Symbolism and Meaning in Gaps in Shambhala

Gopi Sapkota

Gopi Sapkota

The movie ‘Shambhala’ is now talk of town in Nepal, and may be in other countries among the movie makers and critics.

It’s been couple of days that I watched this movie, and it still reels in my head; and I think that’s the success of the movie.

If anyone asks what the movie is about, I will package the answers with three words: Himalayas, Culture and Buddhism.

It’s the story of mountain’s life and culture, where a girl is married to three brothers. Then it further shows the struggle of the girl.

While watching the movie, it looks like that whole movie is roaming around the search for Tashi, who did not return home from Lhasa, after hearing the news of Pema’s pregnancy, as the rumours spread that she was having illicit relationship with Ram sir, one of the teachers from the local school, where Dawa, the youngest husband of  Pema goes for his study. Pema was pregnant and the villagers think that she is having Ram sir’s baby in her womb.

The central question in the movie is – who is the father of the unborn child?  Few people ask the same question to Pema, but she doesn’t tell anything to anyone. Her silence generates further questions and increases the volume of suspicion which was already prevailing in the society.

In one of the scenes, there is a conversation between Rinpoche and Pema; where Pema tells Rinpoche that she had a dream where, the yak slowly walked towards her and stared with compassionate eyes. Then the yak entered into her womb. She further tells that a golden light emanated from her body, and she transformed into Shambhala.

Then Rinpoche replied, ‘Shambhala, that’s my reincarnations wish land. Now you will fulfil my long awaited wish.’

This is where the Director leaves his mark showing where he is leading to, but the audience’s expectation is more towards finding out the truth about the father of unborn child.

Another scene I like is the one where Karma and Pema are in a mission to find Tashi and are resting in the hill. Karma finds a flower and tells Pema that ‘This flower will be beautiful on your hair’

Then Pema replies, ‘No. Let the flowers bloom.’

This shows the switch of Karma’s inclination to worldly affairs, and Pema’s to spiritual. In an ordinary situation, Pema would love to have the flower whereas Karma would protect the flower from being plucked.

That was just a temporary feeling of Karma resulted from their togetherness for a while; and it was a way of Karma expressing his love to Pema. However, Karma quickly switches back to his spiritual world.

Another scene I like in terms of its artistic presentation is the one outside the house of an elderly lady, who had shared some information about Tashi to Pema and Karma, and had also mentioned that Tashi supported her during the hard times, and Tashi still respects her like his mother.

In the scene, we see Pema milking the yak and letting the calf to have milk once she gets some of the milk. This is when the mother figure arrives with some khadas, and offers them to Karma and Pema wishing them all the best. Her love to Pema and Karma has been symbolised through the yak feeding its calf.

The movie focuses on detailing and it moves slowly until the last minute. However, it speeds up towards the end. It leaves that gap for audiences to fill in. And, I think the meanings are hidden in the gaps. A good film maker tries to tell the meaning without telling and showing directly but leaving it in the gaps.  

Pema meets Tashi in the cave although it has not been shown directly but the camera moves from Pema’s point of view; as such audience needs to understand it without any further explanation.

The words carved by Tashi in the cave stones are to communicate his thoughts and feelings that were carved in his mind and heart for a while. The power of thoughts in his mind is so strong that they are like the words carved in the stone. Tashi returns home with Pema following his expression of thoughts and feelings to her. This part was also hidden in the gap, and audience were to understand it.

I don't want to talk about how the movie ends as it would spoil the curiosity of audiences, who are still to watch it.

The mountains have been beautifully captured by creative hands of the cinematographer. Some of the shots were like beautiful painting.

It's not an easy task to make a movie in the Himalayan region, as it demands huge amount of motivation, dedication and patience; for which the entire team of the movie deserves a big appreciation.

I congratulate the director Min Bahadur Bham and his team for the beautiful and meaningful creation. And, I wish all the best for further success of the movie.

Gossiping with Thamel

Ishwor Kadel

Poet Ishwor Kadel

Last evening

Andrey- a Russian I knew a decade ago

took me to a restaurant in Chhetrapaati

where all the tables were occupied

drinking Tongba in silver pots

with varieties of buff meat

smoking cigarettes

and listening to the Bolleywood or Kolleywood songs of 90s.

An old man of 70

with a pretty long beard and mustache

from one of the busy tables

offered us seats calling me Hemingway.

To my surprise,

I looked at him...taller than I am

in a hat, a T-shirt and a trousers

been abstaining soap and water for so long

drinking waasa in a small glass

he smiled an artificial smile

offered his plate of buff chilly to taste

and said again that I looked like Hemingway.

He went on-

I am Michael

a doctor from Russia- a psychiatrist

a reputed one for so long

love cheapest of the cheap food and drink

only half plate

in the morning and the evening

you know, you look like Hemingway.

