In this 16th century illustration of the Kalachakra Tantra cosmology, we’re entering the realm where the Kalachakra Tantra was first practiced in a mythical land called Shambhala, which was ruled by enlightened kings. 👑 Shaped like an eight-petal lotus, this mandala world is surrounded by mountains and filled with numerous regions and villages, with the Kalachakra mandala palace at the center. But here’s the twist… This land isn’t on any map. It can only be entered it by purifying the inner universe through the Kalachakra practice, but what does that look like? 🌌 🌀 On our next episode of this series, we’ll explore how the human body is shown as the universe, with its outer and inner layer. New to this series? We’re taking a look at each of the sections of an illustration of Kalachakra cosmology from the Kalachakra Tantra. Visit the 🔗 in our bio to learn more about this artwork from our #SpiralMagazine 2025 Interdependence issue. #RubinMuseum #RubinGlobal