Wong (third from right) opening the ceremony while (from second left) Koseki, Prof Dzulkifli and Koh look on.
AN organisation is hosting a special exhibition in Johor Baru highlighting teachings from the Lotus Sutra, one of the most influential Buddhist sutras (scriptures).
Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) general director Koh Sia Feai said the exhibition, dubbed the “The Lotus Sutra – A message of peace and harmonious coexistence”, was aimed at encouraging better understanding among people from all walks of life.
“The exhibition seeks to embody the spirit of peace through deep human interaction and encourage dialogues that build trust and cooperation.
“In today’s world, people are often divided by misunderstanding, conflict and division.
“It is more crucial than ever that we find ways to bridge our differences,” he said.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Koh said such exhibitions reminded visitors that regardless of background, beliefs and cultures, people shared a common aspiration – the desire for peace, happiness and harmony.
Present at the event were Sultanah Fatimah Foundation chairman Mejar Cina Datuk David Wong Khong Soon, Institute of Oriental Philosophy secretary-general Hirofumi Koseki and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) former rector Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak.
Koh said the exhibition was also featured at IIUM’s International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC) in Kuala Lumpur earlier this year.
“Alongside the Lotus Sutra, the ISTAC-IIUM event presented an exhibition titled ‘Islam on Peace and Harmonious Coexistence’, which showcased Islamic teachings that emphasise peace, tolerance and harmony.
“The event, which attracted nearly 3,000 visitors from more than 20 countries, also played a pivotal role in promoting cross-cultural and interfaith exchanges,” he said.
Koseki said the exhibition, which was initially titled “The Lotus Sutra and Its World: Buddhist Manuscripts of the Great Silk Road”, had toured 17 countries across Asia, Europe and South America.
“The exhibition was held for the first time in Tokyo, Japan, in 1998.
“It was jointly organised by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) and Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences,” he said, adding that in 2006, the exhibition was renamed and expanded in content.
In 2014, Malaysia became the 11th country in the world and the first in South-East Asia to host the exhibition.
“I am confident that the total number of visitors to the exhibition will exceed one million during the exhibition period here,” Koseki said.
The exhibition, co-organised by SGM, IOP and Dunhuang Academy, is being held at SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre in Johor Baru.
It runs until Dec 29 and is open from 10am to 5pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays, and 10am to 7pm on Fridays to Sundays. Entry is free.
