The concept of Shambhala was also corrupted by James Hilton into Shangri-la for his novel Lost Horizon. There are numerous other parallels (beyond the title) that can be drawn between Lost Horizon and Lost, primarily revolving around the nature of the island, which may very well be a “Shambala:”
Both have the main story precipitated by an airplane crash bringing Westerners to a remote, hidden location
This remote location has “miraculous” properties of extending life and improving health
Both have an ancient man providing guidance (High Lama/Jacob)
Both have a “helper” to the ancient man who appears to be great, but somehow is not qualified for a higher position within the Utopian society (Chang/Richard)
Both have a central figure among the westerners leave, and then expend a great deal of energy in attempting to return (Conway/Jack)
