At around 23:30 on August 12, explosions occurred at a warehouse containing hazardous chemical materials owned by Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics Co. in Binjiang District of Tianjin, shooting fireballs across the sky and rippling through the surrounding area. According to the latest updates (9:30am of August 14) by the special team from the State Council at the site, among the 55 confirmed dead are 17 firefighters and more than 700 people have been injured and treated in hospitals.

Upon learning of the sad news, the Lingiyn Sangha stricken with deep grief for the victims of the blasts immediately paid their utmost respect for the heroic firefighters and rescue workers who bravely attended to the disaster without hesitation.

Lingyin Temple also held a prayer ceremony this morning at the Hall of Medicine Buddha for the victims of the Tianjin explosion. The Lingyin Sangha Buddhist disciples and believers who were participating in the Huayan Dharma Assembly--as well as visitors at the temple--all chanted Buddhist sutras to help release the souls from suffering and to pray for blessings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for all those who have been suffering in the disaster.

Ven. Guangquan praying for the victims of the disaster