In this scene Indiana Jones seems to transform from grave robber to a brave archeologist with a purpose. Before this his mission was for personal gain and fortune. It was in this moment that he realized that he could not just hand the stones over to the evil shaman of the dark tribe. When he exudes such bravery it becomes apparent that he is no longer in this for himself as he is risking his life for his friends and the people of the village.
If one looks they can see the discomfort in his eyes when he realizes that he must make a choice and that it must be one of a higher calling. Putting one's life on the edge like this usually creates a change. This is truly noticed when he throws two of the three stones into the river and begins to show faith in the magic of the stones. The shaman is cast into the water as one who has broken the faith and turned his back on shiva. What was once an adventure for fortune and glory has now become one of life and renewal of character.
As Indie climbs up the latter after his near death fall and struggle with the shaman the party can see the change that he has undergone. He hold up the stone with pride that he was able to save one stone in order to return to the village. When they are in the village Willie asks Indie about his fortune and glory and he responds that the adventure is not over yet. This shows that he has not fully transformed but is on the road to becoming a "knight." He then proceeds to take his "prize" and catches Willie with his whip, showing that he no longer cares for the gold but wishes the hand of a maiden, much like any knight of the round.
Excellent point, he is not completely transformed. We see him backslide in Raiders at the beginning of the film. There is always temptation on the journey of the hero or the quest of the knight.
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