By Yang Xi
China.org.cn correspondent reporting from Sichuan
yangx@china.org.cn

On May 29, a prayer meeting was held at Baoguang Temple in Xindu District of Chengdu for the quake-hit areas in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The meeting was organized by the Buddhist Association of China.

On May 29, 2008, a Buddhist representative delivers a speech during a prayer meeting at Baoguang Temple in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Monks and Buddhist devotees read Buddhist scriptures during the gathering to bring good fortune to the quake-hit areas, hoping that all Chinese will unite to overcome the devastating disaster and its aftermath. More help has also been called for on reconstruction.

A prayer meeting is an important religious service to Buddhists, in which monks read Buddhist scriptures to avert calamities and bring blessings.

People of Buddhist groups from Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan attended the gathering, including Yi Cheng and Xue Cheng, president and vice president of the Buddhist Association of China. Buddhist devotees as well as entertainers from Hong Kong participated at the ceremony, which was presided over by Wu Xiaoli, hostess of Phoenix TV.

Buddhist representatives delivered speeches during the ceremony, demonstrating their concern for the quake-hit areas.

On May 29,2008, Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau and other celebrities pray for the quake-hit areas at Baoguang Temple in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

"The prayer meeting was really moving and it will bring confidence and comfort to the traumatized souls in the quake-struck areas," said Qi Xiaofei, vice director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs. "Huge disasters can often promote solidarity in society and a nation can learn from them."

Qi also expressed his gratitude for the help from Buddhist circles on behalf of the State Administration for Religious Affairs. More than 20 million yuan (US$2.88 million) was donated during the gathering.