O dai-

add a glass of Waasa more

from the same bottle you offered me before

and a plate of spicy bhatmas

for this new friend

who looks like Hemingway.

Do you know how it feels when war breaks?

I said- yes, a bit. My country suffered domestic war for more than a decade.

Do you know how it feels to be a jobless at once?

I replied- I can imagine only.

Have you ever run away from your country to save your life?

I said- not yet..but have heard the story of the refugees.

Leave all these fuckin' things dear

Buff chilly, Choyeka, sukuti and Tongba or raksi

are tastier than our talks.

did I tell you something?

you look like Hemingway.

Andrey filled his Tongba pot with hot water the third time

moved the pipe slowly

and had a mouthfull of Tongba couple of times

and asked me- please tell us what you know about Russia - Ukraine war?

tell us what the media tells you.

I took a sip of local home- made raksi

chewed a piece of hot and spicy buff chhoyela

and told them about Russian armies in Russia- Ukraine border,

Creama and Lohnsk and Donestk of Ukraine envaded by Russia.

Michael was busy on using toothpick

he stopped for a while and said- "you are right" in his accent.

Andrey looked at me and just gave a smile.

he said- you are smarter than you look like.

Michael took two pieces of Chhoyela in his both hands

he said - the one on my right hand is the shark

and the other`s Santiago´s fish

and you look like Hemingway.

The smoke in the room had no escape

yet Michael and Andrey were smoking like other regular visitors did.

Andrey- you know, we have lost our jobs. The state wants the people join the war if we stay in Russia.

Michael- yes, we have to. And we hate the war.

many of us are going to other neighboring countries.

and Michael and I both chose Nepal.

like Santiago chose to fight with Marlin

and you look like Hemingway.

It´s 9:30, Andrey said.

Michael emptied his glass and ate the rest of MoMo on his plate

Andrey was still adding hot water in his Tongba

he said- this hotel serves tongba in cheap price- only 150/-

it has a good flavor.

I asked for the bill

the owner replied- 750/-

the wife of the owner said- Andey have to pay for 2 plates of MoMo this morning

the owner did the total sum

Andrey and Michael asked for leave with the other people in the hotel

and asked me- Can you give me 50/- rupees?

Michael wants to drink black tea

and both of us don´t have any money.

Thank you for the dinner dear Hemingway- Michael added.

I gave 150/- to Andrey

Andrey walked with me till Nursing Chok

we stood beside the coffee shop

the aroma of strong black coffee was around

Andrey asked me - Do you like black coffee?

I said- Do you mind a cup of black coffee?

he smiled and gave a thumps up

It was 10:30

Thamel was yet to get crowded

Andrew said- you don´t need to go to people

but people come here from every nook and corner at Nursing chok.

he gave me a hug

and said- when you lose everything you have owned, the universe starts offering you what it has.

I just smiled

and asked myself- What man lives by!!

The Magic Shoes

Diya Sapkota

Diya Sapkota

I was peacefully in bed until - ''Ella, your favourite ballerina show is about to start!''. Slowly I got up and ready. Quickly, I changed my clothes. Running downstairs, I said, ''Coming mum!''. As the program started, I began to dance. The audio recorded, ''And one and two, and spin and leap!''. Depressed, I sighed to myself. My dream is to be a professional ballet dancer. The only thing is, I just never think that it would come true.

One day, mum brought me to a charity shop. When we went in, nothing exciting as all the stuffs were very old except one, the filthy bubble gum pink ballet shoes with long ribbons twirling around inside. I felt that there’s something special about it and I heard the whispering voice saying, “take me please!” I quickly grabbed the shoes and persuaded my mum to buy them, at first, she was hesitating to buy because of the state of the shoes, “Please mum, I will wash and it will be good as new!” “hhhm... okay, let me pay now.” A big yelp of ‘yay’ went inside me. The shopkeeper smiled and winked her eyes and told me, “make sure you look after these beautiful shoes.”

As soon as we reach home, I washed and dry the shoes. Surprisingly, it transformed to a beautiful brand-new ballerina shoe! I tried them on and they fit perfectly! Slowly I move my feet and begin my dance routine. For the very first time, I mastered my arabesque! I can’t believe it! These shoes are MAGIC!

My mum was amazed by my skills. ” How do you do that?” she exclaimed. I just smiled and pointed my shoes to her!  Since then, I’m confident to join the competition and I won every single one. I am over the moon as now my dream come true!

The week before the national ballet competition, I found out something terrible. My mum had thrown my magic ballet shoes! I was shocked! And the other pair she bought for me wasn’t magic at all.  “What’s the matter my dear?” mum asked.  “the pair of shoes that you have thrown was a magic shoe! Because of that, I won all the competitions that I joined!” I sobbed. “Listen young lady, it’s not about the magic shoes, it’s about your talent, hard work, passion and determination makes you win the competitions. I know, and I believe that whatever shoes you wear, you will be the winner! Don’t give up!”

