Members of the Buddhist Association of China met at Guangji Temple in Beijing on April 23 to pray for people in the quake zone of Sichuan province, recite sutras for those who died in the earthquake and donate money for quake relief.

"Right after being informed of the disaster, the Buddhist Association of China called on all the disciples across the country to donate and help people in the quake zone," said Xue Cheng, the vice-president of the association.

More than 2.35 million yuan ($378,000) was raised at the meeting. The association's charity committee alone raised 1.8 million yuan. Several temples affiliated with the association donated 450,000 yuan in all. Vice-president of the association, the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, donated 100,000 yuan.