Pema’s Quest in Shambhala (2024)
European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences March 30, 2025 Bimala Sharma
This paper argues that the film Shambhala, directed by Min Bahadur Bham, functions as a mythical exemplar of self-discovery, in which the protagonist Pema's physical journey in Nepal reflects an inner transformation toward self-awareness, conflict resolution, and spiritual enlightenment. Using qualitative narrative analysis, thematic interpretation, and cultural theory, the authors examine filmmaking techniques, dialogues, and visual treatments to analyze themes of meaning and identity. The analysis draws on Stuart Hall's cultural theory, Erik Erikson's theory of psychological development, Henri Tajfel's social identity theory, John Turner's self-categorization theories, Leon Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory, Carl Jung's shadow theory, and the transpersonal psychology of Abraham Maslow, Ken Wilber, and Stanislav Grof to explore how Pema's identity is shaped, contested, and reinterpreted.