{"id":12163,"date":"2025-01-20T16:25:37","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T21:25:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/?page_id=12163"},"modified":"2025-11-19T08:19:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T13:19:42","slug":"buddhism-for-beginners-a-practical-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/buddhism-for-beginners-a-practical-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Buddhism for Beginners Course"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Discover the Essence of Buddhism<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Open Enrollment is extended until Friday, May 9, 2025<\/strong> (11:59 p.m.) – a few spots left<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online classes start on May 18, 2025 – 6 p.m. online<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buddhism for Beginners: A Practical Overview<\/strong> is a basic survey and introduction, in 2 online sessions<\/strong>, of the Buddha’s life, Buddhist history, ethics, meditation, devotional practices, and various schools. This course will give clear insights into the core teachings that have inspired mindfulness and spiritual growth, and promoted enlightenment for over 2,400 years. Whether you\u2019re new to Buddhism or seeking a refresher, this course illuminates the foundations of the Buddha\u2019s wisdom and its application in daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Through engaging discussions, practical exercises, and a supportive learning environment, participants will uncover the richness of Buddhist philosophy and its diverse schools, from Therav\u0101da, Mah\u0101y\u0101na, and Vajray\u0101na to Pure Land Buddhism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A portion of each of the 2 classes will also include mindfulness instruction and practice, helping participants experience the foundational meditative techniques of Buddhism. Designed for those curious about Buddhism\u2019s relevance today, this course invites you to explore its timeless truths and discover how they can guide you toward a more mindful and awakened life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Click on book title to order:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 18 & June 8. <\/strong>Introducing Buddhism<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>by Chris Pauling<\/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 item through our affiliate links above (click on book title), a small portion of the sale helps us cover operating costs and fund our programs. Your support allows us to continue and expand our offerings, bringing the Dharma to more people. Thank you for walking this path with us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Pre-requisites<\/strong>:  none. \u2014just an open mind and a willingness to learn.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education<\/strong>:  This course surveys the essence of Buddhism, its founder, its basic philosophy and psychology, meditation, devotional practices, history and its various schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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  1. Reading the book and completing the 2 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 participants should strive for a 75% Sunday morning Practice & Talk Meeting attendance<\/strong> record from the beginning 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<\/strong> to spiritual transformation. We cannot do it alone and we need the sangha (community of practitioners) to help us along the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Absences from classes<\/strong>: All students are allowed just one absence from a class and if absent all assignments must be delivered via e-mail before or immediately after the missed class.  Attendance will be taken.<\/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 course is not a book discussion group<\/strong> 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. They must be completed before the class.<\/strong> First homework assignment is due on the first-class meeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Books: <\/strong>Students are responsible to purchase their course books 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contribution<\/strong>: $135<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Early Bird Discount of 15% until April 6, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Discount Code: beginner101<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Open Enrollment ends May 6, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Time, Frequency & Place:<\/strong> It will meet 2x, on Sunday evenings<\/strong>.  Online classes will be approx. 60 – 90 minutes each for 6 p.m. to 7 -7:30 p.m. EST<\/strong> (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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    Teacher:<\/strong> Rev. D. Senpai, M.A., BFF of CT’s guiding teacher and Shin practicer, and student of Venerable Thich Tri Hong and the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, will be the instructor for this course. For details, see bio in Our Teachers web page under the ABOUT<\/strong><\/a> tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Be sure to read <\/strong>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

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