The Search for Meaning: Creative Responses to Depression
October 2007
Banner photo: Davis McCardle/Getty Images
Buddhist-Islamic Dialogue in Malaysia
On July 7, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) and the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association cosponsored an interfaith exchange titled "A Discourse on Islam and Buddhism," at the Wisma Kebudayaan SGM Center in Kuala Lumpur. Dr. Wang Yong Bao, deputy president of the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association, and 31 imams from China engaged in lively dialogue with SGM representatives on the theme "World Peace Through Upholding Common Values of Faith."
In his opening speech, SGM General Director Choo Kong Fei stressed the importance of accepting and transcending differences in a search for tolerance and coexistence, rather than just looking for similarities. He also discussed the concept of the sanctity of life, the importance of respecting women and the spirit of helping weaker members of society. Dr. Wang Yong Bao said that this all too rare philosophical dialogue for peace between Islam and Buddhism should continue for the sake of future generations.
