On 3 November 2024, the Lotus Sutra Exhibition reached a remarkable milestone of one million visitors worldwide at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre in Johor. To commemorate the momentous occasion, a special ceremony was held and broadcast live, allowing audiences near and far to join in the celebration.

The celebration featured a vibrant dance performance, after which the exhibition organising committee chairperson Dr Christopher Boey presented a commemorative gift to the one-millionth visitor, who is a member of a group travelling from Perak.

SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai then delivered his message, urging everyone to continue spreading the exhibition’s core message of peace, harmonious coexistence and respect for life throughout Malaysia and beyond.

As part of the celebration, several prominent figures extended their heartfelt congratulations via video messages. The Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) director Honorary Prof Ryohei Tanaka, representing the institute, expressed his congratulations on this significant milestone, which came close to the first anniversary of the passing of IOP founder President Ikeda on 15 November. He emphasised that this achievement also signifies a renewed commitment to fostering peace and enabling humanity to live in happiness and prosperity.

Interaction corner

Dunhuang Academy Secretary of the Party Committee and Former Chairman of the Academic Committee Dr Zhao Shengliang, speaking on behalf of the academy, highlighted the Lotus Sutra’s profound influence as one of Mahayana Buddhism’s oldest scriptures.

The Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences director Dr Irina Fedorovna Popova, representing the institute, expressed her confidence that the exhibition will achieve great success and attract visitors who appreciate Buddhist culture, ancient writings and the history of Asia.

Visitors at exhibition halls

International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, International Islamic University Malaysia (ISTAC-IIUM) dean Prof Datuk Dr Abdelaziz Berghout lauded the exhibition for promoting peace and harmony across cultures and civilisations.

Former IIUM rector Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Dzulkifli Abdul Razak expressed optimism that the milestone laid the foundation for even greater outreach, as visitors share the exhibition’s message with others, thereby broadening the understanding of the profound philosophy of the Lotus Sutra.

The Lotus Sutra Exhibition, planned by the IOP, has toured 17 countries and territories since its debut in 2006, including India and Nepal, the birthplace of Buddhism; East Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea; Southeast Asian Islamic countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia; as well as venues in Europe and South America. No other exhibition focusing on a single Buddhist sutra has achieved such widespread international reach and engagement.