BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The Buddhist Association of China Wednesday called on Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to create a harmonious environment, urging monks and nuns to actively take part in the campaign.

The "harmonious monasteries" campaign would be launched in Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai, where many people believe in Tibetan Buddhism, the statement said.

Tibetan Buddhism has always upheld harmony and peace, sought to create a graceful world and extended sympathy to all lives, said Jamyang Losang Jigme Tubdain Qoigyi Nyima, a living Buddha who is also vice president of the association.

As both Tibetan Buddhists and Chinese citizens, monks and nuns should benefit the country and the people, adhere to religious doctrines, promote Buddhism and serve followers, he said.

In the statement, the association's Tibetan Buddhism division urged monks and nuns to behave as good citizens, protect the national unity, ethnic harmony and social stability, as well as avoid secessionist activities.

The association also called on them to abide by the law. The development of Tibetan Buddhism would endure only when believers abide by laws and engage in legal religious activities, the statement said.

They should also follow Buddhist doctrines, which advocate showing mercy to all lives and promote inner peace and good deeds, as well as serve society and adherents, it said.