The Way to Shambhala: A Search for the Mythical Kingdom Beyond the Himalayas

by Edwin Bernbaum

For centuries the people of Tibet and Mongolia have believed in the existence of Shambhala, a mythical kingdom hidden in the remote mountains of Central Asia. There, it is said, a line of enlightened kings is guarding the highest wisdom for a time when all spiritual values in the world outside will be lost in war and destruction. At that time, according to the legend, a great king will emerge from this sanctuary to defeat the forces of evil and establish a golden age. Drawing on Tibetan and Sanskrit texts, interviews with lamas in Nepal and India, and his own experiences in the Himalayas, Edwin Bernbaum gives a detailed account of this intriguing legend, examining its basis in the history and religion of the region, as well as exploring its symbolic meaning.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Buddhism, Spirituality

336 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2001

Reviews

[Dan Pfeiffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't known what Shambhala was until I picked up this book. So it was quite a revelation to read the description of this mystical city in the mountains and remember that I have vividly dreamt about this place. That might sound crazy to some but the most vivid part of that dream was the peaceful contentment I felt and the beautiful music. Additionally, this book is another great example of the comparative nature of Buddhism and Christianity.

[Thai Son · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some summaries of the branches of Buddhism and the Tibetan practices were particularly enlightening. I like how the chapters generally moved- as a play on a theme, and without too much structure. The discussion on symbols and the meditation types were also very interesting, and add in well to my current growth as a meditation practitioner. I am more keenly interested in Tibetan Buddhism thanks to this text; it also reinforced my commitment to remain an observer of religions, and not to be directly involved with any one.

[Ryan Lyppens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In seeking the essence of Shambhala through whichever form we find to be ours, we come to realize that it lies hidden right here in the world around us. This realization opens us to a growing sense of the sacred in everything we see. People and things that we had regarded with scorn or indifference become sources of wonder and awe. What had seemed dead and meaningless comes alive with a mysterious significance that links it to us in deep and inexplicable ways. As we become aware of the sacred nature of all that surrounds us, we cease to see people and things as objects to be exploited. We come, instead, to cherish them for what they are - and to treat them with the utmost care and respect. If we can awaken this sense of the sacred in the world around us, then we may have a chance of bringing about the golden age of so many myths and dreams." - Edwin Bernbaum

[Jacqueline Llerena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the writing is not dense in the way that it is filled with jargon or distracting prose, it did leave me feeling like I was reading the same thing over and over again without having moved forward whatsoever. The concepts are interesting, but the delivery did not contain as much background as I hoped. As in the example with the recurring storytelling theme of the fruiting trees, it would have been interesting to learn which genus of trees the stories had possibly originated from; from where were the bountiful rewards and treasures the peoples of long ago would cultivate and use through the analysis of where the stories originated from and what may have been left behind. I did not finish this journal but might revisit at some other time.

[Eleonora]

Ho voglia di andare in Tibet a cercare le valli nascoste lasciate da Padmasambava e perdermi tra colli erbosi e montagne innevate.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of breadth in ideas of inner psychology, myth, religion,history and exploration for Shambala. Very engaging read.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had you read the A.A. Bailey books predicting the reappearance of Christ who would be known by all religions as their prophet, lord or guru you would love this book. Also a look into Tibet before Mao.