Exploring the Mystical Realms of Cerdagne and Shangri-La

The Cerdagne region, a high valley bathed in sunlight and overshadowed by the majestic Carlit pyramid, evokes the essence of Shangri-La—a serene Tibetan valley nestled at the foot of the Karakal, timeless and suspended in space. This enchanting landscape is reminiscent of the idyllic haven described by James Hilton in his novel Lost Horizon.

In Lost Horizon, we follow the journey of Robert Conway, a British consul in Afghanistan, who, amidst the chaos of a revolution, finds himself in Tibet. There, he stumbles upon an isolated and benevolent principality, guided by the enigmatic figure known as the Great Lama. This hidden valley, with minimal connections to the outside world, has nurtured a unique society over the centuries—one that is calm, wise, and peaceful, practicing virtues with moderation and temperance.

Much like Castalia from Hesse's The Glass Bead Game, the Foundation from Asimov's Foundation, and the medieval monasteries, Shangri-La serves as a sanctuary—a refuge for those who seek to live and work away from the tumult of the world. It also acts as a preservative against the chaos and destruction that human folly can unleash upon its most remarkable creations.

In this secluded island, lost amidst a sea of mountains and untouched by the stains of history, one can sense a memory of Eden—a world that remains blissful, untouched by the fall. However, intriguingly, both Hilton's Shangri-La and Hesse's Castalia (along with the scriptorium monasteries) present a notion of perfection that is predicated on exclusion. Notably, this exclusion manifests in the absence of women, who are portrayed as somewhat dangerous beings, capable of unsettling men's hearts and sowing doubt in their noble intentions.

Robert Conway finds himself at a crossroads, willing to forsake the mundane life he has never truly cherished. Yet, his thoughts are troubled by the captivating eyes of Lo-Tsen, a young Manchu princess also stranded in Shangri-La. As Conway later realizes, her affections do not lie with him. But is this truly a misfortune? It seems that, in the minds of both Hilton and Frank Capra, who adapted the story into a film, this diversion of male intentions by feminine charm serves as a vital moment in the spiritual journey. It allows the soul to transcend mere intellectual admiration and embrace true love and spirituality. Without this necessary detour, as seen in the character of the Great Lama, the pursuit may remain somewhat empty, flawed, and perhaps impure.

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As I delve into this narrative, the musical backdrop of Lost Horizon, composed by Burt Bacharach for the 1973 remake directed by Charles Jarrott, accompanies my thoughts. This somewhat baroque musical piece, though often underestimated, features the talents of Liv Ullmann and the exquisite melodies of Bacharach.

Horizons perdus, translated from English by Hélène Godart, is published by Les Belles Lettres.