Padmasambhava Documentary

The most important and revered figure in Himalayan Buddhism, Padmasambhava is known as both a folk hero and as the ultimate spiritual master. Like so many religious figures his past is shrouded in mystery and heavily based on folklore with the most complete account of his life written almost two hundred years after his passing.

Behind these stories and folklore there is a staggering amount of specific information that places his upbringing and studies in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. We will travel there and to places that Guru Rinpoche lived and made pilgrimages to see the land, meet the current inhabitants, hear their stories, and explore what life would have looked like 1300 years ago through the eyes of both locals and experts in the field. 

Our journey begins in Pakistan spending time with Professor Luca Olivieri who oversees archaeological sites and research where scholars believe Padmasmbhava’s life began. For over 50 years Italian universities have overseen digs in this location and for the last 25 years Professor Olivieri has overseen work there. We will visit the Swat Valley and in the future other locations including Mount Kailash in India and Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan.