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{{Tibetan Buddhism}} {{Tibetan Buddhism}}


In part of the ] ] tradition, '''Shambhala''' ({{langx|sa|शम्भल}}, {{IAST3|Śambhala}}),<ref name=MW>''Śambhala'' also ''Sambhala'', is the name of a town between the Rathaprā and Ganges rivers. In the ] ]s, it is named as the place where ], the last ] of ], is prophesied to appear (Monier-Williams, ''Sanskrit-English Dictionary'', 1899).</ref> also spelled ''Shambala'' or ''Shamballa'' ({{bo|t=བདེ་འབྱུང|w=Bde'byung}}; {{zh|c=]|p=Xiāngbālā}}), is a ] and ]. Shambhala is mentioned in the '']''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hiltebeitel |first=Alf |title=Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics |url= https://www.abundanceadvice.com/david-chandler-the-shambala-secret-review/ |year=1999 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-34050-0 |pages=217–218}}</ref><ref>The Tantra by Victor M. Fic, Abhinav Publications, 2003, p.49.</ref> <!-- and in the ancient ] texts of western Tibet.{{cn}}--> The ] scriptures speak of a closely related land called Tagzig Olmo Lung Ring.<ref>The Bon Religion of Tibet by Per Kavǣrne, Shambhala, 1996</ref> In ] tradition, '''Shambhala''' ({{langx|sa|शम्भल}}, {{IAST3|Śambhala}}),<ref name=MW>''Śambhala'' also ''Sambhala'', is the name of a town between the Rathaprā and Ganges rivers. In the ]s, it is named as the place where ], the last incarnation of Vishnu, is to appear (Monier-Williams, ''Sanskrit-English Dictionary'', 1899).</ref> also spelled ''Shambala'' or ''Shamballa'' ({{bo|t=བདེ་འབྱུང|w=Bde'byung}}; {{zh|c=]|p=Xiāngbālā}}), is a ] kingdom. Shambhala is mentioned in the ].<ref>{{cite book |last=Hiltebeitel |first=Alf |title=Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics |url= https://www.abundanceadvice.com/david-chandler-the-shambala-secret-review/ |year=1999 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-34050-0 |pages=217–218}}</ref><ref>The Tantra by Victor M. Fic, Abhinav Publications, 2003, p.49.</ref> <!-- and in the ancient ] texts of western Tibet.{{cn}}--> The ] scriptures speak of a closely related land called Tagzig Olmo Lung Ring.<ref>The Bon Religion of Tibet by Per Kavǣrne, Shambhala, 1996</ref>


The Sanskrit name is taken from the name of a city mentioned in the ] ]s.<ref name=MW/> The mythological relevance of the place originates with a prophecy in '']'' (4.24) according to which Shambhala will be the birthplace of ], the last ] of ], who will mark the end of the age of darkness and human degradation ('']'') and usher in a new age of goodness and prosperity ('']'');<ref name=MW/><ref name=Hindu>{{cite book |last=LePage |first=Victoria |title=Shambhala: The Fascinating Truth Behind the Myth of Shangri-La |year=1996 |publisher= Quest Books |isbn=978-0835607506 |pages=125–126 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oUIum8H_9qgC}}</ref> and the prophesied ruling Kingdom of ], the future ].<ref name=arch/> The Sanskrit name is taken from the name of a city mentioned in the ] ]s.<ref name=MW/> The mythological relevance of the place originates with a prophecy in '']'' (4.24) according to which Shambhala will be the birthplace of ], the next incarnation of ], who will usher in a new age (]);<ref name=MW/><ref name=Hindu>{{cite book |last=LePage |first=Victoria |title=Shambhala: The Fascinating Truth Behind the Myth of Shangri-La |year=1996 |publisher= Quest Books |isbn=978-0835607506 |pages=125–126 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oUIum8H_9qgC}}</ref> and the prophesied ruling Kingdom of ], the future ].<ref name=arch/>


== Kalachakra tantra== == Kalachakra tantra==
{{Main|Kalachakra}} {{Main|Kalachakra}}
⚫ ], King of Shambhala]]
{{Further|Kings of Shambhala}}
⚫ ], ]]]


