The conduct of rioters in Tibet this month violated the basic principles of Buddhism and the religious concept of mercy and compassion advocated by Sakyamuni, said living Buddhas in Tibet on Wednesday.

"Some monks didn't learn the Buddhism scriptures, didn't follow the religious code, but disrupted the religious order and undermined the basic interests of the religious sector as well as Buddhism believers," said Dazhag Dainzin Geleg, a living Buddha with Tibet's Dagcha monastery.

The basic doctrine of the Tibetan Buddhism according to which monks should cultivate themselves is to "avoid all evil, do all good", said the Buddha, who is also vice-president of the Tibetan chapter of the Buddhist Association of China.

Chubakang Tubdain Kaizhub, head of the Tibetan chapter of the Buddhist Association of China, said he felt saddened to see people in crimson cassocks engage in barbaric beating, smashing, looting and arson.

"According to Buddhist karma, they cannot reincarnate after death because of the sin they have committed," he said, calling on all living Buddhas and lamas from monasteries in Tibet to "recognize the true nature of secessionists, manage their own monasteries well, and educate believers".

"Over the decades, the government has earmarked a lot of money for the maintenance of monasteries and provided subsidies for elderly monks," said Lobsangba Chilai Qoisang, a living Buddha from Qamdo, Tibet. "The few ungrateful monks who violated Buddhist tenets were really disappointing."

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2008)

Ngagwang Qoizhag with the Jokhang Temple said the monks involved in the riots could represent neither Tibetan Buddhism norits believers.

"The Dalai Lama takes advantage of his religious position to deceive and suborn some monks, using them to make trouble in China. His behavior disturbed normal religious order and countered Buddhist tenets," said Lhadar Ngagwang Daindzin, vice-president of the Tibetan chapter of the Buddhist Association of China.

Violent riots, which the government said were organized by the Dalai Lama clique, broke out in Tibet's capital Lhasa on March 14.Mobs set fire to shops, schools, hospitals and residences. At least 18 civilians and one police officer were killed.

The 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu has also condemned the riots, saying he resolutely supported the Party and the government's efforts to ensure the safety and stability of Lhasa.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2008)