First is the strong wish to put an end to the sufferings of ordinary beings' experience. These range from the relative pleasure of gods and humans to the pain and distress of animals, hungry ghosts and the denizens of hell. In addition, a practitioner must have a strong wish to attain enlightenment for the sake of others and a correct view of reality. Originally the Kalachakra mandala was associated principally with the kingdom of Shambhala, that is, an entire community. Nowadays, no one knows where Shambhala is, but it still seems to exist, though people cannot see it or communicate with it in an ordinary way.
Some people suggest that it is located on another planet, others that it is like a pure land.
Whatever the answer may be, the scriptures indicate that there will be further beneficial relations between Shambhala and our world in the future. Unlike other mandalas, which concern the individual practitioner alone, the Kalachakra mandala is related to the community, to global society as a whole. Popularly, one benefit of receiving the initiation is that although you may not be fully prepared, you make a connection with Shambhala. Therefore, when Shambhala does eventually interact with our world community, there will be some positive effect. I believe too that giving the initiation to large gatherings of people has the effect of creating a strong positive bond among all who are present and so plants fertile seeds of peace.