The Shaolin Temple, one of China's most prestigious places of worship for Buddhists, concluded the year of 2004 with both prayers and donations to victims in the tsunami-ravaged countries in South Asia amid resonant tolling of its giant bells.

On behalf of the Shaolin Temple, Abbot Shi Yongxin donated 400,000 yuan (US$48,000) to killer-wave affected countries through the Buddhist Association of China on Friday.

"The Indian Ocean tsunami is a disaster for all mankind, we deplore the tremendous losses it brought to people's lives and property," the abbot said after the donation.

"In line with our religious belief, we, through our generous deeds, are calling upon people from all walks of life to extend a helping hand to those in need, and cherish the Mother Nature and take good care of her," he said.

Since the tsunami outbreak, monks in the Shaolin Temple have been holding meetings to pray for the dead to rest in peace and the survivors to be from diseases and hunger.

Buddhists from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan will hold a joint prayer service for the benefit of the countries that were hit by brutal tidal waves caused by a 8.7-magnitude earthquake in the Indian Ocean.

Scheduled for Jan. 1, the service will involve renowned Buddhists from across the Taiwan Straits and thousands of Buddhist followers.

According to the Buddhist Association of China, the service sponsor, the activity will be held at the renowned Lingguang Temple, on the western outskirts of Beijing.

A monetary donation will also be available then and the charity money collected will be delivered to China's Red Cross on the spot, it said.

"The terrible disaster in Southeast Asia has shocked the Chinese people, especially the Buddhists," it said, adding that many disaster victims were Buddhists.

The association also said more than 20 temples from the mainland and Taiwan have donated to relief efforts.

More than 120,000 have been confirmed killed by the waves in Indian Ocean.

(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2005)