Interfaith Conference Held at Fo Guang Shan North Carolina Promotes Community Safety Through Unity

[Reported by Haikuo, North Carolina, USA] The Raleigh Police Department’s Interfaith Community Ambassadors for Responsive Engagement (I-CARE) program convened its regular meeting on March 12, 2026, at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina. A total of nine participants, including police representatives and leaders from diverse religious communities, attended the gathering. Venerable Miao Jou, Superintendent of the temple, personally received the guests, accompanied by Gee Chia, President of the Buddha's Light International Association North (BLIA) Carolina Chapter. The meeting fostered warm and meaningful dialogue between law enforcement and faith communities.

Prior to the meal, Venerable Miao Jou explains the Buddhist concept of the “Five Contemplations” in mindful eating to I-CARE members.

The I-CARE initiative aims to build an ongoing communication platform between the police and religious groups, strengthening mutual understanding and collaboration on issues related to community safety and well-being. The temple graciously hosted attendees with a thoughtfully prepared vegetarian lunch.

The temple prepares a refined vegetarian lunch for all attendees.

Venerable Zhi San led participants in a screening of The Buddha, followed by an dialogue session. Attendees shared reflections and engaged in discussions on universal values that transcend religious boundaries, including mindfulness, respect for others, right intention, and the Middle Path. One participant remarked that if each person could light a lamp within their heart, that collective light would eventually illuminate the world.

Venerable Zhi San leads a screening of The Buddha, followed by dialogue on universal values such as mindfulness, respect, right intention, and the Middle Path.

Participants were also guided through an exhibition of Doodling Chan art by Venerable You Ji, illustrating how Buddhist teachings can be expressed through creative practice. Venerable Zhi San emphasized that mindfulness extends beyond meditation, encouraging its integration into daily life through kindness and continuous awareness.

Venerable Zhi San guides participants through Venerable You Ji’s Doodling Chan artwork, demonstrating the integration of Buddhist teachings into artistic creation.

The formal I-CARE meeting focused on community safety and police-community collaboration. Police representatives introduced technological tools such as camera registration systems, license plate recognition, and drone applications, while encouraging residents to share information and participate in programs like the Community Police Academy and Hoops Night. One attendee noted that in today’s uncertain social climate, only through trust, cooperation, and concrete action among faith communities and law enforcement can a safer and more hopeful future be achieved.

Before concluding, Venerable Miao Jou led participants in creating Doodling Chan-style night lights, blending mindfulness with hands-on artistic expression in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

Participants create Doodling Chan-style night lights, incorporating mindfulness into creative expression.

I-CARE member Ira Richman shared that hosting the event at a Buddhist temple was a memorable experience. He noted that the wisdom of the Buddha, along with the warmth of the monastics and volunteers, made everyone feel welcomed and inspired a sense of mindfulness, gratitude, and hope. “We are all one people,” he said, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to connect.

During the I-CARE meeting, police discuss community safety and collaboration, introducing technologies such as camera registration, license plate recognition, and drones, and promoting programs like the Community Police Academy and Hoops Night.

Another member, Judah Segal, reflected that while meetings typically focus on practical issues, this gathering offered a rare opportunity to gain deeper insight into Buddhist teachings and temple culture. He added that if more people lived according to the Buddha’s teachings, many social and criminal issues might be alleviated. He also expressed gratitude for the thoughtful vegetarian meal and warm hospitality.

Venerable Miao Jou introduces the “Three Acts of Goodness” Children’s Creative Lantern Painting Competition.