Shambhala

Circular map

In its simplest portrayal, Shambhala is a paradise hidden in the East Asian mountains. What we know about Shambhala is based on the Kalachakra Tantra, a series of books depicting meditations, disciplines and rituals belonging to Tibetan Buddhism, filtered through Western interpretations.
A more thorough understanding of Shambhala sees it as a Buddhist Pure Land, physical and spiritual in destination, run by enlightened Kings, known as Kalki. One cannot reach Shambhala simply through physical means, they must also have the right karma. Other views on Shambhala see it as the place where "the future messiah, Kalka Avatar, will appear" (Berzin 2). Although generally understood to be a place of peace, Shambhala also represents the coming of a new world order, its "destructive forces of regeneration...will do away with old outmoded ways of thinking and will establish a new world order of peace" (Berzin 7). Many different meanings have been associated with Shambhala, but most retain the idea that it is a source of enlightenment, power, and restoration.
Its geographical placement is understood to be inner Asia, around Tibet and India, although "exact" places have changed depending on what group or country wants to use it as a form of political leverage. The "first major exploitation of the Shambhala legend for political purposes" was done by Agvan Dorjiev, who was assistant tutor to the 13th Dalai Lama. By claiming Russia to be Shambhala, and Czar Nicholar II a reincarnation of an important figure in Tibetan Buddhist teachings, he managed to get the Dalai Lama to ally with Russia in exchange for Russia's military protection of Tibet. Unfortunately Dorjiev couldn't get any promised support from Russia other than a Buddhist temple being built in St. Petersburg, where a longevity ritual was held for the Romanov dynasty in honor of their being supposed descendants of Shambhala Kings. Mongolia has also claimed itself to be Shambhala. This claim resulted in invasion and widespread bloodshed of Chinese. Typically claims have not resulted in success.
In the Kalachakra teachings, it is said that when the world is consumed by corruption and greed, the 25th Kalki will lead an army from Shambhala to defeat Dark Forces and bring about a Golden Age.

Depiction of Kalki leading forces out of Shambhala

Relation to Against the Day

At the beginning of this week's reading we see mention of a character known as Madame Blavatsky. A real person in the 19th century, Madame Blavatsky was heavily involved in bringing about and contextualizing Eastern philosophy for the Western public. Back then not much was known about Eastern ideas, especially Tibetan Buddhism as Tibet was largely closed to foreigners in that time. Madame Blavatsky took what she could piece together of Eastern religions and connected them with better known myths and the occult when introducing the teachings. It was understood that "the Western public at that time had little acquaintance with Tibetan Buddhism" so she "decided to translate and explain the basic terms with more popularly known concepts from Hinduism and the Occult," which she was also well versed in (Berzin 1). Madame Blavatsky also founded the Theosophical society, which studied concepts in Eastern religions and would therefore look at Shambhala.
Later in Against the Day Professor Renfrew explains how the world's land connects, with "Inner Asia at its heart. Control Inner Asia, therefore, and you control the planet," hinting at a development in the plot (Pynchon 242). Historical many people have tried to gain control of or impersonate Shambhala to win political or religious power, it makes sense then in the novel that certain characters would try to continue that legacy.
The Chums of Chance receive a mission to find Shambhala while in Italy, or more accurately locate the "fabled Sfinciuno Itinerary, a map or chart of post-Polo routes into Asia, believed by many to lead to the hidden city of Shambhala itself" (Pynchon 248). Many people have been fascinated with the idea of Shambhala, ever since its introduction to Western civilization. This section of the book goes on the elaborate the dual significance of the hidden kingdom and the two philosophies people pursue when seeking it.
Now, as in Sfinciuno's time, there are two distinct versions of 'Asia' out there, one an object of political struggle among the Powers of the Earth--the other a timeless faith by whose terms all such earthly struggle is an illusion. Those whose enduring object is power in this world are only too happy to use without remorse the others, whose aim is of course to transcend all question of power. (Pynchon 249).
This explanation illuminates an interesting idea regarding the Chums, namely that they might be the latter group who wishes to transcend earthly issues. In seeking the Itinerary to find Shambhala then, they might be playing into the power-focused seekers of Shambhala, whose discovery of the land might result in great despair, possibly bringing about a new world order in the novel without their meaning it.

Bibliography
Benzin, Alexander. "Mistaken Foreign Myths about Shambhala." The Benzin Archives. December 2003. Web. 1 October 2012.
Pynchon, Thomas. Against the Day. New York: Penguin Books, 2006. Print.