Tibet harbors numerous mysteries and secrets, among which is the enigmatic “hall of the sleepers.” Local lore suggests that one cannot simply enter this place as though it were an ordinary room. Instead, astral reincarnation is required. To onlookers, the individual’s body will appear inert, yet through the “third eye,” they will journey to realms beyond the reach of mere mortals.
It is believed that, millennia ago, humans possessed superpowers, enabling them to journey to the realm of the Gods and other dimensions, transcending their physical form. Today, such abilities seem lost to humanity for various reasons. Nonetheless, there are instances where individuals experience this phenomenon spontaneously, without conscious intent. Notably, even the most enlightened monks cannot deliberately access the “hall of the sleepers,” leading to multiple theories about its inhabitants.
Constant de Deken’s diary
Several years ago, the diary of the renowned Belgian explorer Constant de Deken was auctioned in Bruges. His life’s work was the exploration of Tibet, and he managed to visit many places of great importance to Tibetans. His rapport with the locals enabled him to access sacred sites and remarkable landmarks.
His journey began with a botanical mission to China. Captivated by the knowledge of alchemists, botanists, and medicine, he was eager to acquire the wisdom of Tibetan monks, who were rumored to possess the ability to cure any disease using minerals and plants. The records of his expedition are preserved in the State Museum of Belgium.
Altogether, Deken undertook approximately ten extensive expeditions to Tibet. Furthermore, his final expedition was not only prolonged, but he also chose to settle near the Tien Shan Mountains. Over the course of three years, he forged friendships with the locals, explored numerous temples, and consistently showed his appreciation and respect for the Tibetan people.
One day, Erdem, a monk who was acquainted with him, invited Deken to meet with the elder. Following their discussion, Deken was escorted out of the temple’s inner sanctum. He detailed the subsequent events in his diary, which was recently auctioned off to a private collector.
“I received an invitation to explore the ‘sleepers’ cave’ on Mount Tien Shan. Erdem, my friend, informed me that I would be the first European to set foot there. This is an immense honor for me, possibly the pinnacle of my life.”
Later that day, as evening approached, Deken and three local monks serving as guides arrived at the cave’s entrance. They removed several flat stones, revealing a hidden passage behind them.
Deken entered and was greeted by numerous Buddha statues in gold, wood, and stone, representing the deity in various forms. The hall spanned approximately 8-10 meters. A passage led deeper from this room. Erdem beckoned the researcher, and they proceeded down the passage. Ahead lay another hall where elders sat, some resembling mummies, others appearing alive.
The Belgian was incredulous at the sight of people in a sealed cave, especially given the low temperature, barely above 7 degrees Celsius. Inquiring about the figures before them, the monk explained that these were sages in a state of samadhi, their consciousness departed from their bodies, journeying to other realms. He said they would awaken in time to impart their wisdom to future generations.
Constant was astonished and skeptical of their vitality. Upon requesting to touch one, Erdem hesitantly agreed. To his surprise, the elder felt significantly warmer than the air.
“He is indeed alive!” Constant exclaimed. “Silence,” the monk cautioned. “They must not be roused unwillingly, lest their consciousness fails to return.”
References to the “hall of the sleepers” appear in various sources, often suggesting that in times of peril to humanity, sages, sorcerers, and magicians in a state of samadhi will awaken to save the Earth from destruction. It’s uncertain if the monks from this cave are the aforementioned sages-magicians. However, it is evident that our world experiences not only technological advancement but also spiritual progress. Perhaps there is truth in this for humanity.
One account from the 20th century mentions only two individuals who have entered this chamber. A local yogi in 1959 recounted a meditation experience where he detached from his body and found himself in a vast room. Towering crystal sculptures of rulers from ancient civilizations stood dozens of meters tall, with their subjects kneeling at their feet.
These figures appeared alive yet dormant. Further on, an even larger hall housed three sarcophagi crafted from pinkish-orange glass, each flickering subtly. Inside, with eyes closed, lay enormous beings, none resembling humans: one with dark blue skin, another with pale, nearly translucent skin, and a third with matte gray skin. The yogi, overwhelmed by fear, abruptly returned to his physical body.
The second fortunate individual to enter the “hall of the sleepers” was an Italian priest who traveled to Tibet to deepen his understanding of the local religion. Enzo Corradi embarked on a journey to Asia in 1990, and it was during this trip that he experienced what he described as an “epiphany.” After engaging with the local monks, he chose to embark on the pilgrimage route they traverse every three days. As he navigated the rocky landscape, the Italian was overcome by an unprecedented sense of lightness.
