Buddhist Practice & Discussion in Central Connecticut
Join us twice a month on Sunday mornings, from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., 343 Washington Terrace, in Middletown, Connecticut for Meditation & Talk Sundays, a nurturing space to explore the teachings and practices of Buddhism in daily life. Guided by Rev. G.R. Lewis (Senpai), one of Connecticut’s respected Buddhist teachers, these gatherings combine heartfelt Shin Buddhist insights with Thien (Zen) meditation practices inspired by Zen and Pure Land Master, Thich Nhat Hanh. Each session offers a gentle, structured way to experience the Buddha Dharma, whether you are new to Buddhism or a seasoned practitioner seeking deeper understanding.
Our Sunday mornings include silent sitting meditation to cultivate inner stillness, sacred chants to uplift the spirit, and insightful Dharma talks and discussions that relate timeless Buddhist wisdom to modern life. Set against the serene backdrop of the inspirational Shôyôan Teien Zen garden, these gatherings create an environment where participants can explore mindfulness, reflection, and compassionate living. Every meeting is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and supportive—perfect for anyone curious about Buddhist practice or looking to enrich their spiritual journey.
More than just a weekly meeting, Meditation & Talk Sundays is a space for connection, renewal, and community. For over two decades, these gatherings have provided participants with an opportunity to pause, reflect, and cultivate resilience and clarity amidst the demands of everyday life. By blending traditional practice with contemporary relevance, our sessions help attendees bring mindfulness, compassion, and insight into both their personal lives and relationships with others.
Suggested donation of $10 to $20 per person (cash, check or Vemno) to help cover the costs: the space at Wesleyan, extensive outreach, internet service, Meetup and other standard operating costs. Thank you for your financial support.
Code of Conduct: In order to create a positive learning and practice environment at the Buddhist Faith Fellowship of Connecticut (BFF of CT), participants are expected to engage in kind, courteous, and respectful actions and speech. Therefore, participants agree to abstain from:
- Engaging in unlawful actions (which will be reported to the police)
- Physical, verbal, and emotional abuse or harassment
- Possessing, using, or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any illegal substances
- Sexual harassment in any form
- Using harmful, harsh, political, racist, and demeaning language
- Acting or speaking divisively to disrupt the BFF of CT community
- Damaging any physical object or the premise of the center
Participants understand and agree to abide by the Buddhist Faith Fellowship’s Code of Conduct, refraining from any disruptive behavior that inhibits the learning and practice of other participants in any course, workshop, retreat, program, or community activity. Participants acknowledge that failure to adhere to this code of conduct will result in being asked to leave the premises, temporarily or permanently, without a refund of any fees or donations for the course, workshop, retreat, or program.
