Shambhala - by Nicholas Roerich (Paperback)

About the Book

Nicholas Roerich--artist, philosopher, and explorer--relates the remarkable encounters and events of his travels through central Asia and Tibet at the turn of the 20th century. In his detailed diary notes he chronicled the legends and tales of Shambhala, the long-awaited realization of paradise on earth. With chapters on Tibetan art, the desert cities, and subterranean dwellers, Shambhala reveals Roerich's vision of a new age of human achievement.

Book Synopsis

Nicholas Roerich--prolific artist and writer, renowned philosopher, educator, and explorer--relates the remarkable encounters and events of his travels through central Asia and Tibet at the turn of the century. Through his detailed diary notes and the chronicling of legends and parables, he reveals the many facets of the tale of Shambhala, the long-awaited realization of paradise on earth. In Western mythology, Shambhala appears as the mythic land of Shangri-la. In the prophecies of the East, it is seen as both a physical place and the dawning of a New Era of enlightened consciousness. Roerich found signs of the imminent arrival of Shambhala at every juncture of his journey--in the legends of local villagers and within their rock paintings and engravings. In keeping with the ancient traditions, Roerich felt that Shambhala would be attained not inevitably or without effort, but only as a result of "the Noblest and most intensive activity." A living example of this philosophy, he worked unceasingly for peace through culture, believing that "obstacles are only new possibilities to create beneficent energy." Chapters on Tibetan art, the desert cities, subterranean dwellers, and the Great Mother give the reader crystalline glimpses of Roerich's manifold vision and the vast panorama of his life journey toward a new age of human achievement.

From the Back Cover

EASTERN PHILOSOPHY / TRAVEL "Nicholas Roerich is one of [the] cultural pillars of Russia." --Mikhail Gorbachev, Former President of the Soviet Union ..".a visionary artist, author, educator, archaeologist, explorer, philosopher, cultural humanitarian, and peacemaker. Extraordinary." --The Library Journal Nicholas Roerich--prolific artist and writer, renowned philosopher, educator, and explorer--relates the remarkable encounters and events of his travels through central Asia and Tibet at the turn of the century. Through his detailed diary notes and the chronicling of legends and parables, he reveals the many facets of the tale of Shambhala, the long-awaited realization of paradise on earth. In Western mythology, Shambhala appears as the mythic land of Shangri-la. In the prophecies of the East, it is seen as both a physical place and the dawning of a New Era of enlightened consciousness. Roerich found signs of the imminent arrival of Shambhala at every juncture of his journey--in the legends of local villagers and within their rock paintings and engravings. In keeping with the ancient traditions, Roerich felt that Shambhala would be attained not inevitably or without effort, but only as a result of "the Noblest and most intensive activity." A living example of this philosophy, he worked unceasingly for peace through culture, believing that "obstacles are only new possibilities to create beneficent energy." Chapters on Tibetan art, the desert cities, subterranean dwellers, and the Great Mother give the reader crystalline glimpses of Roerich's manifold vision and the vast panorama of his life journey toward a new age of human achievement.

Review Quotes

"I recommend this Nicholas Roerich collection as essential for any metaphysical library. The scope is breathtaking, it is deep, but at the same time wide ranging. It is a true exemplar of the 'Perrenial Philosophy' that is essential to all higher learning."-- "Jennifer Hoskins, New Dawn, Sept-Oct 2005"

About the Author

Nicholas Roerich is a prolific artist and writer, renowned philosopher, educator, and explorer.