The Christian Bible teaches that all life began in the Garden of Eden, a mystical place where no one would age, grow sick, or die. This Garden was described as having every creature within it living in harmony, and having fruits of every tree. In the center was the tree of life, from which Adam and Eve were not supposed to eat. Doing so would have them expelled from the garden.

Is it just coincidence then that in Buddhism, there is a parallel story found? Namely the story of Shambala?

Shambala is described sometimes as being a city, but most other times as being this great valley in which resides a perfect city. This valley is lush, having plants from all over the world growing in it. Those that live in Shambala never age, and never grow sick, nor do they die. There is no anger, nor race there, only life in perfect harmony. In the center of Shambala is the great tree of life, producing a fruit that when eaten gives the person who eats it eternal life.

The two stories there sound VERY similar, and yet Buddhism and Christianity developed on opposites sides of the world. Is this coincidence, or perhaps something else? Something more spiritual in manner?
Nirvana is a state of being, not a place.

The Buddha described Nirv??a as the perfect peace of the state of mind that is free from craving, anger and other afflictive states. The subject is at peace with the world, has compassion for all and gives up obsessions and fixations.

(I'm Buddhist)