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On September 12, 2008, along with representatives from various faith groups, SGM was invited by the Catholic Church of St Francis of Assisi (SFA), Cheras to participate in “Understanding World Religions” organised by the church to promote greater understanding of the various faith traditions in the country. Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), Hindu Sangham, Buddhist Maha Vihara and the Sikh community were among the groups attending the event.
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In the solemn, yet relaxed session, representatives from various faiths took turns to pray in their own tradition for the peace of the nation. SGM was represented by its Vice-General Director Johnny Ng, who briefly explained about the invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to those present. He shared that the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is an act reaffirming the Buddha nature within each person and therefore the lives of each person is sacred, and worthy of respect. The SGM representatives chanted daimoku for about three minutes and ended their chanting with a silent prayer: “I pray for peace throughout the world and the happiness of all humanity.” The invocation and silent prayer was projected on the screen for all to see.
The exchange provided a good opportunity for the interfaith groups to understand one another’s religion better. Vice-General Director Ng remarked, “It was a great way to reach out to other interfaith groups and share with them how practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism, the SGI members pray for the peace of the world and the happiness of humanity.”
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