Tangney MHR Sam Lim has become the first person to be sworn into an Australian Parliament on Buddhist scriptures.
Mr Lim was sworn into the 47th Parliament of Australia on Tuesday with one of the most-read scriptures — the Dhammapada.
He said Buddhism had always been a positive force in his life and gave him “great inner strength”.
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READ NOW“It helps to keep me centred and balanced, to be kind and caring, and to be grateful for and appreciate life’s many gifts,” Mr Lim said.
“I even bring my meditation mat with me on my parliamentary trips to Canberra.”
Mr Lim discovered only last week that there had never been a swearing-in ceremony using Buddhist scriptures.
“The more I think about it, the more honoured I am,“ he said.
“I am not a preacher and I believe everybody should follow their own journey, but Buddhism has been a powerful positive force in my life. I am a better person because of it and I am very thankful for that.”