Journey into a fabled hidden world deep in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal to experience a series of remarkable adventures and explore the powerful esoteric knowledge that existed several thousand years prior to the arrival of Buddhism. Cradling the most isolated area of Earth's landmass, through the ages the remote inner region of Nepal's Great Himalayan Range has inspired countless legends of a hidden sanctuary of great masters.Although arising from sources greatly separated both geographically and chronologically, the legends are remarkably consistent. The scriptures of the 4000 year-old Zhang Zhung culture are thought to be the earliest extant references, yet the same hidden realm is represented in many ancient traditions; the pre-Buddhist B'on treatises of Nepal, texts of the Kalki lore, the Puranas, and in the even more ancient Kalachakra Mulatantra (c. 900 BC). The Zhang Zhung and Tibetan scriptures refer to the mysterious world as Shambhala I lam-yig, the B'on treaties refer to the hidden sanctuary as Olmolungring, Hindu histories as Aryavarth, Chinese as Hsi Tien, and Russian traditions as Belovoyde.On an extended trek in a remote area of Nepal's vast Himalayan wilderness, explorer M.G. Hawking chanced on an unexpected find. In a valley surrounded by towering ice peaks he came upon a small village where he encountered remarkable men and women-introduced to him as "masters" and "adepts"-possessed of knowledge and powers virtually unknown to the Western world.The accounts presented in this book are transcribed from Hawking's journals and field notes of his experiences and conversations with the masters he encountered, revealing their explanations of the true psycho-physical unity of "reality," the essential principles of consciousness, and the specific practices that convey extraordinary abilities.While it's possible to read this book as a collection of adventures and extraordinary experiences, a deeper reading reveals it to be an account of a spiritual journey, an exploration of the true nature of reality, and an in-depth account of the vast powers by which masters manipulate what we call "reality." Magical, enlightening, and richly entertaining, this narrative will stay with you forever. An incomparable book for anyone on a spiritual path or seeking greater knowledge and personal power. 2025 Edition, e-reader page count 733 (estimated, actual count varies with the reading device used). Includes a Supplemental Section with excerpts from companion volumes. For more information, please see the 'preview' feature on the bookseller's page. Thank you.
