Definition:
Shambhala is a word used in both Hindu and Buddhist
esoteric writings. In Hindu writings Shambhala is identified as
the birthplace of Kalki – an avatar of Vishnu who, it is said,
will herald the dawning of a golden age of truth. Several of Mahendranath’s
published and unpublished writings refer to the importance of Shambhala.
In Buddhist writings it is referred to externally as the location
where Buddha taught the Kalachakra Tantra and esoterically as the
tathagatagarbha, buddha-nature, the essence of all things. It transcends
existence and non-existence and is the ground of both samsara and
nirvana.
Definition: Calyx:
(Botanical) The outer part of a flower, usually consisting of green,
leafy sepals.
Taken together Shambhala
Calyx suggests the outermost parts to the kingdom of Shambhala.
Shambhala Calyx
is an autonomous group inside the Western householder transmission
of the Nath Sampradaya. It has evolved from a group created by Vishvanath
during the mid 80’s under charter from AMOOKOS and has continued
to pioneer a contemporary investigative and experimental approach
to Tantrika. Mahendranath outlined our approach in the Nath Code
and Protocol. He wrote “In the inner sanctum of our temple
is the magical laboratory where all things are subjected to Investigation.
Then, those acceptable go through Experimentation, for all things
must be tested. Then there is Documentation so that those who come
after can be guided by our methods”.
Active investigation
and experimentation will always touch our lives more intimately
than externally produced systems of thought, untested beliefs, other
peoples views or accepted patterns of behaviour. For us our lineage
is about pursuing mastery (the meaning of the word Nath) though
the triple powers of think, decide and act.
In common with
our sister group, the Garuda Gana, we use the hierarchic relationship
of Guru and Shishya (pupil) to evolve beyond the need for hierarchy
on the basis that “when the pupil is ready, the master will
disappear”.
Shambhala Calyx
is part of a much broader dissemination of Mahendranath’s
vision that takes many different forms. These include: International
Nath Order; shivashakti.com; Servants of the Star and Snake, Kaula
Nath Gana and many others.
If you would
like to find out more about the work of Shambhala Calyx or would
like to get in touch please email us.