Today the country with the largest population in the world stopped for a 3 minute silence

in memory of all the

victims of the earthquake.

.

.

"Our tears are the jewels with which we adorn the memories of those

we have loved and have lost.

Our heartache is the pulse of unfulfilled loving in this life's walk:

and one day

we will know the beauty of the tears

and the infinite joy of the heartache

for in that moment

we shall behold the indestructibility of Love.

.

But for now,

let us weep together"

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In these moments the politics of a nation are irrelevant. Devastation

and bereavement on such a scale evoke compassion that transcends

all,all,barriers. Deepest condolences and heartfelt empathy to the

peoples of China who have been affected by this catastrophe.

A student aiding a classmate still in the ruins of a high school in Beichuan County.
Photo: Chen Xie/Xinhua, via Associated Press