the 99 palms that she let open for us in full view.
We could see the neatly folded palm scriptures with many strange words in black ink, all clasped together by a gold spiral. It looked like a very expensive photo album. It was evident that Monica’s family had taken good care of the 99 Palms for all pages were laminated for the clasp was shining and new. The box that held these scriptures was an expensive one bought from a Tibetan handicrafts emporium.
“I have been able to decipher only half of what’s written in here and I speak for four generation of archeologists. For the remaining, we have been in the hunt of a translator, an Indian astrologer who goes beyond than just reading ancient scriptures. We have figured out much on how to find the Lost city of gold called ‘Shambala’, however, I do not know much about the secrets of the Nine Unknown. I have sought the expertise of a fellow French Astrologer, who is supposed to have dedicated her life to ancient Buddhist scriptures. Her name is Dr. Geri Traver and I want you to meet her once I tell you everything I know about Shambala. You must learn about the Nine Unknown from these 99 Palm scriptures if you have to find the treasure of Emperor Ashoka that is fiercely protected by these Nine Unknown…” said Monica, quickly covering the 99 Palms and closing the box.
“Here, these 99 Palm scriptures are yours from now on. We have a deal, make me proud”, said Monica as she handed over the box to Goose as we looked on. We definitely had something brewing between the two of them.
“Yes, we do, trust me to keep our word to you. Now tell us everything about Shambala, how do we find this lost city of gold? Tell us everything you know!” said Goose, pointing to the rest of us. I suppose, we were his flunkeys when it came to Monica.
Shambala, the Lost City of Gold:
Taking a deep breath, Monica said, “These scriptures seem to point to a mythical place. This is a lost city of Gold, a lost world, the scriptures of 99 Palms refers to it as ‘Shambala’. In Tibetan Buddhist and Indian Buddhist traditions, it is a mythical kingdom hidden somewhere in Innermost Asia. You must have read about it?”
Goose nodded in acknowledgement. Hell! The last book that the boy had read had been a menu card, that too with great difficulty, and now he was showing off in front of this beautiful woman.
“Great! So you know. Various ancient scriptures, including the Kalachakra Tantra speak of this legendary Kingdom where there is an abundance of gold and precious stones. In a nutshell, this is a Lost City of Gold that may probably contain the untold riches and wealth of Emperor Ashoka. Shambala, the Sanskrit word means peace and tranquility, a legend we also call - Paradise”, said Monica smiling as her lips made an upward curl that made her look even more beautiful.
Monica seemed to be enjoying the wide-eyed audience for she knew she’s struck the right chord with us. She played on our greed. Finally, this was beginning to get exciting for she spoke about money.
“Wow! Cool! We’re talking about finding paradise? Not just unlimited gold and treasure? Damn! This is fantastic. How do the Buddhists know all this?” quipped Hound, his eyes lit up like Motormouth’s headlights when he spoke.
“Yes, Hound. Shambala, per ancient Tibetan scriptures, is referred to as a community of highly evolved beings and minds, where semi-perfect humans swell. This place is also considered the birthplace of ‘Kalachakra’, the most evolved field of Tibetan mysticism. The ancient lamas of Tibet knew a lot, much beyond what we historians can ever know” replied Monica as she shifted her cute butt on the rock. Goose stared at the rock, eyes blazing as if admonishing it. The fool in love.
“This lost city of gold, Shambala, Natalie had explained to us. What do the 99 Palms say about it?” I asked, briefly remembering Dr. Natalie Jackson with respect.
“Shambala is Paradise. There are no
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