⚫ Shambhala is ruled by the future Buddha ].<ref name=arch>{{cite book |title=Arch. orient |date=2003 |publisher=Nakl. Ceskoslovenské akademie věd. |pages=254, 261 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pb4TAQAAMAAJ&q=maitreya+shambhala |access-date=11 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=Sh>{{cite book |last1=Roerich |first1=Nicholas |title=Shambhala |date=2003 |publisher=Vedams eBooks (P) Ltd |isbn=978-81-7936-012-5 |page=65 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xRDUA5ZpNJsC&q=maitreya+shambhala&pg=PA65 |access-date=11 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> The Shambhala narrative is found in the ''Kalachakra tantra'', a text of the group of the ]s. Kalachakra Buddhism was presumably introduced to ] in the 11th century, the epoch of the ]. The oldest known teachers of Kalachakra are ] (d. 1361) and ] (d. 1364).{{cn|date=November 2024}}
The first notable ruler, King ] (sometimes wrongly Sanskritized as "Chandrabhadra," Tib. ''Dawa Sangpo''), is reported to have requested teaching from the ] that would allow him to practice the ] without renouncing his worldly enjoyments and responsibilities. In response to this request, it is said the Buddha gave him the first '']'' ]. By practicing the ''Kālacakra'' teachings, the whole Kingdom of Shambhala eventually became an ]. King Suchandra was followed by an additional six ''Dharmarājas'' (Truth Kings); his eighth successor, ], was the first of the 25 ''Kalki'' Kings (Tib. ''Rigden'', wylie: ''rigs ldan'').

⚫ Shambhala is ruled by the future Buddha ].<ref name=arch>{{cite book |title=Arch. orient |date=2003 |publisher=Nakl. Ceskoslovenské akademie věd. |pages=254, 261 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pb4TAQAAMAAJ&q=maitreya+shambhala |access-date=11 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=Sh>{{cite book |last1=Roerich |first1=Nicholas |title=Shambhala |date=2003 |publisher=Vedams eBooks (P) Ltd |isbn=978-81-7936-012-5 |page=65 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xRDUA5ZpNJsC&q=maitreya+shambhala&pg=PA65 |access-date=11 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> The Shambhala narrative is found in the ''Kalachakra tantra'', a text of the group of the ]s. Kalachakra Buddhism was presumably introduced to ] in the 11th century, the epoch of the ]. The oldest known teachers of Kalachakra are ] (d. 1361) and ] (d. 1364).


In the narrative, King Manjuśrīkīrti is said to have been born in 159 BC and ruled over a kingdom of 300,510 followers of the ] religion, some of whom worshiped the Sun. He is said to have expelled 20,000 people from his domain who clung to Surya Samadhi (solar worship) rather than convert to Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) Buddhism. <!--These expelled Rishis, seers, sages and saints, who had realized truth and eternal knowledge exclaimed, "We want to remain true to our Sun-Chariot. We do not wish to give up our belief system to change to another." --> In the narrative, King Manjuśrīkīrti is said to have been born in 159 BC and ruled over a kingdom of 300,510 followers of the ] religion, some of whom worshiped the Sun. He is said to have expelled 20,000 people from his domain who clung to Surya Samadhi (solar worship) rather than convert to Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) Buddhism. <!--These expelled Rishis, seers, sages and saints, who had realized truth and eternal knowledge exclaimed, "We want to remain true to our Sun-Chariot. We do not wish to give up our belief system to change to another." -->
After realizing these were the wisest and best of his people and how much he was in need of them, he later asked them to return and some did. Those who did not return are said to have set up the city of Shambhala. Manjuśrīkīrti initiated the preaching of the ''Kalachakra'' teachings in order to try to convert those who returned and were still under his rule. In 59 BC he abdicated his throne to his son, Puṇḍārika, and died soon afterward, entering the ] of Buddhahood.<ref>Das, Sarat Chandra (1882). ''Contributions to the Religion and History of Tibet'', in ''Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal'', Vol. LI. Reprint: Manjushri Publishing House, Delhi. 1970, pp. 81–2.</ref><ref>Edwin Bernbaum "The Way to Shambhala: A Search for the Mythical Kingdom Beyond the Himalayas" 1980 & Albert Grünwedel "Der Weg nach Shambhala" 1915</ref> After realizing these were the wisest and best of his people and how much he was in need of them, he later asked them to return and some did. Those who did not return are said to have set up the city of Shambhala. Manjuśrīkīrti initiated the preaching of the ''Kalachakra'' teachings in order to try to convert those who returned and were still under his rule. In 59 BC he abdicated his throne to his son, Puṇḍārika, and died soon afterward, entering the ] of Buddhahood.<ref>Das, Sarat Chandra (1882). ''Contributions to the Religion and History of Tibet'', in ''Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal'', Vol. LI. Reprint: Manjushri Publishing House, Delhi. 1970, pp. 81–2.</ref><ref>Edwin Bernbaum "The Way to Shambhala: A Search for the Mythical Kingdom Beyond the Himalayas" 1980 & Albert Grünwedel "Der Weg nach Shambhala" 1915</ref>

