Following the easing of public health measures and restrictions in Ontario, on May 31st, 39 Recruit Constables visited Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to learn more about Buddhist culture and various functions of the temple. This visit was the first time Peel Regional Police resumed its temple visit for the new force since 2020, the beginning of the pandemic. 

The guests were welcomed by Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple (FGS) of Toronto, along with Mabel Lam, the President of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter. A tour of the temple guided by Jessie Chung and Wilson Yau, including the Main Shrine, Buddha Museum, Library, Water Drop Teahouse and BLIA 30th Anniversary Worldwide Photo Exhibition followed.  

At the Q&A session, Venerable Chueh Fan introduced the four objectives of FGS Monastery and the founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, to let the guests understand the function of the temple and the vision of building a harmonious community. Police officers cherished the opportunity to ask questions, from the traditions of Buddhism to the operating system of the Sangha community, to learn more about the Buddhist community. All of them appreciated the Abbess, President Mabel Lam, Jessie Chung and Wilson Yau for giving them very concrete and precise answers. 

Furthermore, the police officers also asked, "What police officer will be expected from Buddhists, both lay devotees and monastic?" Venerable Chueh Fan responded from the temple's point of view, and based on the experience of interaction with interfaith groups in Peel, she hopes that the police can be more approachable. She shared Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma words, "Live without Fear and Coexist in Peace" to express her wishes and blessing for all police officers. She introduced a collection of books from the Buddha’s Light Publications, such as Calm Mind, Perfect Ease, Living Affinity, For All Living Beings, Between Ignorance and Enlightenment, etc, for the guests to know more about Humanistic Buddhism in daily life. A short meditation session was arranged for the guests to experience the Buddhist practice.  

Constable Tony Tai, who has led delegations to visit the temple many times, thanked FGS of Toronto for its continuing support and warm reception to the police and thanked the Fo Guang volunteers for preparing the delicious and healthy lunch.

 Translated by Ben Fung

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