At the beginning of our century, Nicholas Roerich, one of the greatest explorers of the Asian continent, during his expedition through Central Asia, was able to confirm the reality of the existence of Shambhala among the Mongolian and Tibetan lamas.

Roerich provides us with his account collected by a Tibetan monk during one of his expeditions:

"But you Westerners know nothing about Shambhala, you do not wish to know anything. Probably you ask out of mere curiosity, and you pronounce this sacred word in vain."

"Could this be true, when some of you Westerners profane our temples? They smoke within our sacred sanctuaries; they never understand, nor desire to, venerate our faith and our teachings. They ridicule and mock symbols whose meaning they do not delve into. If we were to visit your temples, our conduct would be completely different, for your great Bodhisattva Issa (Jesus) is a very high one. And none of us would defame the teaching of mercy and justice."

Lama, only the very ignorant and foolish would ridicule your teaching. All teachings of justice are as in a sacred place, and one who is in his right mind will not violate sacred places. Lama, why do you think the fundamental teaching of Buddha is unknown in the West? Why do you believe that in the West we know nothing of Shambhala?.

Lama, on my table you can see the Kalachakra, the teaching brought by the great Atticha from India. I know that if a high spirit, already prepared, hears a voice proclaiming KALAGIYA, it is the call of Shambhala. We know that Tashi Lama visited Shambhala. We know the book of the High Priest T'aishan, 'The Red Path to Shambhala'. We even know the Mongolian song about Shambhala. Who knows, perhaps we know many new things for you. We know that very recently, a young Mongolian lama has published a new book about Shambhala.

The Lama studied us with his penetrating gaze. Then he said:
"The fabulous Shambhala is far away, beyond the ocean. It is the mighty celestial domain. It has nothing to do with our land. How and why you earthly people have an interest in it? Only in some place in the distant North can you perceive the radiant rays of Shambhala."

Lama, we know the greatness of Shambhala. We know the indescribable reality of this realm. But we also know the reality of earthly Shambhala. We know how some high lamas went to Shambhala, how along their way they saw the usual physical phenomena. We know the story of the Buryat Lama, of how he was accompanied through a very narrow secret passage. We know how another visitor saw a caravan of mountaineers, with salt from the lakes, right on the border of Shambhala. Moreover, we ourselves have seen a white border post, one of the three entrances to Shambhala. Therefore, do not only speak to me of the celestial Shambhala, but also of the earthly one, for you know, as well as I do, that the earthly Shambhala is connected with the celestial one, with the celestial. And in this connection, the two worlds are unified.

"Truly, the hour has come for the Teaching of the Blessed One to travel from North to South. The word of Truth that began its great path from Bodhgaya, returns again to the same places. We must simply accept, as it is, the fact that the true teaching leaves Tibet, and appears again in the South. And in all nations, the alliances of Buddha shall be revealed.

Truly great things are coming. Even coming from you from the West, you bring news of Shambhala. We must certainly accept it thus. Probably, the lightning from the tower of Rigden-Jyepo has reached all nations."

"Like a diamond, the light shines vividly in the Tower of Shambhala. There is tireless Rigden-Jyepo always watching over the cause of humanity. His eyes never close. And in his magic mirror, he sees all the events on earth. And the power of his thoughts penetrates into distant lands. Distances do not exist for him; he can instantly bring aid to those who deserve it. His powerful light can destroy all darkness. His immeasurable riches are ready to help all those in need, who offer themselves to serve the cause of justice. He can even change the karma of human beings."

Lama, it seems to me that you are speaking of Maitreya, is that not so?.
"We must not declare this mystery! There are many things that should not be revealed. Much is what should not be crystallized in sounds. In sounds, we reveal our thoughts. In sound we project our thought into space, and great harm can follow. For all things disclosed before the appointed date produce unspeakable harm. Even the greatest catastrophes can be provoked by such attitudes of light minds. If Rigden-Jyepo and the Blessed Maitreya, are one and the same person to you, let it be so. I have not declared it! Countless are the inhabitants of Shambhala. Numerous are the splendid new forces and achievements that are being prepared there for humanity."

Lama, Vedanta tells us that very soon, new energies will be given to humanity. Is this true?
"Innumerable are the great things predestined and prepared. Through the Sacred Scriptures, we know of the Teaching of the Blessed One, about the inhabitants of distant stars. From the same source we have heard of the flight of the steel bird, about iron snakes that devour space with fire and smoke. Tathagata, the Blessed One, predicted all for the future. He knew how Rigden-Jyepo's assistants would reincarnate in due time; how the sacred fleet would purify Lhasa of all its vile enemies; and how the kingdom of justice would be established."

Lama, if the great warriors are incarnated, will not the activities of Shambhala take place here on our earth?
"Everywhere, here and in heaven. All forces of good will come together to destroy darkness. Everyone who helps in this great task will be rewarded a hundredfold and upon this true earth, in this incarnation. All sinners against Shambhala will perish in this incarnation, for they have exhausted mercy."

Lama, you know the truth. Then tell me why there are so many unworthy priests.
"Certainly this is no justification, but if the Teaching must travel South, then, it is not surprising that many erudite lamas have left Tibet. Do people in the West know that Panchen-Rimpoché (the Tashi Lama) is connected with Shambhala?."

Lama, we certainly know that Panchen-Rimpoché is held in very high esteem everywhere. In different countries we have heard how highly, not only Buddhists, but people from many nations, speak of His Holiness. It is even said that in his private chambers, long before his departure, the details of his upcoming travels were outlined in frescoes. We know that Panchen-Rimpoché follows the customs of all the great lamas. We have been told how during his flight, he and his followers escaped many great dangers.