Life on Earth--Constructive Action to Secure Our Future
April 2002
Banner photo: Nagano, Japan [©SEKAI BUNKA PHOTO]
Dialogue Among Civilizations
Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) organized two major activities in December, an international conference promoting dialogue among civilizations and a charity festival.
"Dialogue Among Civilizations: Interpretation and Understanding" was held at the Wisma Kebudayaan Culture Center from December 15--16. Chaired by Dr. Tan Chee Beng from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Dr. Soo Khin Wah from the University of Malaya, the seminar brought together Malaysian scholars as well as international experts and academics to help foster dialogue among civilizations toward an age of peace.
Prof. Li Zehou of City University of Hong Kong spoke about the importance of distinguishing religious morals from social morals in dealing with the challenges of modernization. Religious morals, he said, pertain to judgments of "good and evil" and are determined by religious, cultural, geographical and ethnic differences. Social morals, on the other hand, are universally accepted and pertain to judgments of "right and wrong." Professor Li stressed that facilitating the distinct development of these two kinds of morality, while simultaneously exploring how each one can complement and support the other, is important for the development of a healthy society.
The SGM charity festival
In late December, SGM youth division members sponsored a charity festival in Johor Bahru. The event, entitled "Unfolding the New Age of Spiritual Discovery," raised approximately US$68,500 which will be donated to 22 charitable and educational organizations. The spectacular show featured gymnastics, choruses, bands, and modern and traditional dances combining Indian, Chinese and Malaysian cultures. A total of 1,700 SGM members collaborated with members of other cultural and educational organizations to stage the show, which celebrated Malaysia's ethnic, cultural and religious diversity.
