Have you always felt drawn to Buddhism but never quite found the right place to begin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If any of that sounds familiar \u2014 this course was made for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buddhism 101: The Basics<\/strong> is Buddhist Faith Fellowship’s most beloved and longest-running 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. No prior knowledge required. No particular belief system needed. Just an open mind and a genuine desire to learn.<\/p>\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 \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 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 \u2014 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 \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 By the end of this course you will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2714 <\/strong>Have a solid, confident understanding of Buddhist history, philosophy, and practice \u2714<\/strong> Know how to establish a basic daily meditation and mindfulness practice \u2714<\/strong> See your everyday experiences \u2014 stress, conflict, loss, joy \u2014 through a fresh and compassionate lens \u2714<\/strong> Feel genuinely connected to a supportive community of fellow seekers \u2714<\/strong> Have the foundation to continue your journey through further BFF courses and programs \u2714<\/strong> Be one step closer to completing the Buddhism 101 Series and receiving your Affirmation Certificate<\/p>\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 Sessions 1 & 2: Jan. 24 & Feb. 14. Be a Lamp Upon Yourself<\/em><\/strong> <\/a>(free ebook download & free hard copy is available on Meditation & Talk Sundays in Middletown<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sessions 3 & 4: Feb 28 & Mar 14. The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Walking the Buddha\u2019s Eightfold Path<\/em><\/strong><\/a> by Jean Smith<\/p>\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> Please order your books well in advance to allow time for delivery and completion of the first assignment \u2014 which is due at the first class meeting on January 24th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a structured program \u2014 not a casual book club. Students are warmly asked to:<\/p>\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 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 \ud83d\udcc5 Course Begins:<\/strong> January 24, 2027 \u26a0\ufe0f Enrollment Closes:<\/strong> January 17, 2027 \ud83d\udcc6 Session Dates:<\/strong> Jan 24, Feb 14 & 28, Mar 14 \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 Enrollment is limited.<\/strong> Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure your place, allow time to order books, and complete the first assignment before January 24th.<\/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\nABOUT THE COURSE<\/h3>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWHAT YOU WILL GAIN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
COURSE STRUCTURE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCOURSE REQUIREMENTS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nYOUR INSTRUCTOR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
PRACTICAL DETAILS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
REGISTRATION & IMPORTANT POLICIES<\/h3>\n\n\n\n