Shambhala: the pursuit of the lost world

America and China, Germany and Japan tried to break through the Himalayas to Shambhala. Not left side and the Soviet Union. But what could an ardent revolutionary materialists to look for in the fairy Kingdom?

Search Roerich

After receiving special permission from the Indian authorities, Roerich left Darjeeling, in the direction of the colorful monasteries of Sikkim. The expedition was to occupy for many years: strangers it was necessary to investigate more than 25,000 kilometers of uncharted roads. Roerich knew that they will face scurvy, extreme weather conditions, and even gangs of the wild robbers that blocked the passages in the ridges of the mountains.

Hook through Moscow

The scale of the task is astounding. The family of Roerichs makes an unexpected detour through Moscow — and it was just to complicate the journey for money, new borders and other difficulties. Why do they do it? The most likely version is the need for sponsors to meet travel, Soviet secret police.

The scientists

That sounds like the plot of a spy novel, actually remains the most likely version of events. The idea of Shambhala has the support of many prominent scientists of the 20th century. Independent research conducted by Richard Spence, Marcus Osterrieder and Andrei Znamensky; the governments of China, Mongolia, Japan and the UK also showed interest in finding a fantastic city. One of the reasons the ancient Mongolian-Tibetan prophecy that in the volatile political climate of the early 20th century sounded convincing enough.

Prophecy

According to the dark prophecy, the peoples of Europe will be United under the power of the two strongest rulers who plunged the world into a bloody war. The political situation of that time made the realization of the prophecy more than likely. What today sounds like another nonsense about the end of the world, had a great influence in a world where borders were already ready to attack the troops.

Ignoble purposes

Had expedition and more tangible rationale. To support field commanders in need of even great powers. In particular, the Chinese and the Soviets knew how strong among the peoples of Asia, the belief in the Kingdom of Shambhala. The one who was able to identify with the forces of good, would receive the support of the surrounding Nations, and thus would secure control over the territory.

Revolutionary dreamer

The main inspirer of the Soviet expedition was made by a prominent chekist and ardent revolutionary Gleb Bokii. In 1921, Boki was very interested in mysticism: he hoped to find in the hidden realm of advanced management techniques that will large human masses. Naturally, the party adopted a more pragmatic version. Identification of the USSR with the forces of good would allow the state to help Buddhists and nationalists in Mongolia and Tibet. With such support the position of the Soviets in Central Asia would become indestructible.

Under the supervision of

So, the expedition of a private person of Nicholas Roerich took place under the close supervision of the British, the USSR and the Americans. Not left behind and Asians. The Japanese, the Mongols and the Chinese also sent the hidden observers, but few of them returned. From the beginning of the journey, Roerich was extreme. People had to go through 35 mountain passes, cross the Gobi desert and the first to climb the highest peaks in the Alps.

Fruitless search

In the official evidence says about the complete failure of the expedition. The expedition was blocked on the plateau of Chantang: the Dalai Lama was in no hurry to let the “red spies” in his capital. After spending five months in terrible conditions (temperature at night falls below 40 degrees Celsius), the Roerichs were forced to return.

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