BEIJING -- Panchen Rinpoche has prayed for areas affected by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri county in Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region, killing at least 126 people.

Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po, one of the most influential figures in Tibetan Buddhism, held prayer sessions during which he and fellow monks chanted scriptures and prayed that all lives in the disaster-stricken areas may soon be freed from calamities and rebuild their homes.

They also prayed for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

Last week, Panchen Rinpoche and around 900 monks from Tashilhunpo Monastery — which has been Panchen Rinpoche's traditional seat — donated money to help those affected by the quake.

Panchen Rinpoche is a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body. He is also vice president of the Buddhist Association of China.