This Is Where the Journey Begins

πŸ“… 4 Sessions | January 24 – March 14, 2027 | Live on Zoom | $215 ⚠️ Open Enrollment closes January 17, 2027 β€” Limited Availability

Have you always felt drawn to Buddhism but never quite found the right place to begin?

Maybe you have sensed that there is a deeper way to relate to stress, loss, and the search for meaning. Maybe you have read a little, sat in meditation once or twice, or simply felt a quiet pull toward something more alive, more awake, more genuinely at peace.

If any of that sounds familiar β€” this course was made for you.

Buddhism 101: The Basics is Buddhist Faith Fellowship’s most beloved and longest-running course β€” offered continuously since 2004 β€” and it remains the ideal starting point for anyone ready to explore one of the world’s most profound and practical wisdom traditions. No prior knowledge required. No particular belief system needed. Just an open mind and a genuine desire to learn.

ABOUT THE COURSE

This warm, engaging, and beginner-friendly course offers a comprehensive non-sectarian overview of Buddhism β€” drawing from both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions β€” with an experienced teacher who has been guiding students along this path for over two decades.

Over four online sessions spanning two months you will explore the life of the historical Buddha, the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the Six Paramitas, karma, emptiness, rebirth, meditation, mindfulness, Buddhist ethics, rituals, festivals, and so much more β€” through lively discussion, guided readings, and personal reflection.

But this is more than an intellectual survey. The heart of this course is bringing the Buddha’s teachings off the page and into your life β€” transforming how you relate to stress, relationships, work, loss, and the quiet question of what your life is really for.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

By the end of this course you will:

βœ” Have a solid, confident understanding of Buddhist history, philosophy, and practice βœ” Know how to establish a basic daily meditation and mindfulness practice βœ” See your everyday experiences β€” stress, conflict, loss, joy β€” through a fresh and compassionate lens βœ” Feel genuinely connected to a supportive community of fellow seekers βœ” Have the foundation to continue your journey through further BFF courses and programs βœ” Be one step closer to completing the Buddhism 101 Series and receiving your Affirmation Certificate

COURSE STRUCTURE

Format: Live online via Zoom Sessions: 4 Sundays over 2 months β€” approximately 90 minutes to 2.5 hours each Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Eastern

Sessions 1 & 2: Jan. 24 & Feb. 14. Be a Lamp Upon Yourself (free ebook download & free hard copy is available on Meditation & Talk Sundays in Middletown

Sessions 3 & 4: Feb 28 & Mar 14.  The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith

Note: Please order your books well in advance to allow time for delivery and completion of the first assignment β€” which is due at the first class meeting on January 24th.

As part of BFF’s non-profit Amazon Affiliate Program, when you purchase books or items through our online store, we receive a small portion of the sale that helps cover operating costs and fund our programs. Thank you for your support.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

This is a structured program β€” not a casual book club. Students are warmly asked to:

  • Read the assigned books and complete all Reading Guide assignments before each class. The 1st assignment is due at the 1st class.
  • Attend all four online sessions
  • If located in Connecticut β€” attend BFF’s Sunday Morning Meditation & Talk gatherings
  • If located outside Connecticut β€” connect with a local Buddhist group if one is available
  • Practice what is learned β€” in meditation, in daily life, and in relationships

Community practice is an essential ingredient of the Buddha’s path. We cannot do it alone β€” the sangha (community of practitioners) is one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism, and it will support and deepen your learning in ways that study alone cannot.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A. has served as BFF of Connecticut’s guiding teacher since 2001. A former student of the Venerable Thich Tri Hong and the esteemed late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, he has practiced Buddhism for over 30 years and brings a rare combination of scholarly depth, personal warmth, and genuine lived experience to every class. For his full biography, visit the Our Teachers page.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

πŸ“… Course Begins: January 24, 2027 ⚠️ Enrollment Closes: January 17, 2027 πŸ“† Session Dates: Jan 24, Feb 14 & 28, Mar 14 πŸ•• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Eastern πŸ’» Format: Live on Zoom (unique link sent to registered students) πŸ’΅ Contribution: $215 πŸ“š Prerequisites: None β€” beginner friendly and open to all 🌍 Open to: Everyone, regardless of background, faith, or belief.

REGISTRATION & IMPORTANT POLICIES

Enrollment is limited. Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure your place, allow time to order books, and complete the first assignment before January 24th.

By registering you confirm agreement to BFF’s Refund Policy, Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, and Image Release Agreement as detailed on the registration ticket.

UPON COMPLETION

This course is the ideal first step in BFF’s ongoing Buddhism 101 Series β€” a carefully designed curriculum of accessible and transformative courses exploring Buddhist wisdom for modern life. Some of the other courses in the series include:

  • Buddhism 101: Discovering the Three Jewels β€” the Buddha, Dharma & Sangha as the heart of the path
  • Buddhism 101: Walking the Bodhisattva Path β€” the Six Paramitas for everyday life
  • Buddhism 101: The Art of Mindful Working and Living β€” finding joy and meaning in each hour of the day
  • Buddhism 101: Living Fully, Letting Go Gracefully – how to integrate the teaching of impermanence into daily life and beyond
  • Buddhism 101: Breaking Habits, Finding Freedom – applying mindfulness to stress, emotional stress, and cyclical habits.
  • Buddhism 101: Cutting Through Delusions – applying the wisdom teachings from the Heart and Diamond (Vajra) Sutras

Students who complete the full Buddhism 101 Series β€” along with one additional course and two retreat experiences β€” will be eligible for graduation and an Affirmation Certificate. Those who wish to formally become Buddhists may also participate in an optional Affirmation Ceremony including Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels, reciting the Bodhisattva Vows and Five Precepts, and receiving a meaningful dharma (Buddhist) name.