The Lotus Sutra Exhibition at SGI-ACEC in Malaysia

 

On October 18, 2024, the exhibition "Lotus Sutra―A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence" was launched at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Center (ACEC) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This is the third time this exhibition is being held in Malaysia since 2014.

The exhibition was organized by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP), Dunhuang Academy China, and Persatuan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), with full support of the International Academy of Indian Culture, the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of National Unity (Malaysia, KPN), the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC-IIUM), the Universiti Malaya Centre for Civilisational Dialogue (UMCCD), and newly joined Department of National Heritage, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The exhibits include replicated manuscripts of the Lotus Sutra such as the "Petrovsky Sanskrit manuscript" and the "Gilgit manuscript." Panels introducing the history of Buddhist dissemination, the murals of the Dunhuang Mogao Cave, and the history of inter-civilizational and inter-religious dialogues by IOP founder Daisaku Ikeda are on display. All exhibition panels are presented in both English and Chinese to accommodate Malaysia's multi-ethnic population.

The opening ceremony, held on October 20, was attended by 650 people, including prominent figures from Johor Bahru's political, business, and academic circles. Among the guests of honor were Yang Berhormat Mejar Cina Dato' David Wong Khong Soon, Chairman of Yayasan Sultanah Fatima and Head of the Chinese Community in Johor, and Prof. Tan Sri Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, Honorary Professor and Former Rector of International Islamic University Malaysia, as well as members from SGM and Soka Gakkai Singapore (SGS). The event was also live-streamed, attracting 1,500 online viewers.

The ceremony began with the singing of the Malaysian national anthem, followed by opening addresses from Mr. Koh Sia Feai, General Director of SGM, and Mr. Hirofumi Koseki, Secretary General of IOP, representing the organizers. Prof. Tan Sri Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak delivered a congratulatory speech. The ceremony also featured an opening performance, a presentation of commemorative gifts, and concluded with musical performances and dances by SGM youth members.

Following the ceremony, a commemorative lecture was held. Eiichi Tsutaki, a commissioned research fellow at IOP, presented on "The Lotus Sutra Exhibition and Islamic Culture," followed by Dr. Takako Kajikawa, also from IOP, who lectured on "Buddhism and Women."

Period: October 18 - December 29, 2024 (Open every day during the exhibition period except Mondays, free admission)