KUALA LUMPUR – The 10th Anniversary of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) World Peace Summit was held with great enthusiasm worldwide, involving 122 countries including Malaysia, promoting global harmony.
HWPL stated that the purpose of the anniversary is to review achievements since 2014 and discuss future plans. Various sessions are being held in each country at different levels to gather regional talents and establish networks essential for tailored peace strategies, strengthening regional networks to tackle local peace threats and harnessing collective capacities.
Even more meaningful is the fact that HWPL, based in Seoul, South Korea, is also celebrating the establishment of an international organization that has reached 10 years with over 500,000 members in 170 countries, in addition to implementing peace projects through MOA or MOU with 1,014 organizations in 105 countries.
Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL pointed out that division of religion caused tremendous loss of life, emphasizing that religions must take the lead in dialogue and understanding. “We must work together to create a world of peace and leave it as a legacy for future generations. This is to fulfill our mission as a light that brings life to the global village. Only through love and peace can the world become one,” he said.
Not to be outdone, HPWL Malaysia also recently held its own peace summit on October 6, 2024, with a session in Kuching and Kuala Lumpur, attended by its director, Bong Yuet Ning.
Bong emphasized, “The ultimate goal of HWPL is to accomplish peace in the world through a bottom-up movement, which means that every single person has the right to know about world peace and why it is so important. It is both an institutional and a community effort, planting the seed of peace in each individual’s heart.”
In Kuala Lumpur, a roundtable discussion brought together key figures from politics, religion,
education, and media. Among them are the President of the National Press Club, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Special Officer to the Chief Minister of Terengganu, Dr. Balachandra, International Secretary of the World Hindu Federation, Dr. Kandasamy, and Religious Advisor & Chief Monk of Ti-Ratana Lumbini Garden, Bhante Hemaloka.
Bhante Hemaloka emphasized the importance of tolerance and compassion as the foundation for peace. He stated, “Patient tolerance is everything. Many of today’s conflicts arise from misunderstanding, and the path to resolving them starts within ourselves.” He further highlighted, “Love and compassion are the root of wisdom, and by practicing these,we can bring healing and unity to the world.”
Datuk Yong Soo Heong highlighted the essence of unity and acceptance among diverse communities in Malaysia. He stated, “We live as Malaysians, building this country together regardless of being Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, or others. Tolerance and acceptance are key.” He further shared, “Inclusion and coexistence are what define us, and that is how we thrive as a nation.”
Dr. Balanchandra encouraged a call for peace through self-reflection, stating, “True peace will come when we set aside our ego and come together as one. We are not defined by our race or nationality but by our shared humanity as Asians.”
This summit aimed to foster dialogue among various sectors, encouraging collaboration to tackle loc alchallenges and develop sustainable peace projects, ultimately enhancing Malaysia’s role in advancing peace. The event engaged leaders and advocates from across the nation, reinforcing a collective commitment to building a harmonious society. -MalayaDailyToday