⚫ ]


The Kalachakra tantra prophesies that when the world declines into war and greed, and all is lost, the 25th Kalki king ] will emerge from Shambhala,<ref name=arch/><ref name=Sh/> with a huge army to vanquish Dark Forces and usher in a worldwide ]. This final battle is prophesied for the year ] (in the 3304th year after the death of ]). Thereafter, Buddhism would survive another 1,800 years.<ref>Alexander Berzin, ''Taking the Kalachakra Initiation'' (1997), p. 33. The Kalachakra tantra prophesies that when the world declines into war and greed, and all is lost, the 25th Kalki king ] will emerge from Shambhala,<ref name=arch/><ref name=Sh/> with a huge army to vanquish Dark Forces and usher in a worldwide ]. This final battle is prophesied for the year ] (in the 3304th year after the death of ]). Thereafter, Buddhism would survive another 1,800 years.<ref>Alexander Berzin, ''Taking the Kalachakra Initiation'' (1997), p. 33.
Lubosh Belka, "The Shambhala Myth in Buryatia and Mongolia", in: Tomasz Gacek, Jadwiga Pstrusińska (eds.), ''Proceedings of the Ninth Conference of the European Society for Central Asian Studies'', Cambridge Scholars Publishing (2009), pp. 19-30 Lubosh Belka, "The Shambhala Myth in Buryatia and Mongolia", in: Tomasz Gacek, Jadwiga Pstrusińska (eds.), ''Proceedings of the Ninth Conference of the European Society for Central Asian Studies'', Cambridge Scholars Publishing (2009), pp. 19–30
().</ref> ().</ref>


==Western reception== ==Western reception==
⚫ Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism were largely unknown in the West prior to the beginning of the 20th century.<ref>Lopez, Donald S. Jr. ''Prisoners of Shangri~La, Tibetan Buddhism and the West'', The University of Chicago Press, 1998</ref> The name itself, however, was reported as early as the 17th century, by way of ], the ] ] who had heard about Shambhala (transcribed as ''Xembala''), and thought it was another name for ] or China. Cacella in 1627 headed to ], the seat of the ] and, discovering his mistake, returned to India.<ref>Bernbaum, Edwin. (1980). ''The Way to Shambhala'', pp. 18–19. Reprint: (1989). Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., Los Angeles. {{ISBN|0-87477-518-3}}.</ref>
⚫ ]–] ]. Illustration from ''A Sorceress from Tungusy'' (1812–1813), by E. Karnejeff.]]


