What is urgently needed now is a conceptual, philosophical basis that will help transcend the forces of division and hatred underlying these global problems and make possible unity through compassion. I believe the Lotus Sutra…will become a ray of light piercing the spiritual darkness so that we may open the way to a new century.
-Dr Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President & IOP Founder-
In a world beset by crises ranging from natural disasters to escalating violence and societal fragmentation, the question of how to forge a path to peace and harmony becomes increasingly urgent.
Exhibition Venues
SGI Asia Culture & Education Centre
The Lotus Sutra – A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence
Exhibition Duration | 18 October 2024 – 29 December 2024 |
Opening Hours | Tue-Thu: 10:00am – 5:00pm Fri-Sun & Public Holidays: 10:00am – 7:00pm *Closed on Mondays |
Address | Jalan Seri Austin 1, Taman Seri Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor |
Free admission |
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM)
Theme of the Event
Shared Values on Peace and Harmonious Coexistence
"Islam On Peace and Harmonious Coexistence"
"The Lotus Sutra – A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence"
Exhibition Duration | 8 September 2024 – 28 September 2024 |
Opening Hours | Daily: 10:00am – 5:00pm |
Address | 24, Persiaran Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, Bukit Tunku, 50480 K.L. |
Free admission |
VISITORS’ DRESS CODE
PROHIBITED
* Transparent and tight clothing
* Indecent images and words on clothing
❌ Sleeveless Shirt
❌ Short Skirt
❌ Short Pants
❌ Slippers
PLEASE ADHERE TO THE DRESS CODE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.
Group Booking
SGI Asia Culture & Education Centre
Prior appointment is required for group of 10 or more who require guided tour.
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM)
Please note that due to the limited space of the exhibition at ISTAC, large groups arriving by bus are not encouraged. For group visits, kindly contact us in advance to schedule an appointment.
Programme
Lectures and Forum
(1) Title: Lotus Sutra Artifacts and Their Relevance Today
Date: 14/12/2024 (Saturday)
Time: 3:00PM – 4:00PM
Medium: Mandarin
Speaker:
Ms Wang Hui Hui
Deputy Director and Researcher, Grottoes Cultural Relics Conservation, Research and Exhibition Center, Dunhuang Academy
Moderator:
Mr Chia Kok Peng Head, Communications, Culture and Information Division, Soka Gakkai Malaysia
Venue: Soka Lecture Hall, SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre, Johor Bahru
Jalan Seri Austin 1, Taman Seri Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
(2) Title: Peace and Harmonious Coexistence
Date: 15/12/2024 (Sunday)
Time: 10:00AM
Medium: English
Speakers:
1. Prof. Dr Khadijah Mohd Khambali @ Hambali
Director, Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, Universiti Malaya
2. Dr Alwani Ghazali
Senior Lecturer, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya
3. Mr Thurai Chantheran
Head of Interfaith Malaysian Organisation for Hindu Knowledge, Science, Heritage, and Art (MOHKSHA)
4. Dr Wendy Yee Principal
Soka International School Malaysia
Moderator:
Prof. Dato’ Dr Christopher Boey Professor, IMU University Honorary Professor, Universiti Malaya
Venue: Soka Lecture Hall, SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre, Johor Bahru
Jalan Seri Austin 1, Taman Seri Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
(3) Title: Chang Shushing and Daisaku Ikeda
Date: 15/12/2024 (Sunday)
Time: 8:00PM – 9:00PM
Medium: Mandarin
Speaker:
Ms Wang Hui Hui
Deputy Director and Researcher, Grottoes Cultural Relics Conservation, Research and Exhibition Center, Dunhuang Academy
Moderator:
Mr Chia Kok Peng Head, Communications, Culture and Information Division, Soka Gakkai Malaysia
Venue: Ikeda Peace Auditorium, SGM Culture Centre (Cheras)
Lot 960 KM14, Jalan Cheras, 43200 Batu 9, Cheras, Selangor.
The lotus flower symbolises purity and grace across cultures.
As part of the Lotus Sutra Exhibition, there will be two lotus flower-making handicraft workshops!
Join us on 15 and 22 September (Sunday) at ISTAC-IIUM, and immerse yourself in learning how to make a handmade lotus flower using chenille stems!
Date: 15 September & 22 September
Time: 10am -12pm
Fee: RM10 / pax
Limited to 20 pax per session.
WhatsApp us for registration and payment.
*Fee includes materials. T&C apply.
About the Exhibition
Initiated and curated by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy, Japan (IOP), this exhibition, which will showcase valuable illustrations and artefacts, including the manuscripts of the Lotus Sutra in various languages, replicas of Dunhuang Grottoes and relics, is rich with historical education, aesthetic significance and academic values.
