Shambhala is a no drugs, no alcohol, restaurant and backpackers inn located on a clothing optional beach in Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico. For twenty-eight years it has been offered by Gloria Esperanza as a sacred ground devoted to heralding the truths common to all spiritual traditions.

   Right now Shambhala needs more spiritual "presence," more energy aimed at spiritual surrender, ego surrender (as opposed to trendy and seductive psychic manipulations). Shambhala is an embryonic ashram. We have the perfect semi-tropical climate on the ocean. We have some facilities - a meditation area on the cliff, and accommodations ranging from hammocks to cabanas. We have occasional Buddhist meditation and yoga classes taught by itinerant devotees. We have the right vibes - travelers are drawn by the unpretentious, cleansing atmosphere. What we don't have are enough accomplished teachers.

   We support fifteen local people through the activities of the restaurant and cabanas. It is both a blessing and a burden to be thus melded into the local community. This is a responsibility which becomes part of the equation of how we handle the future evolution of Shambhala. We are merged into the family of the people and the land here in Oaxaca, and it is our vision to join these in an up-welling of spiritual energy on this small cliff overlooking these dark blue waters on the eastern rim of the Pacific.

   This is not about money. It is about spirituality. It's less expensive to get here than Asia, but what most travelers come here for now is sun and a freeform "60's" ambiance. We endeavor to keep nudity and marijuana off the sacred ground while encouraging personal exploration and growth. Also, we have acquired some forested land inland on a small river which we are developing into a spiritual retreat center. Zipolite is a cosmopolitan beach. Spiritual seeds planted here will fly on the jet winds to every continent.