Name: Lobsang
(Alias: Yes)
Gender: Male
Interview Age: 84
Date of Birth: 1923
Birthplace: Neysa Lanying, Utsang, Tibet
Year Left Tibet: 1969
Profession: Monk
Monk/Nun: Currently
Political Prisoner: Yes
Interview No.: 89
Date: 2007-07-07
Language: Tibetan
Location: Lugsung Samdupling Settlement, Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India
Categories: Oppression and Imprisonment
Keywords: brutality/torture, childhood memories, Chinese -- first appearance of, Chinese rule -- life under, forced labor, imprisonment, monastic life, refugee in India -- life as, thamzing/struggle sessions, Utsang
Summary:
Lobsang became a monk at the age of 5. His days were spent in the Phuntsoling Monastery, memorizing the scriptures and learning philosophical debate. As he studied, his knowledge of Buddhism increased, allowing him to join Sera Monastery in Lhasa. At age 33 he was sent back to his monastery in Phuntsoling to teach the monks how to debate.
While at Phuntsoling Monastery, Lobsang first encountered the Chinese, who were engaged in creating discord among the people by inciting the poor to turn against upper class villagers. Lobsang and many other monks were imprisoned and forced to labor under unbearable conditions. Lobsang was almost on his deathbed due to starvation when the Chinese released him after seven years. He was told to return to his village and work in isolation.
In 1969, Lobsang fled Tibet and continued to serve as a teacher at the Sera Monastery in Bylakuppe, India. He shares many views about the harm that Communism can do to the world and the belief that other nations should urge China to adopt democracy. Lobsang strongly advocates for a more powerful United Nations Organization so that the world can live in peace.
Interview Team:
- Marcella Adamski (Interviewer)
- Tenzin Yangchen (Interpreter)
- Tsewang Dorjee (Videographer)