===Neo-Theosophy===
⚫ ] and ] were largely unknown in the ] prior to the beginning of the 20th century.<ref>Lopez, Donald S. Jr. ''Prisoners of Shangri~La, Tibetan Buddhism and the West'', The University of Chicago Press, 1998</ref> The name ''Shambhala'' itself, however, was reported as early as the 17th century through the writings of ], a ] ] who had heard about the existence of a country named ''Shambhala'' (transcribed as ''Xembala''), and thought it was another name for ] or ]. Cacella in 1627 headed to ], the seat of the ] and, discovering his mistake, returned to ].<ref>Bernbaum, Edwin. (1980). ''The Way to Shambhala'', pp. 18-19. Reprint: (1989). Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., Los Angeles. {{ISBN|0-87477-518-3}}.</ref>

Later ] writers further emphasized and elaborated on the concept of a hidden land inhabited by a ] whose members labor for the good of humanity. ] claims Shamballa (her spelling) is an extra-dimensional or spiritual reality on the ], a spiritual centre where the governing ] of ], ], dwells as the highest ] of the Planetary ] of Earth, and is said to be an expression of the Will of God.<ref>Bailey, Alice A, ''A Treatise on Cosmic Fire'' 1932 Lucis Trust. 1925, p 753</ref>{{bsn|date=January 2024}}


===Expeditions and location hypotheses=== ===Expeditions and location hypotheses===
Russian explorers ] and ] led a 1934–1935 expedition in ] aimed at finding Shambhala.<ref>{{cite journal |author-last=Boyd |author-first=James |date=January 2012 |title=In Search of Shambhala? Nicholas Roerich's 1934–5 Inner Mongolian Expedition |journal=Inner Asia |location=] and ] |publisher=] |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=257–277 |doi=10.1163/22105018-90000004 |issn=2210-5018 |jstor=24572064}}</ref> They also believed that ] in the ] was an entrance to the Kingdom of Shambhala, a common belief in that region.<ref>Archer, Kenneth. ''Roerich East & West''. Parkstone Press 1999, p.94</ref> ] and ] led a 1924–1928 expedition aimed at Shambhala. They also believed that ] in the ] was an entrance to Shambhala, a common belief in that region.<ref>Archer, Kenneth. ''Roerich East & West''. Parkstone Press 1999, p.94</ref> They led a second expedition to look for Shambhala in Mongolia between 1934 and 1935. <ref>{{cite journal |author-last=Boyd |author-first=James |date=January 2012 |title=In Search of Shambhala? Nicholas Roerich's 1934–5 Inner Mongolian Expedition |journal=Inner Asia |location=] and ] |publisher=] |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=257–277 |doi=10.1163/22105018-90000004 |issn=2210-5018 |jstor=24572064}}</ref>

⚫ Inspired by ] and several visiting Mongol lamas, ], the chief ] ] and one of the bosses of the ], along with his writer friend Alexander Barchenko, embarked on a quest for Shambhala, in an attempt to merge '']'' with ] in the 1920s. Among other things, in a secret laboratory affiliated with the Soviet secret police, Bokii and Barchenko experimented with Buddhist spiritual techniques to try to find a key for engineering ].<ref name="Znamenski">Znamenski (2011)</ref> They contemplated a special expedition to ] to retrieve the wisdom of Shambhala—the project fell through as a result of intrigues within the Soviet intelligence service, as well as rival efforts of the ] that sent its own expedition to Tibet in 1924.

⚫ French Buddhist ] associated Shambhala with ] in present-day ], also offering the Persian ''Sham-i-Bala'' ("elevated candle") as an etymology of its name.<ref>David-Néel, A. '']'' ;1954, p.1</ref>
⚫ In a similar vein, ], a pupil of the Greek–Armenian mystic and dance teacher ], published speculation that Shambhala was ''Shams-i-Balkh'', a ]n sun temple.<ref>Bennett, J.G: "Gurdjieff: Making a New World". Bennett notes ] as the source of the suggestion.</ref>


