In the book Lost Horizon, the monks in the monastery of Shangri-La knew all about the people on the plane crash, just like Ben knows all about Jack and the rest of the survivors. It's revealed that they've been doing some research about the main character, Conway, because they think he can fulfill a very particular role in Shangri-La. The High Lama is dying, and they need someone to take his place.
Conway and the High Lama sit down and have very long discussion about philosophy, religion, and the future of the human race. The High Lama reveals to Conway that the reason why they brought the plane, crashed it, was to get Conway to Shangri-La and take over this important role.
I think in tonight's show, "Cabin Fever," Jacob will say the same thing to Locke. That he was brought to the island to take his place...