This exhibition has been touring the world since 2006. It has attracted more than 900,000 visitors in 17 countries and territories of the world as of 2022.
Malaysia was the 11th country in the world and the first Southeast Asian country to host the exhibition in 2014, with a total of 71,168 visitors.
About the Lotus Sutra
In the history of Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra is one of the most influential and widespread sutras.
Translated into numerous languages, the Lotus Sutra emphasises that every human being possesses unlimited inner potential, promotes profound philosophy and thoughts, and reveals the fundamental principles for happiness and peace of humanity.
>> Watch The Seven Parables of the Lotus Sutra Animation Series
The Lotus Sutra Exhibition had attracted many visitors due to its message of peace and harmonious coexistence.
After a 10-year hiatus, “The Lotus Sutra – A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence” Exhibition is set to return to Malaysia in 2024.
Key Themes
(1) Dignity of Life
The Lotus Sutra emphasises the inherent dignity and worth of all beings, irrespective of differences in background, belief or culture.
Through its teachings of universal compassion and inclusivity, the exhibition underscores the importance of embracing diversity as a source of strength and enrichment in our communities.
(2) Harmonious Coexistence
At the heart of the Lotus Sutra lies a profound message of peace and reconciliation.
By promoting dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect, the exhibition seeks to inspire individuals and nations to transcend conflict and work together toward a more peaceful and harmonious world.
Impressions
Before the Lotus Sutra exhibition in 2014, the organisers had collaborated with the Centre for Civilisational Dialogue at University of Malaya to host a symposium titled, “Intercivilisational Dialogue towards Peace, Harmonious Coexistence and Sustainability.”
The co-organisers have received numerous positive and encouraging responses from visitors of diverse backgrounds and faiths, including government ministers, embassy representatives, scholars, artists, representatives from different faiths, businesspersons, as well as ordinary and young people.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), University of Malaya
(2014)
Deputy Director-General, Department of National Unity and Integration, Prime Minister's Department
(2014)
The theme of the exhibition, "A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence", is something that people in society should learn more about, in order to promote peace and harmony in society. Peace and harmony are core values in all religions. Practitioners of all faiths will agree that maintaining harmony in society is very important.
School of Humanities, Universidad de Montevideo (Uruguay)
(2014)
I am Roman Catholic, and know little of Buddhism, but I was able to learn more about Buddhism through this exhibition. The exhibition speaks from the viewpoint of rationality and intellectualism and also of faith.
I can see that the Lotus Sutra shares many common values with Christianity, universal values which I can appreciate and share with people, whether or not they are religious.
Director, Institute of Malaysian & Regional Studies, New Era University College
(2014)
The message of peace and coexistence of the exhibition is essential nowadays as people may be misguided, and the exhibition can help provide some direction and guidance.
Deputy Dean, Humanities Cluster, UM Research, University of Malaya
(2014)
I was also very happy to learn that the Lotus Sutra teaches gender equality, as demonstrated in the story of the enlightenment of the dragon girl. Women too can attain enlightenment.
Buddhism also teaches people to be good to animals, something that the Al-Quran also speaks about.
Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Malaysia
(2014)
Chief Executive Officer, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
(2014)
Food processing consultant
(2014)
I see people of many faiths coming to this exhibition and this is a good impression on the exhibition. It's definitely a huge step for SGM.
Professor of Sociology at the National University of Singapore
(2024)
Former President of Maldives
(2024)
Deputy Minister of National Unity, Malaysia
(2024)
Dean of ISTAC-IIUM
(2024)
CEO of Sejahtera Leadership Initiative
(2024)
Holder of Al-Ghazali Chair of Epistemology and Civilizational Studies and Renewal at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
(2024)
Deputy Director of University of Malaya Centre for Continuing Education
(2024)
Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia
(2024)
Ambassador of Spain to Malaysia
(2024)
Sentosa (Selangor) assemblyperson
(2024)
Former Rector, International Islamic University Malaysia
(2024)
Director, Intangible Heritage Division, Department of National Heritage Malaysia
(2024)
Board Director at Large, UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei
(2024)
President, Johor Women’s League
(2024)
National Living Heritage
(2024)
Vice-President, Buddha’s Light International Association Malaysia South Chapter
(2024)
Chairperson, Johor Chinese School Managers and Teachers Association
(2024)
Organisers, Supporters, Partners
The Lotus Sutra is an ode to diversity in the real sense of the term.
-Prof. Majid Tehranian, the First Director of the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research-