{"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":"2026-06-08T19:40:53","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T23:40:53","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

Make This the Summer You Discover the Path<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Open Enrollment ends July 4, 2026<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

4 Sessions | July 12 \u2013 August 23 | Live on Zoom | $215<\/strong> \u2014 Limited Availability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you always been curious about Buddhism \u2014 but didn’t know where to begin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If so, this course was made for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buddhism 101: The Basics<\/strong> is Buddhist Faith Fellowship’s most popular course \u2014 offered continuously since 2004 \u2014 and it remains the ideal starting point for anyone ready to explore one of the world’s most profound and practical wisdom traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No prior knowledge required. No particular belief system needed. Just an open mind and a genuine desire to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n

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ABOUT THE COURSE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This warm, engaging, and beginner-friendly course offers a comprehensive non-sectarian overview of Buddhism \u2014 drawing from both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions<\/strong> \u2014 with an experienced teacher who has been guiding students along this path for over two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over four online sessions spanning two months, you will explore:<\/p>\n\n\n

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1) The life of the historical Buddha<\/strong> \u2014 his journey from prince to awakened teacher 2) The Four Noble Truths<\/strong> and the Noble Eightfold Path<\/strong> \u2014 the Buddha’s essential roadmap for ending suffering 3) The Six Paramitas<\/strong> (Perfections) \u2014 the qualities that lead to wisdom and compassion 4) Karma, emptiness, rebirth, and the afterlife<\/strong> \u2014 explored with clarity and depth 5) Meditation and mindfulness<\/strong> \u2014 practical tools you’ll begin using right away 6) Buddhist ethics, rituals, and festivals<\/strong> \u2014 the lived culture of the dharma 7) And so much more \u2014 explored through lively discussion, guided readings, and personal reflection<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> \u2014 transforming how you relate to stress, relationships, work, loss, and the quiet question of what your life is really for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By the end of this course you will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2714 Have a solid, confident understanding of Buddhist history, philosophy, and practice \u2714 Know how to establish a basic daily meditation and mindfulness practice \u2714 See your everyday experiences \u2014 stress, conflict, loss, joy \u2014 through a fresh, compassionate lens \u2714 Feel connected to a supportive community of fellow seekers \u2714 Have the foundation to continue your journey through further BFF courses and programs \u2714 Be eligible \u2014 upon completion of the full 101 module series \u2014 for a formal Affirmation Certificate<\/strong> and, if desired, an optional ceremony to formally become a Buddhist and receive a dharma name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COURSE STRUCTURE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Format:<\/strong> Live online via Zoom Sessions:<\/strong> 4 Sundays over 2 months \u2014 approximately 90 minutes to 2.5 hours each Time:<\/strong> 6:00 PM \u2013 8:00 PM Eastern<\/p>\n\n\n

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Sessions 1 & 2: July 12 & 26. Be a Lamp Upon Yourself<\/em><\/strong> <\/a>(free ebook download)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sessions 3 & 4: 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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Note:<\/strong> Books should be ordered well in advance to allow time for delivery and completion of the first assignment \u2014 which is due at the first class meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

COURSE REQUIREMENTS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a structured program \u2014 not a casual book club. Students are asked to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Read the assigned books and complete all assignments before each class<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Attend all four online sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. If located in Connecticut \u2014 attend BFF’s Sunday morning Meditation & Talk gatherings (75% attendance encouraged)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. If located outside Connecticut \u2014 connect with a local Buddhist group if one is available<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Practice what is learned \u2014 in meditation, in daily life, and in relationships<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Community practice is an essential ingredient of the Buddha’s path. We cannot do it alone \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    YOUR INSTRUCTOR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A.<\/strong> 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<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    PRACTICAL DETAILS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    \ud83d\udcc5 Course Begins:<\/strong> July 12, 2026 \u26a0\ufe0f Enrollment Closes:<\/strong> July 1, 2026 \ud83d\udcc6 Session Dates:<\/strong> July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23 \ud83d\udd55 Time:<\/strong> 6:00 PM \u2013 8:00 PM Eastern \ud83d\udcbb Format:<\/strong> Live on Zoom (unique link sent to registered students) \ud83d\udcb5 Contribution:<\/strong> $215 \ud83d\udcda Prerequisites:<\/strong> None \u2014 beginner friendly and open to all \ud83c\udf0d Open to:<\/strong> Everyone, regardless of background, faith, or belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    REGISTRATION & IMPORTANT POLICIES<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Enrollment is limited. Early registration strongly encouraged<\/strong> to secure your place, allow time to order books, and complete the first assignment before July 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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