{"id":11647,"date":"2024-11-22T11:44:34","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T16:44:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/?page_id=11647"},"modified":"2026-03-12T12:57:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T16:57:08","slug":"buddhism-course-101-module-1-the-foundation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/buddhism-course-101-module-1-the-foundation\/","title":{"rendered":"Buddhism 101 Online Course: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Registration is now OPEN.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Course begins on July 12, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open Enrollment ends July 1, 2026<\/strong>. Limited Availablity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make summer 2026 the tiime you discover the path to inner clarity, compassion, and peace. TheBuddhism 101 Course: The Basics <\/strong>is our most popular course since its introduction in 2004. This online course explores two engaging and accessible books that provide a comprehensive non-sectarian overview of Buddhism with an experienced Buddhist teacher, – covering Theravada and Mahayana traditions – the life of the historical Buddha, as well as his foundational teachings\u2014the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the Six Paramitas, karma, empitiness, rebirth and the afterlife, meditation, the Five Ethical Precepts, rituals and festivals, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n

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More than just an intellectual overview, this course emphasizes bringing the Buddha\u2019s teachings into everyday life. Students will learn how to cultivate mindfulness, practice basic meditation, and see the world through a fresh, compassionate lens. Together we\u2019ll explore how Buddhist principles can transform how we relate to stress, relationships, work, and the search for meaning\u2014making ancient wisdom practical for modern living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This 2-month, 4-sessions<\/strong> comprehensive but gentle course is known for its insightful class discussions and plenty of opportunities to learn and practice the necessary spiritual tools to help you awaken your innate Buddha nature and discover your life\u2019s purpose. See below for book selection and online class dates. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 Buddhist spirituality. Learn about the 5 Reasons why you should enroll in the Buddhism 101 course, HERE<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Selection & dates<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

CLICK BELOW<\/strong>. Note: Be a Lamp Upon Yourself<\/em><\/strong> is a free ebook download. A hard copy is only available to Connecticut’s Meditation & Talk Sundays attendees. <\/strong>Click on The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path<\/strong> title to order. <\/p>\n\n\n

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July 12 & 26. Be a Lamp Upon Yourself<\/em><\/strong> <\/a>(free ebook download)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

August 9 & 23.  The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Walking the Buddha\u2019s Eightfold Path<\/em><\/strong><\/a>by Jean Smith<\/p>\n\n\n

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We also want to let you know that the Buddhist Faith Fellowship is part of the non-profit Amazon Affiliate Program<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your support allows us to continue and expand our offerings, bringing the Buddhist teachings to more people. Thank you for walking this path with us!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Course<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Pre-requisites<\/strong>:  None and beginner-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education<\/strong>: This course covers history, biography, discipleship, Buddhist philosophy and psychology, basic concepts and practices, rituals, religion and spirituality. Teachings are non-sectarian and stem from both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Course Requirements<\/strong>: This 101 Course module has four components to be completed by the student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Reading the books and completing the assignments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Attending the online classes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Attending our Sunday morning gathering if your live in Connecticut or local group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Practicing what is learned.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Attendance & Commitment:<\/strong> If you live in Connecticut, all students should strive for a 75% Sunday morning Practice & Talk Meeting attendance<\/strong> record from the time of enrollment 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\u2019s Way to spiritual transformation<\/strong>. We cannot do it alone and we need the sangha (community of practitioners) to help us along the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Discipline:<\/strong> 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<\/strong> to help you live the Buddha\u2019s teachings in everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Assignments:<\/strong> All assignments are based on the readings and will be sent to students via e-mail. If you did not receive the assignments 2 weeks before the initial class, check your SPAM. Then, immediately contact us via CONTACT Tab. Important: Assignments must be completed before the class. <\/strong>First homework assignment is due on the first-class meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Books: <\/strong>One of the books is free as a pdf and a free paperback version can be attained in person at the Meditation & Talk Sunday meeting. Students are responsible to purchase the other course book 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. If you can please purchase the book via our link above since Amazon gives us a little commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contribution<\/strong>: $245<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    15% Early Bird Discount Code<\/strong>: BASICS26<\/strong> (June 1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Limited enrollment<\/strong>. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a place at the course and have the time to order and receive the books, and complete the 1st class assignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Time, Frequency & Place:<\/strong> It will meet 4x, on Sundays for two months.  Online classes will be approx. 90 minutes -2.5 hours each for 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. <\/strong>EST (USA & Canada) or (GMT-5). See dates above.  The unique Zoom link will be sent to registered students.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    Instructor:<\/strong> Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A. has been BFF of CT’s guiding teacher since 2001. A student of the Venerable Thich Tri Hong and the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, he has practiced Buddhism for over 30 years. For details, see bio in Our Teachers web page under the I’M NEW<\/strong><\/a> tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Be sure to read on the ticket the Refund Policy<\/em> Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, <\/em>& Image Release Agreement<\/em>. By registering to this event, you have confirmed and agreed to these policies, agreements, code of conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n