Fort Bragg Soldiers Visit Fo Guang Shan North Carolina Experiencing Buddhist and Chinese Cultural Heritage

Reported by Yu Chuan, North Carolina, USA

On October 1, 2025, Chinese language instructor Ting-Ting Li from the U.S. Army Base Fort Bragg in North Carolina led four of her students to visit Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina for a day of cultural and spiritual learning, offering them a firsthand experience of Buddhist values and Chinese culture.

Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina, spans approximately 650 square kilometers, covering parts of Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, and Moore counties. It houses more than 57,000 active-duty personnel along with thousands of dependents and civilian staff, making it the largest military installation in the United States. The base serves as headquarters for the U.S. Army Forces Command, U.S. Army Reserve Command, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. After being renamed Fort Liberty in 2023, the base officially reverted to the name Fort Bragg in early 2025.

Instructor Li shared that she began organizing cultural field trips for her Chinese language students about seven or eight years ago, with Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina as one of their regular destinations. She also encourages other instructors to bring their students, noting that “the temple’s programs have become increasingly rich and diverse, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist humanistic values.”

During the visit, Venerable Zhi San introduced the group to Buddhist teachings by screening the animated film The Life of the Buddha, followed by discussion and a short meditation session to experience inner calm and mindfulness. The group then toured the Jade Buddha Shrine, where Venerable Zhi San explained the Ten Practices Song displayed on the wall—teachings from the Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan Venerable Master Hsing Yun on applying Buddhist practice in daily life. Guests were later invited to draw Dharma words for personal reflection.

The soldiers also explored the Cultural Corridor, viewing Buddhist art and the exhibition of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “One-Stroke Calligraphy.” Guided by Venerable Zhi San, they practiced transcribing and reading aloud the principles of the “Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings,” discovering serenity and wisdom through focused writing.

The visit concluded with a tea meditation and open dialogue session. The soldiers asked thoughtful questions on topics such as how monastics balance spiritual cultivation and worldly engagement, and the Buddhist view of reincarnation. Venerable Zhi San offered blessings for peace and happiness to all, encouraging them to cultivate compassion and tranquility within, and to aspire for world peace.