⚫ Inspired by ] lore and several visiting Mongol lamas, ], the chief Bolshevik ] and one of the bosses of the ], along with his writer friend Alexander Barchenko, embarked on a quest for Shambhala, in an attempt to merge Kalachakra-tantra and ideas of Communism in the 1920s. Among other things, in a secret laboratory affiliated with the secret police, Bokii and Barchenko experimented with Buddhist spiritual techniques to try to find a key for engineering perfect communist human beings.<ref name="Znamenski">Znamenski (2011)</ref> They contemplated a special expedition to Inner Asia to retrieve the wisdom of Shambhala – the project fell through as a result of intrigues within the Soviet intelligence service, as well as rival efforts of the ] that sent its own expedition to Tibet in 1924.
⚫ ], 4th '']'' of ], sent ] "to contact the ] and Shambala", supposedly part of a ].<ref>{{cite book |last = Childress |first = David Hatcher |author-link = David Hatcher Childress |year = 1985 |title = Lost Cities of China, Central Asia, and India: A Traveler's Guide |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=LBAeAAAAMAAJ |series = Lost cities series |publisher = Adventures Unlimited Press |page = 31 |isbn = 978-0932813008 |quote = Hitler sent several expeditions to Tibet in the thirties, to contact the ] and Shambala, and apparently created quite strong ties with the Shambala .}}</ref>


⚫ French Buddhist ] associated Shambhala with ] in present-day Afghanistan, also offering the Persian ''Sham-i-Bala'', "elevated candle" as an etymology of its name.<ref>David-Néel, A. '']'' ;1954, p.1</ref>
⚫ ==In popular culture==
⚫ In a similar vein, the ]ian ] published speculation that Shambalha was ''Shams-i-Balkh'', a ]n sun temple.<ref>Bennett, J.G: "Gurdjieff: Making a New World". Bennett notes ] as the source of the suggestion.</ref>


⚫ Hitler sent several expeditions to Tibet in the 1930s "to contact the ] and Shambala", supposedly part of ].<ref>{{cite book |last = Childress |first = David Hatcher |author-link = David Hatcher Childress |year = 1985 |title = Lost Cities of China, Central Asia, and India: A Traveler's Guide |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=LBAeAAAAMAAJ |series = Lost cities series |publisher = Adventures Unlimited Press |page = 31 |isbn = 978-0932813008 |quote = Hitler sent several expeditions to Tibet in the thirties, to contact the ] and Shambala, and apparently created quite strong ties with the Shambala .}}</ref>
⚫ Shambhala may have been the inspiration for ], a paradise on Earth hidden in a Tibetan valley, which features in the 1933 novel '']'' by British author ].<ref name="Wood11">{{cite news|last1=Wood|first1=Michael|title=BBC - History - Ancient History in depth: Shangri-La|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/cultures/shangri_la_01.shtml|access-date=28 February 2018|work=BBC|date=17 February 2011}}</ref>


⚫ === In popular culture ===
In 1969, ], a book publishing company, was founded by Samuel Bercholz<ref>Midal, Fabrice, ed., ''Recalling Chögyam Trungpa'' (Boston, MA: Shambhala, 2005), {{ISBN|1-59030-207-9}}, p. 475</ref> and Michael Fagan, in ].
{{originalresearch|section|date=October 2024}}
⚫ Shambhala may have been the inspiration for ], a paradise on Earth hidden in a Tibetan valley, which features in the 1933 novel '']'' by British author ].<ref name="Wood11">{{cite news|last1=Wood|first1=Michael|title=BBC – History – Ancient History in depth: Shangri-La|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/cultures/shangri_la_01.shtml|access-date=28 February 2018|work=BBC|date=17 February 2011}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==

Latest revision as of 15:54, 26 December 2024

Mythical kingdom in Tibetan Buddhist tradition This article is about the mythical kingdom in Tibetan Buddhism. For other uses, see Shambhala (disambiguation). This article contains Tibetan script. Without proper rendering support, you may see very small fonts, misplaced vowels or missing conjuncts instead of Tibetan characters.
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History and overview

In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Shambhala (Sanskrit: शम्भल, IAST: Śambhala), also spelled Shambala or Shamballa (Tibetan: བདེ་འབྱུང, Wylie: Bde'byung; Chinese: 香巴拉; pinyin: Xiāngbālā), is a spiritual kingdom. Shambhala is mentioned in the Kalachakra Tantra. The Bon scriptures speak of a closely related land called Tagzig Olmo Lung Ring.

