Registration is open until January 12, 2025 (11:59 p.m.)
Limited Enrollment – 15% Early Bird Discount until 12/31/24 – see below
The Buddhism 101 Course: Module 1 – The Foundation is our most popular course since its introduction in 2004. This online course explores three engaging and accessible books that provide a comprehensive overview of the lives of the historical Buddha and his disciples, as well as his foundational teachings—the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
More than just an intellectual overview, this course emphasizes incorporating the Buddha’s teachings into daily life, offering a practical approach to spiritual transformation.
This 3-month comprehensive course is known for its insightful class discussions and plenty of opportunities to learn and practice the necessary spiritual tools to help you awaken to the Oneness of Reality and discover your life’s purpose. This course, and the rest of the Buddhism 101 modules, are designed to explore Buddhism from the life of its founder to the very heart of Theravada, Mahayana, and Shin Buddhist spirituality. Learn about the 5 Reasons why you should enroll in the Buddhism 101 course, HERE.
Book Selection
Jan 20. Buddha: The Story of an Awakened Life by David Khedian
Feb. 3. The Disciples of Buddha by Zenno Ishigami
Feb. 24 & Mar 17. The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith
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, 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.
Education: This course covers history, biography, discipleship, Buddhist philosophy and psychology, basic concepts and practice, religion and spirituality. Teachings from both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions are explored.
Course Requirements: This 101 Course module has four components to be completed by the student.
- Reading the books and completing the assignments.
- Attending the online classes.
- Attending our Sunday morning gathering if your live in Connecticut or local group.
- Practicing what is learned.
Attendance & Commitment: If you live in Connecticut, all participants 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 or post 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. Assignments may be collected and reviewed.
Books: Students are responsible to purchase their course books at a local bookseller or online. We suggest students purchase all books well in advance in order to allow enough time for delivery & the completion of assignments.
Contribution: $185.
Early Bird Discount of 15% until December 31, 2024
Discount Code: buddha101
Limited enrollment. The retreat space is limited. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a spot at the course and have the time to order and receive the books, and complete the 1st class assignment.
Time, Frequency & Place: It will meet 4x, on Mondays for three months. Online classes will be approx. 90 minutes -2 ½ hours each for 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST (USA & Canada) or (GMT-5). See dates above. The unique Zoom link will be sent to registered students.
Instructor: Rev. D. Senpai, M.A., BFF of CT’s guiding teacher and Shin practicer, who was a student of the 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 I’M NEW tab.
Be sure to read on the ticket the Refund Policy Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, & Image Release Agreement. By registering to this event, you have confirmed and agreed to these policies, agreements, code of conduct.
Certificate, Becoming a Buddhist & Teacher
Upon completion of the three Buddhist 101 modules – The Foundation, The Path and Practice, and The Way of Heart and Light – along with one additional course, 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 Shin Affirmation
- 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 Lay Dharma Teachers, completion of this course will be a prerequisite.