The days passed by and it was the day to dance. I’m petrified! “if only I have the magic shoes.” I murmured.  All the dancers were magnificent!  They would beat me. A slow voice called out, “Ella, you’re up!” My heart was beating as fast as could be. The only thing in the spirit to do was to believe in myself and whatever happens, at least I tried my very best. Breathing heavily, I stepped on to the stage and put all my emotion into the dance. After a while, my routine was finished. One of the judges exclaimed, “well done!” I really hope that I did well!

The results came, they announced the winners. “and the ballet champion for this year national competition is…  I closed my eyes and cover my ears as I don’t want to see and hear who it will be. The winner is… Ella Roberts!!! OMG it was me!! Me!! Me!! I was leaping with joy in the heart. Walking to the stage, one of the judges gave me the award. I recognized her. Slowly, I whispered, “You’re the shopkeeper!” She smiled and winked her eyes and replied,” you’re the chosen one!”

As I went, I learnt my lessons and realized that it wasn’t the magic shoes in the spotlight instead it was me, believing myself!

The Magic Shoes is one of the stories from Diya Sapkota's newly published book Fantasy Adventures 360˚. Eleven-year old Diya Sapkota lives in England. She has enjoyed writing fantasy stories since she was seven and loves exploring her boundless creativity and imagination. Diya's daring, dramatic and dreamy tales will captivate you. The book is available to purchase from Fantasy Adventures 360° | eBay .

March in the Mountains

Krishna Upadhyaya

Around midday, on a cloudy, lukewarm day, exactly three weeks after the death of Ramesh, Janaki was in her room for an hour’s rest. She then saw a boy running on the cleared hilltop positioned next to the barracks. The next day, at the same time, he was running to the hilltop again. She curiously noted him doing the same thing for the next two days, always by himself. One day, after lunch, before he made his way to the top, she went up to him and asked, ‘Why are you going up to the hilltop every day, Comrade?’ 

‘Come with me, I will show you,’ he said. Curious and slightly apprehensive, Janaki followed him. 

‘I know you and Ramesh used to sit here,’ he continued gazing down to the Rapti River after arriving at the hilltop where Ramesh and Janaki used to sit. 

‘How do you know?’ she asked, surprised. 

‘Ramesh told me on the day before he died.’ 

‘What did he say?’ Janaki gazed at him, trying her hardest not to show her sadness. ‘He said he felt the happiest ever in his life sitting and chatting with you here as you both were in love.’ 

‘We were,’ she said softly. She suddenly had flashbacks of Ramesh softly holding her flickering hair from her face and giving her a soft, caring kiss on her lips. Her neck suddenly felt clamped and blocked, and her tears burst out of her eyes uncontrollably. She just could not get over him –she had not returned to the hilltop since his death, and coming back just brought out her pain as if his death occurred yesterday. Embarrassed, she quickly composed herself and wiped away her tears. The boy looked awkward but hesitatingly continued. 

‘He knew before we knew that we would attack the police post’. He solemnly said as he knew how deeply affected Janaki was. ‘And he said that any of us might die.’ 

‘So?’ 

‘If one of us died, this would be the place to come and show respect to the dead. Ramesh said that this was the place he loved to be in the most. And I feel that I am with him when I come here. I pay my love and respect for him in this place. I feel a part of him still lingering around this hilltop,’ he narrated. 

‘Oh,’ she exclaimed, looking at him curiously yet cynical. ‘You don’t believe that spirits wander around after death, do you?’ she asked, burrowing her eyes into his, almost penetrating him. 

‘No’, he said nervously. ‘I mean like my mother used to say that she could sometimes feel the spirit of my grandfather when she went to an orange tree he planted for her when she was a child. Who knows, maybe the spirits of our loved ones visit us sometimes when we call out to them, even if we call them in our heads’. 

‘You were his best friend?’ 

‘Yes,’ he nodded. ‘We left home together, walked hungry together in the forests and joined the party together. We are from the same village, the same clan, and we are cousins’. 

‘So you are Pun as well?’ Janaki asked. She looked at him. He looked like his brother, same voice, same height and similar age. 

‘Yes, I am Dinesh Pun’, he said. 

‘You look his carbon copy, and your voice is similar to his’, she observed. 

‘Coming here, I remember all our times together.’ He said thoughtfully. 

‘Oh’, said Janaki. ‘I love the emotions I feel when I come here. I feel like I am with him, but I cannot even imagine being here all alone.’ 

‘I can join you if you want. This place haunts me every time I come here, but I can’t keep away from it’, assured Dinesh. 

Since then, they went to the hilltop every day to ‘feel Ramesh’s spirit.’ This happened every day until they were both moved to the Myagdi hills in February 2004.

