Bitter memories evoke new hope

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Yexe Lozhub, a Lhasa resident, said, "Most of the lamas are from poor families. We were actually servants to the few upper class lamas. We were forced to do all the chores, but we couldn't even cream of ever having enough food. They beat and cursed us at will. They would also put shackles on us, and lock us up."

At the age of 17, Yexe Lozhub fled the monastery. But he had no plan for the future. his only choice was to become a servant, or in his words, a slave. While that meant more beating and cursing, even more unbearable for him was the prospect of starving with nowhere to live.

At the age of 17, Yexe Lozhub fled the monastery. But he had no plan for the future. his only choice was to become a servant, or in his words, a slave. While that meant more beating and cursing, even more unbearable for him was the prospect of starving with nowhere to live.