Class dates: Not yet announced
Time: 10:30 am – Noon
Registration is not open
Location: FEAS Room/Main Practice Room
Buddhism 1.0 Course: How can you live a happy and meaningful life? This course will look into what the Buddha discovered and his recommendation on walking the path of awareness and compassion.
The Eight Steps to Happiness course will meet 3 times over a 3 month period. Exploring the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path, the 1.0 course is divided into three classes based on the three Buddhist trainings and disciplines: The Wisdom Teachings, the Morality Teachings, and Mental Discipline. Open to beginners and veteran practitioners who are looking for a refresher course. Limited enrollment. 
Students will learn insightful teachings on how to live the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path for 21st century Americans through a dynamic classroom experience and short assignments. The course offers practical advice to handle anger, find right livelihood, cultivate lovingkindness (metta), practice mindfulness, and overcome the mental hindrances that prevent happiness. Whether you are someone who is just beginning or a veteran Buddhist, this down-to-earth course will help you bring the heart of the Buddha’s original teachings into every aspect of your life.
Teacher: Our founding teacher, Senpai Daishin has a knack of making complex concepts simple and easy to understand for those unfamiliar with the core teachings of Buddhism likewise the course’s book, The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path has an engaging style and is an easy to read guide that delves into the heart of the Buddha’s teachings.
Pre-requisites: none
Books: Students will need to purchase the book, The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith, 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 short assignments with guided reading questions based on the readings; they will be emailed to the students. Please, try to do as much of each assignment as possible and bring them to the class. Assignments have been created to help you to understand and practice the teachings for 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 the P & Ts 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 meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Also, if you are part of our Buddhist Family Practice or our 12 Step Buddhist Group then your attendance in those groups will be acceptable. 
A Special Gift. At the last class, for those who have completed the course and are in attendance, students will receive a special complimentary gift.
Costs: $95 for non-members and $75 for supporting members for 3 sessions.
Meeting times: Classes begin at 10:30 a.m. and will each be up to 1.5 hours in duration.
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: Eight Steps to Happiness? 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, volunteer or employee providing services included in this course.
Testimonials
“Being an experience meditator and Buddhist teacher, Senpai is a master in explaining the Buddhist teachings through down-to-earth language, charming personal stories, and clear metaphors and similes. I would highly recommend any course he is teaching.” Él habla español también. – Anita Sanchez, New Haven, CT
“Buddhism 1.0 offers a treasure trove of great ideas to lessen suffering and live a happier life, while the readings and Senpai’s teachings present an essential tool-box of spiritual and psychological tools to successfully live the teachings.” – Charles Forester, Cheshire, CT
“Buddhism 1.0 has changed my life.” – Barbara Martin, Middletown, CT
I would recommend it to anyone serious about learning about Buddhism. Buddhism 1.0 is a gentle, inspiring and structured course. The Practice & Talk Meetings were a great bonus. I give kudos to Senpai who just may be the best Buddhist teacher in Connecticut.” – M.J. Davis, New Britain, CT