Make This the Summer You Discover the Path
Open Enrollment ends July 1, 2026
4 Sessions | July 12 – August 23 | Live on Zoom | $215 — Limited Availability
Have you always been curious about Buddhism — but didn’t know where to begin?
Maybe you’ve felt drawn to meditation, or sensed that there’s a deeper way to relate to stress, loss, and the search for meaning. Maybe you’ve read a little, watched a documentary, or simply felt a quiet pull toward something more.
If so, this course was made for you.
Buddhism 101: The Basics is Buddhist Faith Fellowship’s most popular course — offered continuously since 2004 — 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 — drawing from both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions — 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:
1) The life of the historical Buddha — his journey from prince to awakened teacher 2) The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path — the Buddha’s essential roadmap for ending suffering 3) The Six Paramitas (Perfections) — the qualities that lead to wisdom and compassion 4) Karma, emptiness, rebirth, and the afterlife — explored with clarity and depth 5) Meditation and mindfulness — practical tools you’ll begin using right away 6) Buddhist ethics, rituals, and festivals — the lived culture of the dharma 7) And so much more — explored 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 — transforming how you relate to stress, relationships, work, loss, and the quiet question of what your life is really for.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
By the end of this course you will:
✔ Have a solid, confident understanding of Buddhist history, philosophy, and practice ✔ Know how to establish a basic daily meditation and mindfulness practice ✔ See your everyday experiences — stress, conflict, loss, joy — through a fresh, compassionate lens ✔ Feel connected to a supportive community of fellow seekers ✔ Have the foundation to continue your journey through further BFF courses and programs ✔ Be eligible — upon completion of the full 101 module series — for a formal Affirmation Certificate and, if desired, an optional ceremony to formally become a Buddhist and receive a dharma name.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Format: Live online via Zoom Sessions: 4 Sundays over 2 months — approximately 90 minutes to 2.5 hours each Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Eastern
Sessions 1 & 2: July 12 & 26. Be a Lamp Upon Yourself (free ebook download)
Sessions 3 & 4: August 9 & 23. The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith
Note: Books should be ordered well in advance to allow time for delivery and completion of the first assignment — which is due at the first class meeting.
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 book or item in our online store, we will receive a small portion of the sale that helps us cover operating costs and fund our programs.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
This is a structured program — not a casual book club. Students are asked to:
- Read the assigned books and complete all assignments before each class
- Attend all four online sessions
- If located in Connecticut — attend BFF’s Sunday morning Meditation & Talk gatherings (75% attendance encouraged)
- If located outside Connecticut — connect with a local Buddhist group if one is available
- Practice what is learned — in meditation, in daily life, and in relationships
Community practice is an essential ingredient of the Buddha’s path. We cannot do it alone — 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
📅 Course Begins: July 12, 2026 ⚠️ Enrollment Closes: July 1, 2026 📆 Session Dates: July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Eastern 💻 Format: Live on Zoom (unique link sent to registered students) 💵 Contribution: $215 📚 Prerequisites: None — beginner friendly and open to all 🌍 Open to: Everyone, regardless of background, faith, or belief.
REGISTRATION & IMPORTANT POLICIES
Enrollment is limited. Early registration strongly encouraged to secure your place, allow time to order books, and complete the first assignment before July 12.
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
Students who complete the full Buddhism 101 module series — along with one additional course and retreat experience — will be eligible for graduation and an Affirmation Certificate.
Those who wish to formally become Buddhists may participate in an optional Affirmation Ceremony including:
- Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels
- Reciting the Bodhisattva Vows
- Reciting the Five Precepts
- Receiving a meaningful dharma name
This course also serves as a prerequisite for BFF’s future pathway for those seeking to become Certified Associate Lay Dharma Teachers.
WHY BUDDHISM 101?
Not sure if this course is right for you? Read our full article: 👉 5 Reasons to Enroll in Buddhism 101.
Buddhist Faith Fellowship | 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT Serving our community with ancient wisdom for modern lives.