — one of the most influential yet least understood figures in Tibetan Buddhism. Known to his followers as the “Precious Guru,” Padmasambhava is venerated as the enlightened master who brought tantric Buddhism to Tibet, bridging spiritual traditions across South and Central Asia.

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The series investigates these themes through the lenses of history, ritual, art, and textual transmission — illuminating how Uḍḍiyāna (ancient Swat) became a nexus of Buddhist knowledge that shaped the spiritual topography of the wider Himalayas.

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Developed in collaboration with international scholars, including researchers affiliated with Oxford and Harvard, the seminar brings together leading voices in Buddhist studies, archaeology, and art history to foster global academic dialogue.

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Convenors:

• Dr. Cathy Cantwell, Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford

• Dr. Robert Mayer, Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford

• Dr. Yunyao Zhai, Department of South Asian Studies, Harvard University

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