Explore within. Shape your life and future.
Class dates: January 26 & February 23, 2020
Time: 10:30 am – Noon
Open but Limited Enrollment: closes Jan 16th extended to Jan 20th
Location: FEAS Room/Main Practice Room
Discover Buddhism as a practical and inspirational way of life that has offered psychological and spiritual fulfillment for that last 2,400 years. This course will offer an overview of Buddhism: it’s founder, history, teachings, core practices, various schools, and more.
This introductory Buddhism 1.0 module aims to be a lucid and helpful survey of this ancient path that is both user friendly and meaningful. 1.0 has been designed with the intention to illuminate the path for beginners as well as for those who need a refresher course.
While this course emphasizes the fundamental Buddhist teachings as a life philosophy, Buddhism cannot be divorced from its practice, therefore, students are encouraged to attend our Practice & Talk meetings to learn about mindfulness and sitting meditation in a community context.
Teacher: Our founding teacher, Senpai Daishin has over 30 years of experience in Buddhist practice and has an ability of making complex concepts simple and easy to understand for those unfamiliar with the core teachings of Buddhism.
Pre-requisites: none
Book: Students will need to purchase the book, Introducing Buddhism by Chris Pauling (Vandanya), separately through his/her favorite bookstore or online bookseller. We suggest purchasing the book as soon as you register in order to allow you enough time to complete the first reading assignment.
Assignments: There will be two assignments with guided reading questions. Both of them will be emailed to the students. Please, try to do as much of the assignment as possible and bring it to the class. Assignments have been created to help you practice the teachings in daily living while class-time offers guided instruction on the path and its practices that bring to life Buddhism as a culture of awakening.
Practice & Talks Attendance: We highly recommend that while taking the Buddhism 1.0 course, students should also strive to attend the Practice & Talk meetings starting at 9 a.m. for the duration of the course. Topics of talks or discussions plus practices will correspond with the information presented in course; so our Practice and Talk meetings will reinforce what is learned in class. It is important to understand that Buddhism is more than just an intellectual exploration or a belief system but it is experience that encompasses the mind, body, and senses, as well as, a sense of community with fellow practitioners, called the sangha.
Our Practice & Talk Meetings gather twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
Snow dates: for the January 26th class, the snow date will be on February 9th; the February 24th class will be on March 8th.
Costs: $55 for non-members and $45 for supporting members for 2 sessions.
Membership: to become a supporting member of the Buddhist Faith Fellowship and receive course discounts and other benefits, visit HERE.
Register Here. I read and agree with the Refund Policy & Disclaimer of Responsibility below.
Retaking Buddhism 1.0: Discovering a Way of Life, formally titled “Discovering a Philosophy of Life”? If you already took this course in 2017 or 2018 and wish to retake it as a refresher course, we are asking for a nominal donation of either $30 or $25 to help cover costs.
No refunds are granted for no shows or cancellations except if course, workshop, retreat or program is withdrawn by BFF of CT. By registering to any course, workshop or retreat, you acknowledge and agree with our Refund Policy.
If a student wishes to cancel his/her registration to any course, workshop or retreat, the BFF of CT may provide credit to the student toward another corresponding future course, workshop or retreat taken with the Fellowship. The student needs to provide a written request for credit sent via email to the BFF of CT one week prior to the first day of class, workshop or retreat. Credit toward a course will only be granted for one year after the date of cancellation.
Disclaimer of Responsibility: By registering for this program. I, the course member, specifically waive any and all claims of action against the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. and staff for damages, loss, injury, accident, or death due to negligence on the part of any organization or employee providing services included in this course, organization or employee providing included in this course.
Testimonials
“This is a fabulous overview of Buddhism.” – Judy Halperin, West Hartford, CT
“My understanding of Buddhism was greatly enriched.” – Candice Martino, Farmington, CT
“Senpai is skillful, witty, and teaches from personal experience; he is excited to show you the way. What he teaches you will help you improve your understanding of Buddhism, its essential teachings and practices, not just during the course, but beyond.” – Sam Richardson, Branford, CT