About Secrets of the Ancient World, Shangri-La: The Himalayan Journals of M.G. Hawking:
Explore the first modern account of the reality of an extraordinary legend that has endured from the very threshold of history, the Fabled Lost World of Shangri-La. First depicted in the novel ‘Lost Horizon’ (Hilton, 1933), the concept for Shangri-La was inspired by the legends of Shambhala that are so prevalent in the ancient wisdom traditions of cultures throughout the Himalayan regions of Asia and beyond.
Scholars relate that the 4000 year-old scriptures of the pre-Tibetan Zhang Zhung culture are the earliest extant references to this mysterious realm, yet it is represented in a wide range of ancient texts: the pre-Buddhist B’on writings, the Kalki lore, the Puranas, in the earliest texts of the Kalachakra Laghutantra (c. 500 BC), and in the even more ancient Kalachakra Mulatantra (c. 900 BC). The Zhang Zhung and Tibetan scriptures refer to the hidden sanctuary as Shambhala I lam-yig, B’on writings as Olmolungring, Hindu histories as Aryavarth, Chinese as Hsi Tien, and Russian traditions as Belovoyde. In the Western world, it has of course become best known as Shambhala, Shamballa, or Shangri-La.
On an extended trek in a closed and largely unexplored inner region of the majestic Himalayan wilderness, in an isolated valley surrounded by vast snow fields and towering ice peaks, explorer M.G. Hawking chanced on a beautiful small village where he encountered remarkable men and women, introduced to him as “masters” and “adepts.”
Our team at Wisdom Masters Press has worked diligently to compose a series of books based on Hawking’s records of his sixty-two months in that remote region of the Himalayas. This was a complex assignment; Hawking had accumulated hundreds upon hundreds of pages of hand-written journal notes and field notes, all of which had to be sorted, cataloged, and organized in a manner conducive to producing books from such a treasury of material. Yet it was a fascinating if formidable task, one which so often filled us with a deep sense of wonder and inspiration.
This book, the passage to Shangri-La, contains an anthology drawn from both the primary series and the companion volumes. These anthological narratives contain detailed accounts of Hawking’s various experiences and conversations, including first-hand accounts of the psychokinetic abilities he witnessed and in-depth descriptions of his discussions with the masters and sages, revealing the esoteric knowledge that made such extraordinary abilities possible.
A truly incomparable book for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge, and notably fascinating for anyone interested in exploring the realities underlying the ancient legends of Shangri-La. 2023 Edition, e-reader page count 278 (estimated, varies with the reading device used). For more information, please see the ‘Read sample’ feature on the book’s Amazon page. Thank you.
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Author Bio:
M.G. Hawking is an avid traveler, adventurer, and writer. Devoted to exploring remote areas of the globe to discover regions unknown to the Western world, always in search of extraordinary people and experiences, he has found many, especially in the Great Range of the Himalayas, the setting for many of his books. His focus is documenting profound wisdom traditions and revealing the knowledge and power they convey. Hawking is the author of the book series, ‘In The Valley of Supreme Masters,’ along with its associated companion volumes. When not traveling, he spends his time working on projects related to presenting books of an esoteric nature with his wonderful team in Northern California. Heather Cantrell, M.Litt., contributor and editor for Wisdom Masters Press, is an experienced world traveler. Having been born in Nepal to British parents who were teachers in various parts of Asia, she has extensive experience in the Himalayas, and is a devoted equestrian and animal lover. Amber Chellings, M.Phil., contributor and newsletter director, is an avid photographer, outdoor enthusiast and ardent equestrian. Jenna Wolfe, Ph.D., our exceptional research expert, contributor and book content supervisor, is a primary link to our numerous academic technical advisers.