Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has called the massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in which 50 people died, a "very serious tragedy".
Speaking at the US Institute of Peace in Washington on Monday, the Buddhist leader called on the audience to observe a moment of silence for victims of the deadliest mass shooting in US history.
"Yesterday, very serious tragedy, Orlando. So let us some silent prayer, OK," he said.
"Although, one Buddhist monk grows quite sceptical about the effects of prayer," he said.
Real change required serious action, he said, adding that it was important not to lose "determination or courage".
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Then on top of that, some prayer is OK, no harm," he said.
Fifty people, including the gunman, the US-born son of Afghan immigrants, died at the Orlando nightclub on Sunday morning.
