... the Russian archaeologist ( Roerich ) told of his conversation with a
high Lama
in Tibet in his visits to that land in 1928.
"Lama, tell me of Shamballah," Roerich said:
"But you westerners know nothing of Shamballah,"
the lama answered. "You wish to know nothing.
Probably you ask out of curiosity; and you pronounce
the sate word in vain."
"Lama, I don't ask about Shamballah aimlessly,"
Roerich replied. "Everywhere, people know of this
great symbol under different names. Or scientists seek
each new spark containing this remarkable realm.
Csoma de Koros knew of Shamballah, when he made
his prolonged visits to the Buddhist monasteries. Grun
wendel translated the book of the famous Tashi Lama,
pal-den-ye-she, about the `Way To Shamballah.'
We sense how, under these sweet symbols, a great
truth is concealed . . . " The lama stared intently at Nicholas Roerich for
a
moment, looking at the Russian scientist with un
blinking, piercing eyes. Roerich and the lama were
alone in a long room in the monastery. The lama broke
the silence of the darkened room by clapping his hands.
A monk appeared with tea in two porcelain cups on a
gold tray. As they sipped the bitter liquid, the lama ex
plained that Shamballah was simply an enormous
celestial kingdom, akin to the heavenly kingdom of the
Christian religion.
Roerich was not content with this .explanation. He
placed a portfolio of notes on a rug between them.
"Lama, I have heard of the reality of this indescrib
able. place- an earthly Shamballah. I've been told that
some high lamas have visited Shamballah. I've heard of
the Buryat Lama and how he was taken through,a nar
row, secret passageway. So please don't tell me of only
the heavenly Shamballah because I know that a real
one exists on earth."