"We strongly denounce the disruption of social stability using the Olympics as a pretense."

Master Hong Yuan, also from Taiwan, said the power of Buddha was a bridge linking Taiwan and the mainland, and all people.

He said the Lhasa riots "breached communication and killed the innocent", and called for all Buddhists to be merciful.

"In order to promote an orthodoxy Buddhism, we must not allow a few monks to engage in activities such as assault, vandalism, looting and arson," Master Xian Xin from Hong Kong said.

"We should remind them to return to the teachings of Buddhism and assume due responsibility for the stability and the people in Tibet."

The monks and masters also sent their blessings for this summer's Beijing Olympics, saying they were confident of its success.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2008)