On 8 September, “The Lotus Sutra – A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence” exhibition opened at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation of International Islamic University Malaysia (ISTAC-IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur. It is featured alongside the “Islam on Peace and Harmonious Coexistence” exhibition. With the support of the Ministry of National Unity, the exhibitions, organised by ISTAC-IIUM, Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) and Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), brings together the profound teachings of Islam and Buddhism, under the theme “Shared Values on Peace and Harmonious Coexistence.”
The opening ceremony was officiated by National Unity Deputy Minister YB Sarawathy Kandasami representing the Minister YB Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. In his speech, YB Datuk Aaron emphasised that the shared values between Islam and Buddhism are essential for fostering a world where diversity is celebrated, and conflicts are resolved through dialogue, understanding and a commitment to the common good.
ISTAC-IIUM dean Prof Datuk Dr Abdelaziz Berghout emphasised that the event aims to promote peace, unity and harmonious coexistence, while IIUM deputy rector of responsible research and Innovation Prof Dr Amir Akramin Shafie noted that the value of peace can transform the world and urged that it be actively practised in daily life to build a more harmonious society.
SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai remarked that the two exhibitions are a powerful testament to the shared values that unite people regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect. He viewed the exhibition as a form of exchange and dialogue for building bridges that pave the way to peace.
Meanwhile, IOP director Honorary Prof Ryohei Tanaka shared IOP founder Daisaku Ikeda’s view that the Lotus Sutra highlights everyone’s potential to attain Buddhahood and represents a significant spiritual heritage for global civilisation.
 Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Osman Bakar |
 Honorary Prof Tanaka |
The opening ceremony featured a forum on the theme “Peace and Harmonious Coexistence,” with a panel of distinguished experts: Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Osman Bakar, holder of the Al-Ghazali Chair of Epistemology and Civilisational Studies and Renewal at ISTAC-IIUM; Honorary Prof Tanaka; Prof Dato’ Dr Christopher Boey, International Medical University professor and IOP overseas research fellow; and Dr Nurul Ain Norman, head of research at ISTAC-IIUM. The forum explored various perspectives on peace and emphasised the crucial role of dialogue and understanding in building a more peaceful world.
 Prof Dato’ Dr Christopher Boey |
 Dr Nurul Ain Norman |
“The Lotus Sutra” exhibition features rare Buddhist manuscripts and highlights how the timeless wisdom of the Lotus Sutra has inspired a rich cultural legacy, while the “Islam on Peace and Harmonious Coexistence” exhibition presents excerpts from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith, among other items.
The two exhibitions at ISTAC-IIUM will run until 27 September. Following this, The Lotus Sutra exhibition will be showcased on a larger scale at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre in Johor Bahru from 18 October to 29 December. “The Lotus Sutra” exhibition previously appeared in Malaysia in 2014 at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM.