Seconds later, Enzo realized he was no longer grounded and observed his body from above. Suddenly, he plummeted through the rocky sky. Darkness enveloped him, then a bright light illuminated a vast, rounded hall adorned with colossal statues. The illumination didn’t stem from any fire or lamps; rather, the chamber itself seemed to be the source. Remarkably, he also beheld large, transparent sculptures, akin to those seen by a yogi 31 years prior.
Within the hall, the priest found he could no longer fly; he could only walk, despite lacking physical form. He felt no temperature, no pressure, no solidity—only observation. He believed this hall to be part of a larger, even more magnificent chamber. It housed three enormous sarcophagi, each encasing human-like giants of varying skin tones. Behind them lay a small circle on the ground, above which a blue orb hovered, spinning and morphing.
This was the final vision that Enzo witnessed. After completing the pilgrimage route, the Italian returned to Lhasa and shared his “insight.” His story was deemed a great miracle, and he was invited to remain and serve in a Tibetan monastery. However, Corradi departed Tibet, went back to Empoli, and resumed his Catholic ministry.
Tibetan monks and priests generally hold a belief in the “hall of sleepers,” where, they say, the leaders of ancient pre-flood civilizations lie in deep slumber. They are thought to rise with their forces to defend our world from annihilation when it faces peril. Alongside this “hall of sleepers,” there is believed to be a network of the ancient tombs of seven magicians, who are also considered protectors of our planet.
8 scientists descended into the secret dungeons of Tibet. How did the search for the entrance to Shambhala end?
In 2007, eight scientists from the United States vanished under mysterious circumstances. Christopher Mabel led an expedition to Tibet, believing he had discovered how to access a portal to the sacred realm of Shambhala. Accompanying him were his wife, historian Linda Mabel, and seven colleagues from diverse scientific disciplines. Christopher’s plan was to open the portal without entering, due to the unknown risks of such travel and the uncertainty of return. Assisted by local monks and guides, the group arrived at the base of Mount Kailash, where they sought a “key” to unlock the entrance to a subterranean chamber within the mountain, the site of the ancient portal.
Despite their efforts, the passage eluded them on the first day. Yet, at night, a moonbeam struck a stone encrusted with ice crystals, causing the light to fracture into multiple beams, each splitting further into several streams of light.
Christopher observed the “magical” phenomenon throughout the night. In the morning, when the moon’s rays converged unexpectedly at a single point, he discovered a passage. Overcome with sleepiness, he requested his colleagues to let him rest briefly before the most crucial moment of their expedition.
Hours later, the anticipated event unfolded. As the leader slumbered, the stone slab sealing the entrance was removed, readying for the descent into the dungeon. Concurrently, an incident with the locals occurred. They strictly prohibited any contact with the stone and hastily departed when the removal commenced.
Christopher inspected the entrance within Mount Kailash. A staircase descended, its steps markedly worn, indicating great antiquity. Breathing was unexpectedly easy, a rarity in enclosed spaces such as rooms, caves, and dungeons. Christopher appeared to intuitively know the way forward.
At the staircase’s end, two pathways presented themselves to the explorers. The man swiftly selected one, leading the group further into the depths. The walls bore peculiar symbols and illustrations, akin to abstract art and cryptic script. Occasionally, intriguing stone sculptures resembling thrones or pedestals were encountered, which once evidently supported something significant.
The scientists found themselves in a spacious hall. Its shape was ambiguous from the inside, but Christopher insisted it was pentagonal. At the center of the ceiling hung an image of two eyes, a motif commonly associated with Tibet. He retrieved a book from his backpack and began to read.
A small blue dot materialized in the center of the hall. It expanded as he read, growing to about a meter across. Within, only a white mist could be seen.
“We’ve done it!” Christopher shouted, just as a gust of wind swept through the hall. The participants were drawn into the portal one after another, all except Linda Mabel, who dashed to the hall’s far end. She yelled, struggling against an unseen force.
The monks rushed into the hall, one of them clad in golden armor or a costume resembling armor, clutching an amulet in his hand. They formed a human chain, holding hands.
The man closest to the portal, adorned in the same golden attire, cried out, extending the amulet in his hand. Within moments, the portal began to shrink and then sealed shut completely. Despite her attempts to discuss the individuals lost through the portal, the woman was expelled from Tibet.
Meanwhile, in Boston, Linda sought assistance. She recounted all that she had witnessed and endured. The relevant authorities reached out to the Chinese government, specifically the leader of the Tibetan diaspora, but all denied any such events occurring. Whether Linda’s husband truly succeeded in opening a portal to Shambhala or another realm remains a mystery. Officially, all eight members of the expedition were reported missing.