The Sanskrit name is taken from the name of a city mentioned in the Hindu Puranas. The mythological relevance of the place originates with a prophecy in Vishnu Purana (4.24) according to which Shambhala will be the birthplace of Kalki, the next incarnation of Vishnu, who will usher in a new age (Satya Yuga); and the prophesied ruling Kingdom of Maitreya, the future Buddha.

Kalachakra tantra

Main article: Kalachakra
Manjuśrīkīrti, King of Shambhala

Shambhala is ruled by the future Buddha Maitreya. The Shambhala narrative is found in the Kalachakra tantra, a text of the group of the Anuttarayoga Tantras. Kalachakra Buddhism was presumably introduced to Tibet in the 11th century, the epoch of the Tibetan Kalachakra calendar. The oldest known teachers of Kalachakra are Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen (d. 1361) and Buton Rinchen Drub (d. 1364).

In the narrative, King Manjuśrīkīrti is said to have been born in 159 BC and ruled over a kingdom of 300,510 followers of the Mlechha religion, some of whom worshiped the Sun. He is said to have expelled 20,000 people from his domain who clung to Surya Samadhi (solar worship) rather than convert to Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) Buddhism. After realizing these were the wisest and best of his people and how much he was in need of them, he later asked them to return and some did. Those who did not return are said to have set up the city of Shambhala. Manjuśrīkīrti initiated the preaching of the Kalachakra teachings in order to try to convert those who returned and were still under his rule. In 59 BC he abdicated his throne to his son, Puṇḍārika, and died soon afterward, entering the Sambhogakaya of Buddhahood.

Portrait of an Alti Himalian Shaman. Detail from "A Sorceress from Tungusy" 1812–1813 by: E. Karnejeff

The Kalachakra tantra prophesies that when the world declines into war and greed, and all is lost, the 25th Kalki king Maitreya will emerge from Shambhala, with a huge army to vanquish Dark Forces and usher in a worldwide Golden Age. This final battle is prophesied for the year 2424 or 2425 (in the 3304th year after the death of the Buddha). Thereafter, Buddhism would survive another 1,800 years.

Western reception

Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism were largely unknown in the West prior to the beginning of the 20th century. The name itself, however, was reported as early as the 17th century, by way of Estêvão Cacella, the Portuguese missionary who had heard about Shambhala (transcribed as Xembala), and thought it was another name for Cathay or China. Cacella in 1627 headed to Tashilhunpo, the seat of the Panchen Lama and, discovering his mistake, returned to India.

Neo-Theosophy

Later esoteric writers further emphasized and elaborated on the concept of a hidden land inhabited by a hidden mystic brotherhood whose members labor for the good of humanity. Alice A. Bailey claims Shamballa (her spelling) is an extra-dimensional or spiritual reality on the astral plane, a spiritual centre where the governing deity of Earth, Sanat Kumara, dwells as the highest Avatar of the Planetary Logos of Earth, and is said to be an expression of the Will of God.

Expeditions and location hypotheses

Nicholas and Helena Roerich led a 1924–1928 expedition aimed at Shambhala. They also believed that Belukha Mountain in the Altai Mountains was an entrance to Shambhala, a common belief in that region. They led a second expedition to look for Shambhala in Mongolia between 1934 and 1935.

Inspired by Theosophical lore and several visiting Mongol lamas, Gleb Bokii, the chief Bolshevik cryptographer and one of the bosses of the Soviet secret police, along with his writer friend Alexander Barchenko, embarked on a quest for Shambhala, in an attempt to merge Kalachakra-tantra and ideas of Communism in the 1920s. Among other things, in a secret laboratory affiliated with the secret police, Bokii and Barchenko experimented with Buddhist spiritual techniques to try to find a key for engineering perfect communist human beings. They contemplated a special expedition to Inner Asia to retrieve the wisdom of Shambhala – the project fell through as a result of intrigues within the Soviet intelligence service, as well as rival efforts of the Soviet Foreign Commissariat that sent its own expedition to Tibet in 1924.

