Shangri-La and the High Lama

Questions and Answers

What power does the High Lama have?

He is telepathic.

Can the High Lama read Conway's mind?

True

Do the four have to stay forever?

True

What does the High Lama tell Conway is going to happen to them?

They will not be able to leave Shangri-La. They have been chosen to stay with them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the High Lama prefer to say instead of 'staying forever'?

'staying for good' Signup and view all the answers

How were they chosen to stay in Shangri-La?

They weren't specifically chosen, but they were looking for a certain age, nationality, race and other classifications. By chance, Talu got lucky. Signup and view all the answers

Which person does the High Lama have that they have never had before?

An American (Barnard) Signup and view all the answers

How long has it been since they had visitors?

20 years Signup and view all the answers

How did they overcome getting new people over the mountains?

Planes Signup and view all the answers

What obstacle did planes overcome?

Mountains Signup and view all the answers

Who was the pilot that brought Conway and the others to Shangri-La?

Talu Signup and view all the answers

What does the High Lama ask Conway to do?

Keep it a secret from the others that they are not going to be able to leave. Signup and view all the answers

What does the High Lama tell Conway will happen to them if they stay?

They will stay the same age for decades. Signup and view all the answers

What will happen when Conway turns about 160?

He will lose muscle and enjoyment of food. Signup and view all the answers

What will he gain?

wisdom and profundity Signup and view all the answers

What is the High Lama offering him?

time Signup and view all the answers

Is Conway ambitious or laid back?

False Signup and view all the answers

When did he lose his drive?

During World War I Signup and view all the answers

What does Conway think about staying forever?

He doesn't want to leave now, but he's not sure he wants to stay there 100 years. Signup and view all the answers

What does the High Lama say the vision of the lamasery is?

a world free of lust, war and brutality Signup and view all the answers

What does the High Lama think is wrong with countries today?

They are strong in all the wrong areas: violence Signup and view all the answers

What does he think is going to happen to the world?

The countries are all going to kill each other off. He calls it 'organized homicide'. Signup and view all the answers

What bible prophecy does he think will be fulfilled when that happens?

The meek will inherit the earth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Conway feel like doing at the end of the chapter that he has never done for another human being?

Kneeling down to the man. He kneels and says, 'I understand, Father.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Conway feel at the end of the chapter?

Serene, peaceful and happy Signup and view all the answers

Who does the High Lama tell Conway about that was referenced earlier in the book?

The pupil of Chopin Signup and view all the answers

Who does the High Lama see as being 'successful' acquisitions to Shangri-La?

Nordic and Latin Signup and view all the answers

Who does the High Lama see as being 'failures' to Shangri-La?

He says Tibetans and Chinese will live past 100, but there are a high number of failures with them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the High Lama find fascinating about how Conway responds to being told he will be there forever?

Conway is calm and interested. Everyone else has been either mad, hysterical, distressed, or indignant. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mallinson want Conway to ask the High Lama?

When the porters were going to be there. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brinklow want Conway to ask the High Lama?

If they could station a missionary there. Signup and view all the answers

How does Conway describe the High Lama?

Old, intelligent and speaks perfect English Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mallinson get mad?

He wants Conway to be the hero he was in Baskul Signup and view all the answers

What does Conway realize he will have to do?

Live two lives. To his friends he has to act like he wants to leave and return to India, but really he wants to stay. Signup and view all the answers

How old was Chang when he came there?

He was 22 and a soldier. Signup and view all the answers

When did Chang begin to age?

When he was 70. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Russian when he left Shangri-La?

He was captured. Everyone thought he was dead. When he came back, he had aged all his years. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to people when they leave Shangri-La?

They age quickly to their true age. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the German?

Meister Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Chopin pupil?

Alphonso Briac - a Frenchman Signup and view all the answers

What was Lo-Tsen before she came to live there?

An 18 year old princess. Signup and view all the answers

What was she doing before she came to live there?

She was on her way to get married. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Lo Tsen?

Over 100 Signup and view all the answers

How long does everyone think it will be before the High Lama sees Conway again?

5 years Signup and view all the answers

How long is it actually before he sees the High Lama?

1 month Signup and view all the answers

What is different about the High Lama apartment?

It has special heating and humidity to maintain his old age. Signup and view all the answers

What does Shangri-La remind Conway of?

Oxford University (where he went to college) Signup and view all the answers

Who is the only person the High Lama thinks is going to give them trouble?

Maillinson Signup and view all the answers

What is Chang looking forward to?

Receiving full initiation at 98 Signup and view all the answers

How does Conway refer to 'Time'?

a monster that is going to pounce on the slackers who have evaded him if they leave Shangri-La. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chang say is the first step to a lama's training?

Putting their past into perspective. Signup and view all the answers

How does the High Lama react to the comparison of Shangri-La and Oxford?

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

High Lama and Powers

The High Lama possesses telepathic abilities, enabling him to read Conway's mind.
He has made the decision that Conway and the others will stay in Shangri-La indefinitely, preferring the term "staying for good."

Selection and Visitors

The group wasn't deliberately chosen; it was a matter of chance that Talu found a diverse group of individuals.
They haven't had visitors for 20 years; the arrival of Conway and others is significant.
Planes are used to overcome the mountainous barriers that previously limited their access to new people.

Life in Shangri-La

If they stay, Conway will remain the same age for decades; wisdom and deeper understanding will come with time.
By around age 160, Conway will lose physical vitality but will gain profound wisdom.
The High Lama views Shangri-La as a sanctuary from the violence prevalent in other countries.

Concerns About the World

The High Lama predicts that nations will lead themselves to destruction through war, calling it "organized homicide."
He hopes for Shangri-La's survival amidst global turmoil, referencing the Biblical prophecy that "the meek will inherit the earth."

Conway's Emotions and Reflections

At the chapter's end, Conway feels serene and happy, expressing deep understanding toward the High Lama.
He realizes he will need to live two lives: one outwardly desiring to leave, while internally wanting to stay in Shangri-La.

Background of Other Characters

Characters like Chang, who sought refuge during his youth, age only after a significant period of time in Shangri-La.
Meister is identified as the German in the group, while Alphonso Briac is noted as a pupil of Chopin.
Lo-Tsen, an over 100-year-old princess, was on her way to get married before arriving in Shangri-La.

Future Interactions and Lifespan

The High Lama humorously notes that he will see Conway again in one month, despite the group's expectation of five years.
Chang looks forward to a full initiation at the age of 98, and the first step in a lama's training involves gaining perspective on one's past.

Time and Change

The High Lama's apartment is designed with special heating and humidity to maintain his age.
Conway metaphorically refers to "Time" as a predator targeting those who attempt to evade its effects.
The High Lama finds humorous the comparison between Shangri-La and a university, showing his appreciation for Conway's perspective.

Emotional Conflicts

Mallinson's frustration stems from Conway not embodying the heroics he displayed in previous encounters, creating tension within the group.
Conway's contemplation of Shangri-La's timelessness contrasts with the realities of the outside world and his previous ambitions, particularly diminished by his experiences in World War I.

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Description

Explore the intriguing world of Shangri-La, a sanctuary where time and wisdom intertwine. This quiz delves into the High Lama's telepathic abilities and his vision for the future of Conway and his companions. Understand the significance of selecting visitors and the implications of life in this mystical place.