Global Reaction

Chinese Buddhists pray for Japan's quake victims

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-03-16 15:56

BEIJING - Hundreds of Chinese Buddhist monks gathered in downtown Beijing's Guangji Temple on Wednesday to pray for victims of Japan's massive earthquake.

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The Buddhist Association of China (BAC) held the prayer ritual. Monks from the temples of Fayuan, Guangji, Lingguang, Guanghua, Yonghegong Lamasery and Beijing's Lay Buddhist Association attended the ritual led by Master Chuanyin, president of the BAC.

In a speech made before the prayer, Master Chuanyin said the BAC had contacted Buddhist organizations in Japan after the quake to convey Chinese Buddhists' condolences to the Japanese people.

"We could never forget the help and support Japanese Buddhists gave us during Wenchuan earthquake," said Master Chuanyin, referring to a 8.0-magnitude quake that hit China's Sichuan province in 2008.

"The BAC had raised 1 million yuan (about $152,000) for the victims in Japan," Chuanyin said, adding that he hoped the prayer and money raised could help alleviate the suffering of the Japanese people.

A 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific coastal areas of northeastern and eastern Japan on Friday, triggering a powerful tsunami and causing extensive damage and thousands of deaths.