French Buddhist Alexandra David-Néel associated Shambhala with Balkh in present-day Afghanistan, also offering the Persian Sham-i-Bala, "elevated candle" as an etymology of its name. In a similar vein, the Gurdjieffian J. G. Bennett published speculation that Shambalha was Shams-i-Balkh, a Bactrian sun temple.

Hitler sent several expeditions to Tibet in the 1930s "to contact the Agartha and Shambala", supposedly part of Nazi esotericism.

In popular culture

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Shambhala may have been the inspiration for Shangri-La, a paradise on Earth hidden in a Tibetan valley, which features in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British author James Hilton.

See also

Citations

  1. ^ Śambhala also Sambhala, is the name of a town between the Rathaprā and Ganges rivers. In the Puranas, it is named as the place where Kalki, the last incarnation of Vishnu, is to appear (Monier-Williams, Sanskrit-English Dictionary, 1899).
  2. Hiltebeitel, Alf (1999). Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics. University of Chicago Press. pp. 217–218. ISBN 978-0-226-34050-0.
  3. The Tantra by Victor M. Fic, Abhinav Publications, 2003, p.49.
  4. The Bon Religion of Tibet by Per Kavǣrne, Shambhala, 1996
  5. LePage, Victoria (1996). Shambhala: The Fascinating Truth Behind the Myth of Shangri-La. Quest Books. pp. 125–126. ISBN 978-0835607506.
  6. ^ Arch. orient. Nakl. Ceskoslovenské akademie věd. 2003. pp. 254, 261. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  7. ^ Roerich, Nicholas (2003). Shambhala. Vedams eBooks (P) Ltd. p. 65. ISBN 978-81-7936-012-5. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  8. Das, Sarat Chandra (1882). Contributions to the Religion and History of Tibet, in Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Vol. LI. Reprint: Manjushri Publishing House, Delhi. 1970, pp. 81–2.
  9. Edwin Bernbaum "The Way to Shambhala: A Search for the Mythical Kingdom Beyond the Himalayas" 1980 & Albert Grünwedel "Der Weg nach Shambhala" 1915
  10. Alexander Berzin, Taking the Kalachakra Initiation (1997), p. 33. Lubosh Belka, "The Shambhala Myth in Buryatia and Mongolia", in: Tomasz Gacek, Jadwiga Pstrusińska (eds.), Proceedings of the Ninth Conference of the European Society for Central Asian Studies, Cambridge Scholars Publishing (2009), pp. 19–30 (p. 20f).
  11. Lopez, Donald S. Jr. Prisoners of Shangri~La, Tibetan Buddhism and the West, The University of Chicago Press, 1998
  12. Bernbaum, Edwin. (1980). The Way to Shambhala, pp. 18–19. Reprint: (1989). Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., Los Angeles. ISBN 0-87477-518-3.
  13. Bailey, Alice A, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire 1932 Lucis Trust. 1925, p 753
  14. Archer, Kenneth. Roerich East & West. Parkstone Press 1999, p.94
  15. Boyd, James (January 2012). "In Search of Shambhala? Nicholas Roerich's 1934–5 Inner Mongolian Expedition". Inner Asia. 14 (2). Leiden and Boston: Brill Publishers: 257–277. doi:10.1163/22105018-90000004. ISSN 2210-5018. JSTOR 24572064.
  16. Znamenski (2011)
  17. David-Néel, A. Les Nouvelles littéraires ;1954, p.1
  18. Bennett, J.G: "Gurdjieff: Making a New World". Bennett notes Idries Shah as the source of the suggestion.
  19. Childress, David Hatcher (1985). Lost Cities of China, Central Asia, and India: A Traveler's Guide. Lost cities series. Adventures Unlimited Press. p. 31. ISBN 978-0932813008. Hitler sent several expeditions to Tibet in the thirties, to contact the Agartha and Shambala, and apparently created quite strong ties with the Shambala .
  20. Wood, Michael (17 February 2011). "BBC – History – Ancient History in depth: Shangri-La". BBC. Retrieved 28 February 2018.

General references

External links

  • Media related to Shambhala at Wikimedia Commons
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