A Journey of Radical Self-acceptance
“The great path of awakening is not about striving or achieving, but about being embraced just as we are.” – Taitetsu Unno
Open Enrollment ends October 31, 2025 (Early Bird Discount is available)
Classes start on November 9, 2025 – 6 p.m online
What if the path to awakening wasn’t about effort, discipline, or renouncing the world—but about entrusting yourself to a wisdom and compassion far greater than your own? Shin Buddhism offers a path unlike any other—a way for ordinary people, in the midst of daily life, to experience deep spiritual liberation.
In this illuminating 3-session, 5-week online course, we explore the profound teachings of self-power and Other-Power, the nature of true entrusting (shinjin), and how awakening arises not from self-perfection, but from embracing our imperfections with radical honesty and gratitude. The Pure Land is not a faraway paradise; it is a reality unfolding in each moment, inviting us to see life with new eyes. Shinjin is not belief; it is an inner shift, a surrender to grace, where struggle gives way to trust, and striving dissolves into peace.
Through deep listening, reflection, and discussion, we will explore how these teachings transform suffering into peace, doubt into faith, and isolation into connection. Shin Buddhism has offered wisdom and refuge to millions for centuries, revealing a path of resilience, humility, and boundless compassion—one that meets us exactly where we are.
If you’ve ever felt that traditional paths of awakening were beyond your reach, this course will show you another way. Come as you are. Discover the awakening that is already waiting for you.
Buddhism 101: Module 4 – Open Enrollment, No Prerequisites
This Module 4 course is part of the Buddhism 101 course series, designed to offer accessible and engaging introductions to various aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Each module in this series stands alone, meaning you can enroll in any module without needing to complete others first. Whether you’re new to Buddhism or deepening an existing practice, you can jump into the topics that interest you most without worrying about prerequisites.
The modules are not sequential, so you can take them in any order, depending on your interests and schedule. With open enrollment, this flexible format allows anyone to join at any time, making it easy to explore Buddhism on your own terms.
All modules in the Buddhism 101 series, including this 3-sessions, 5-week course, offer insightful class discussions and ample opportunities to learn, practice essential spiritual tools, and practices, guiding you toward awakening to your true nature, the Oneness of Reality, and discovering your life’s purpose.
Dates & Book Selection
Click on book titles or image to order:
Nov. 9 & 23. River of Fire, River of Water by Taitetsu Unno
Dec. 7. Buddhism of the Heart by Jeff Wilson
We also want to let you know that the Buddhist Faith Fellowship is part of the non-profit Amazon Affiliate Program. This means that when you purchase any item through our affiliate links above (click on book titles), a small portion of the sale helps us cover operating costs and fund our programs. Your support allows us to continue and expand our offerings, bringing the Dharma to more people. Thank you for walking this path with us!
The Course
Pre-requisites: none – ideal for beginners and the curious or those who need a refresher
Education & Requirements: This course uses 2 easy-to-read and engaging books to explore basic Shin Buddhist teachings, philosophy. way of life, and practices in a practical and accessible way for beginner and intermediate practitioners or just the curious. Course requirements are the following:
- Read the books and complete the assignments.
- Attend the online classes.
- Attend our Sunday morning gathering if your live in Connecticut or local group.
- Apply and Practice what is learned.
Attendance & Commitment: If you live in Connecticut, all students should strive for a 75% Sunday morning Practice & Talk Meeting attendance record from the beginning to the end of the course. If you live outside of Connecticut, you should seek a local Buddhist group in your area (if there is one). This is part of the sedimentation process that allows us to assimilate the teachings into our daily life and to learn from other experienced teachers. Community practice is an important component of the Buddha’s Way to spiritual transformation. We cannot do it alone and we need the sangha (community of practitioners) to help us along the journey.
Absences from classes: All students are allowed just one absence from a class but assignments must be delivered via e-mail before the missed class. Attendance will be taken.
Discipline: In order to experience spiritual transformation and realize understanding one must be committed to the process such as practicing at home, work and in relationships, attending the classes, a local Buddhist practice meeting, and completing all of the assignments. Our 101 course is not a book discussion group but is a structured program to help you live the Buddha’s teachings in everyday life.
Assignments: All assignments are based on the readings and will be sent to students via e-mail. They must be completed and handed in at the time of the class. First homework assignment is due on the first-class meeting.
Books: Students are responsible to purchase their course books at a local bookseller or online. We suggest students purchase the books well in advance in order to allow enough time for delivery & the completion of the 1st assignment.
Contribution: $195.
Early Bird Discount of 15% until September 30, 2025
Discount Code: module4
Open Enrollment ends October 31, 2025
Time, Frequency & Place: It will meet 3x, on Sunday evenings for 5 weeks. Online classes will be approx. 90 minutes – 2.5 hours each , 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST (USA & Canada) or (GMT-5). See dates above. The unique Zoom link will be sent to registered students.
Teacher: Rev. D. Senpai, M.A., BFF of CT’s guiding teacher and Shin practicer, and student of Venerable Thich Tri Hong and the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, will be the instructor for this course. For details, see bio in Our Teachers web page under the ABOUT tab.
Certificate, Becoming a Buddhist & Teacher
Upon completion of the Buddhist 101 modules – along with one additional course, and retreats, students will be eligible for graduation. The requirements for graduation include:
- Class attendance
- Assignment completion
- Retreat experience
- Sunday morning attendance or participation in a local group
A Graduation Ceremony will be conducted at two locations:
- At the Buddhist Faith Fellowship in Middletown for Connecticut residents
- A special online ceremony for students outside of Connecticut
During this ceremony, graduates will receive an Affirmation Certificate. Those who wish to formally become Buddhists may participate in an optional Affirmation Ceremony, which includes:
- Going for Refuge in the Three Jewels
- Reciting the Buddhist Affirmation, Precepts, and Vows
- Receiving the community’s kata (monto shikisho)
- Choosing a meaningful dharma name
Your instructor will provide information about this opportunity during the course. The Buddhism 101 course will serve as a basic requirement for future programs. When the Buddhist Faith Fellowship reopens its pathway for those seeking to become certified associate teacher.