On November 21, 2016, "The Lotus Sutra—A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence" exhibition was launched at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) in Lima, Peru. UNMSM, established in 1551, is the oldest academic institution in South America. The exhibition was created by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) and organized by Peru Soka Gakkai International (SGI).                 

On display at the building for the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences were duplicates of the Lotus Sutra manuscripts translated into various languages, panels introducing the history of the dissemination of Buddhist teachings and the Lotus Sutra Manuscript Series conducted by the IOP.

At the grand opening ceremony, some 100 teachers and students attended together with Dr. Jorge Quispe, Director of The Academic-Professional School of Philosophy, UNMSM. Dr. Carlos García, Dean of the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences was also present. Attending from the same faculty were Mg. Lilia Llanto, Vice Dean, and Dr. Miguel Polo, Professor.

During the ceremony, Prof. Miguel Polo shared his view that Buddhism is one of the most important philosophies of life and that understanding Asian history leads to a better appreciation of Buddhist history. He added, “The exhibition delivers the message of the Lotus Sutra, which enhances its literary and spiritual value as well as its historic significance.” 

Dr. Carlos García also mentioned, “I would like to to express my gratitude to everyone who made the exhibition possible. A dialogue with other civilizations is significant for a country with history as rich as that of Peru. There is no doubt that Buddhism has been a major current in the world of religion as its teachings provide an essential foundation for human life.”