Dunhuang Academy Scholar Delivers Insightful Lectures at Lotus Sutra Exhibition in Malaysia

"Historical Artifacts of the Lotus Sutra and Their Message to the Modern World" lecture at ACEC, December 14

"Chang Shuhong and Daisaku Ikeda" lecture at Malaysia Cultural Centre, December 15

 

Wang Huihui, Deputy Director of the Dunhuang Academy Research and Exhibition Centre, delivered two significant lectures on December 14 and 15, 2024, in conjunction with the Lotus Sutra Exhibition at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Center (ACEC) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The Dunhuang Academy, which signed an academic exchange agreement with the Institute of Oriental Philosophy in 2018, is one of the exhibition's co-organizers.

The first lecture, titled "Historical Artifacts of the Lotus Sutra and Their Message to the Modern World," was held at ACEC on December 14, attracting 1,500 participants (270 in-person and 1,200 online). Wang explained the geographical characteristics of Dunhuang and its history of multicultural coexistence, emphasizing their deep connection with the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. "The Lotus Sutra's concepts of 'equality of all living beings' and 'Buddha nature in all people' fundamentally align with the spirit of multi-ethnic and multicultural coexistence expressed in the Dunhuang Caves," Wang noted. She added that "President Daisaku Ikeda's vision of 'the resurrection of all humanity from the depths of life and the transformation of the whole world into a land of true peace' represents the fundamental purpose of the Lotus Sutra."

The second lecture, "Chang Shuhong and Daisaku Ikeda," was delivered at the Malaysia Cultural Centre in Cheras, Selangor, on December 15, drawing 2,000 participants (550 in-person and 1,450 online). Wang discussed the life of Chang Shuhong, the first director of the Dunhuang Academy, and his profound friendship with SGI President Ikeda. She detailed their first meeting in 1980, their cooperation in protecting Dunhuang art, and their shared lofty ideals and dedicated practice. "President Ikeda would always answer the question 'Where would you like to go in the world?' with 'I want to go to Dunhuang in China.' This destined connection led to significant cooperation in both Sino-Japanese friendship and the protection of Dunhuang art," Wang remarked.