Chapter 7 Summary

A lifelong diplomat, Conway has met other potentates. Nevertheless, he is excited to meet the High Lama. In particular, he wants to see if some of his theories about Shangri-La are correct. Chang leads Conway up a spiral stairway and through some corridors. The atmosphere and air become heavier and darker until they enter an apartment with a low roof. The High Lama sits alone at a chair next to a table. Chang leaves them alone.

The High Lama is a wizened old man who is very polite and speaks perfect English. As they begin a tea ceremony, Conway confesses that he has lived in China for a few years (a fact he has not shared with Chang). According to custom, they chat only in small talk until the tea bowls are taken away. Then the High Lama begins a complex history of...