Bringing the Lotus Sutra to Life in Malaysia
How can we create a world in which the dignity of all life is recognized? An ancient Buddhist scripture offers insights into this question. Joanne Foo, head of the External Affairs and Communications Department of Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) and chief of the SGM Peace Committee, reflects on the significance of “The Lotus Sutra—A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence,” an exhibition bringing timeless wisdom to contemporary audiences.
Please give us a brief overview of the Lotus Sutra exhibition.
“The Lotus Sutra—A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence,” produced by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP), with the support of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Dunhuang Academy of China, the International Academy of Indian Culture and Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), draws on decades of research to present what is widely regarded as one of Buddhism’s most influential scriptures.
Revered by some as “the king of sutras,” the Lotus Sutra is a scripture of hope that can illuminate people’s lives with its humanistic philosophy.
Through rare manuscripts from around the world, historical accounts and thematic displays, the exhibition brings the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to life. It highlights the sutra’s central message—that all people, across age, background and gender, possess Buddha nature, the inherent and limitless potential for wisdom, compassion and courage. The exhibition affirms the enduring values of dignity, peace and harmonious coexistence.
The exhibition was first shown in Malaysia in 2014, when it was viewed by some 71,000 people. What was the motivation behind showing the exhibition in Malaysia this time, in 2024?
The decision to bring the exhibition to Malaysia in 2024 arose from a desire to share its timeless wisdom with people of all backgrounds—to uplift lives post‑pandemic and to encourage dialogue across faiths and cultures. It was co-organized by the IOP, SGM and the Dunhuang Academy, in partnership with national bodies including the Ministry of National Unity, the Department of National Heritage, the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM) and the Centre for Civilisational Dialogue of the University of Malaya.
The exhibition brought together a remarkable variety of treasures and displays. Could you walk us through some of the highlights and what made them especially meaningful for visitors?
The exhibition opened by highlighting the words of Daisaku Ikeda (1928–2023), the founder of the IOP, on three enduring themes embodied in the Sutra: the coexistence of all forms of life, the search for the eternal, and the movement to create peace. Visitors journeyed through the history of Buddhism’s transmission, learning about the courage of translators and teachers who carried the teachings forward across generations.
Visitors also enjoyed an immersive experience shaped by experiential concepts and creative displays. In one display depicting a parable from the Lotus Sutra, a diverse array of plants varying in size and form—symbolizing the beauty of diversity—are illuminated equally by light shone on all. In the original parable, the Parable of the Three Kinds of Medicinal Herbs and Two Kinds of Trees, the rain nourishes all plants without discrimination—a metaphor for the sutra’s teaching of universal benefit.
The real journey is uncovering the treasure inside ourselves.
The splendor of the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was recreated in the form of a model cave that visitors could step into to view murals of scenes from the Lotus Sutra. They also viewed replicas of precious Buddhist manuscripts preserved in many languages.
What truly brought the exhibition to life was the human effort behind it. A total of 1,400 staff members—of whom 889 were youth, including 543 youth narrators—welcomed visitors with warmth and energy. The curatorial and design team poured their creativity into shaping the exhibition’s concept, while working committees travelled from across Malaysia to support daily operations. Through the dedication of volunteers and staff and the passion and sincerity of youth, the exhibition became a living encounter with the Lotus Sutra.
How did visitors respond to the exhibition—what reactions stood out to you most?
I was deeply encouraged to see people from diverse cultures and religions come to learn and understand more about Buddhism and the Lotus Sutra. What stayed with me most were the moments when visitors were visibly touched. This was captured in the personal reflections they left behind: a five‑year‑old girl wrote a line both innocent and profound, “It’s wonderful to be alive,” while a student shared, “This exhibition made me feel that we should believe in ourselves and never give up.”
One university student said it was the best exhibition he had ever seen and even arranged for a busload of his classmates to attend. It drew people of every age and background, reflecting its universal appeal and the timeless relevance of the sutra’s message.
On a personal note, what part of the exhibition resonated with you the most?
What resonated with me most were the parables of the Lotus Sutra. Even as times change, the human heart continues to yearn for meaning, hope and dignity, and these parables speak directly to that timeless need.
A friend of mine who visited the exhibition shared how deeply he was moved by the Parable of the Jewel in the Robe. Hearing the story, he related to the character in the parable wandering in despair, unaware of the jewel that had been sewn into his robe, signifying the treasure that already existed within his own life. For my friend, the exhibition was a wake‑up call—a rediscovery of his inner worth and a reminder that the real journey is uncovering the treasure inside ourselves.
These parables empower us to believe in our capacity for growth, to transform despair into hope and to act with courage, perseverance and solidarity in facing the challenges of our time.
The Lotus Sutra exhibition was presented alongside the “Islam on Peace and Harmonious Coexistence” exhibition at ISTAC-IIUM. What was significant about showing them together?
In a Muslim‑majority country, inside one of its leading Islamic institutions, the sight of Buddhism and Islam sharing the same stage was a powerful symbol of dialogue and coexistence.
Malaysia’s multiethnic, multireligious landscape made the pairing especially significant, as visitors experienced how different faiths converge on the values of peace, compassion and respect for life. Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar, who is now the rector of the International Islamic University of Malaysia, said, “This is one of the best interfaith, interreligious events we’ve had . . . One thing I particularly appreciate is the emphasis on ‘harmonious’ coexistence—not just coexistence, but coexistence in harmony.”
Visitors experienced how different faiths converge on the values of peace, compassion and respect for life.
The exhibition also brought to life Daisaku Ikeda’s dialogues with scholars and leaders from diverse faiths—including Muslim thinkers such as Dr. Abdurrahman Wahid and Dr. Majid Tehranian. His exchanges showed how Buddhism, Islam and other religions can enrich one another, building bridges that inspire people everywhere to see dialogue not as theory but as a living practice of peace.
From your perspective, how is the Lotus Sutra relevant to modern-day society and people?
The Lotus Sutra matters today because it proclaims a simple yet profound truth: every life has dignity and limitless potential. That truth means there is always hope even in situations that seem impossible. In a world that prizes status over humanity and possessions over people, the Lotus Sutra insists: no one is of lesser value, no one is left out. It is this conviction that gives us the courage to face each day.
The parables of the Lotus Sutra and its characters—buddhas and bodhisattvas—show us new ways of seeing and responding. For instance, Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, bowing to everyone he meets, teaches that recognizing the dignity in each person—even when it may be challenging to do so—is the bravest act of all. His example shows that peace and harmony aren’t far‑off dreams, but something we build here and now through respect, compassion and patience, sustained by a conviction that does not waver, even in difficult moments.
The Lotus Sutra insists: no one is of lesser value, no one is left out.
Most of all, the Sutra is a guide for living. When young people stand up for justice, when families teach respect, courage and compassion, when neighbors appreciate differences and live harmoniously together, they are living its spirit. The Lotus Sutra is a compass, helping us create value in our lives and shape a more humane, hopeful society.