March in the Mountains is an excerpt from Krishna Upadhyaya's newly published novel The Ghosts in the Hills. Mr. Upadhyaya has been active in human rights and anti-slavery work for more than three decades through campaigns, development interventions, research and teachings. He received his PhD from SOAS (University of London) on 'International Humanitarian Law and Vulnerability: The Tharu Experience of Nepal's Internal Armed Conflict'. Born in Nepal and raised in Assam (India), he has extensively worked in and on the issues of human rights in the countries of South Asia. He currently resides in London.

The Meeting Pond

Basu Sharma

After the Sokpa’s story, grandma continued to describe her journey, ‘The trail after the rock shelter called Ghopteodar was exceedingly difficult and steep. There were mainly two trails called Selele and Phelele on the rocky surface. They were so steep that it seemed as if your nose would hit the ground when climbing up; so steep that it felt as if we would fall down to the bottom of the hill if we slipped while walking down. But, may be the rock had been eroded by frost or snow, the surface was coarse and not slippery at all. How strange! Our feet stuck firmly when we took our steps. In this way, walking up and down all those steep trails, climbing mountains and several crossings, we finally reached Sabhapokhari. It was amazing! How pleasant was Sabhapokhari and its surrounding! When reached there, I forgot all the difficult trails, all the ups and downs and my tiredness.’ Her eyes shined when she recalled her exciting journey. When she was describing it, she asked us time to time if we were interested. We nodded our heads every time she asked to express our interest.

‘Several kinds of rhododendron are found all over the hills surrounding Sabhapokhari – red, white, purple, pink and so many other colours. You know, people say there are twenty-five different colour rhododendrons found in the surroundings of Sabhapokhari. In the surrounding forests there are also found different birds and wild animals such as Danfe (Nepal’s national bird) and Munal (both belong to wild pheasant family) and Ghoral and Chittal (both are like deer or goat). In such a beautiful place, the lake itself was so eye-catching. There is a small island at the middle of the lake. If you see it from a height, the clear water surrounding the island looks like a big bangle of silver. As if God had decorated the beauty of this part of the earth with jewellery. The water is so clean and clear that you feel you can see the bottom of the lake. There is not a single piece of leaf or grass in the lake. People say that if any leaves or pieces of grass fall off into the water, birds come to the lake and use their beaks to remove the pieces and take them out of the lake. The water of the lake is not only clean and clear but also regarded as a sacred water like Gangajal (water from the river Ganges in India) in Hindu Religion. It is believed that if anybody worships in the temple located by the lake at one corner of the hill after taking a bath in the lake, their wish is fulfilled, and good fortune comes to their family and children. If a couple, who want children but are not having any luck, if they take a bath together in the lake and worship in the temple wishing children, they will have one soon.’, Having said this, grandma paused for a while.

She cleared her throat and continued speaking, ‘There is a priest who offers daily worshipping of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati. Further away from the temple, there is a Buddhist monastery and a place for meditation. It is believed that there is plenty of divine power accumulated in the surrounding of the lake. Therefore, in the season the snow melts, many Hindu Saints and Buddhist Monks live there for three months in meditation. So, you can say, Sabhapokhari is the meeting point of Hindus and Buddhists.

‘Now, I’ll tell you the history behind the name Sabhapokhari that how such a sacred pilgrimage place got its name.’

Grandma gave us an insight of the historical background after describing its present situation. ‘A long ago in prehistoric age called Dwaparyug, the Great Saint Vyas organised a conference of many saints in Sabhapokhari to discuss and perform a Yagya (a Hindu ritual in front of a sacred fire often with chanting sacred verses called mantras) for the welfare of humankind. They built a stage for performing the Yagya on the island at the middle of the lake and prayed to gods to take part in the meeting, too. Being pleased from the Yagya of the saints, gods also landed on the place and participated in the meeting.  Sabha in local language means meeting and Pokhari means a pond (lake). Thus, the lake, where a meeting of the gods and the saints took place, got its name to be Meeting Pond (Sabha Pokhari)’.

(The Meeting Pond is an excerpt from Basu Sharma's newly published novel 'BIZUWA'. Basu Sharma, a Nepalese writer, has been actively engaged himself in Nepalese literature writing since past forty years and more. As a poet, a ghazal writer, a quatrain writer, a story writer and an essay writer, his name is established within the Nepalese community in the UK and back in Nepal. He continued his literary writing after he migrated to the UK in 2006. His four Poetry books, one Ghazal book, one Quatrain book and one Essay book have already been published but all in Nepalese language. Now, he has written BIZUWA: The Lost Tales From The Himalayas in English language. This book offers to the readers a range of essences from natural beauty of Nepal to the Nepalese social cultural contexts, some historical contexts, and some folklores along with some mythical characters. The novel is now widely available in Amazon.)