{"id":16471,"date":"2026-10-23T20:32:59","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T00:32:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/?page_id=16471"},"modified":"2026-10-24T09:56:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T13:56:04","slug":"buddhism-101-discovering-the-noble-eightfold-path","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/buddhism-101-discovering-the-noble-eightfold-path\/","title":{"rendered":"Buddhism 101: Discovering the Noble Eightfold Path"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Explore the Buddha&#8217;s Timeless Wisdom <\/strong>              <strong>for a Wiser, More Mindful Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2 Sessions | February 21 and March 7, 2027 | Live on Zoom | $108<\/strong> <strong>|<\/strong> <strong>February 14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No previous study of Buddhism required. Beginners are warmly welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Curious About Buddhism? You Can Begin Here.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How might Buddhist teachings help us understand ourselves, navigate life&#8217;s challenges, and relate to others with greater wisdom and compassion?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Noble Eightfold Path offers a place to begin exploring these questions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"413\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/gandhra-buddha.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7213\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7509284373044023;width:180px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/gandhra-buddha.jpg 413w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/gandhra-buddha-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the Buddha&#8217;s foundational teachings, the Noble Eightfold Path offers practical guidance for cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental development. Its teachings remain relevant to the choices we make, the relationships we build, and the way we respond to the world around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this welcoming introductory course, we will explore the eight dimensions of the path and consider how they can illuminate our everyday experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you are encountering Buddhism for the first time or continuing your exploration, you are welcome. No previous study, meditation experience, or particular religious belief is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ABOUT THE COURSE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Noble Eightfold Path is a central teaching of Buddhism and an essential part of the Buddha&#8217;s first turning of the Wheel of Dharma. It offers a practical path toward freedom from suffering and awakening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will explore its eight interconnected dimensions: right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. These teachings fall within three interconnected areas of practice: <em>wisdom<\/em>, <em>ethical conduct<\/em>, and <em>mental cultivation<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will consider how our understanding shapes our choices, how our speech and actions affect others, and how mindfulness and meditation practices can transform our relationship with thoughts, emotions, and everyday challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through guided reading, discussion, and personal reflection, we will discover how these teachings work together to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and greater awareness. This course offers a meaningful foundation for understanding the Buddha&#8217;s path and exploring how its timeless teachings can enrich our lives and open us to the possibility of awakening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">WHAT YOU WILL GAIN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the end of this course, you will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understand the Noble Eightfold Path and its place within the Buddha&#8217;s foundational teachings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to practice the Noble Eightfold Path.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Become familiar with its eight interconnected dimensions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the relationship between wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental cultivation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discover how the teachings can inform everyday decisions, relationships, and responses to difficulty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establish a foundation for further study and Buddhist practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn the basics of mindfulness meditation. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">COURSE DETAILS AND READING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">F<strong>ormat:<\/strong> Live online via Zoom<br><strong>Dates:<\/strong> Sunday, February 21, and Sunday, March 7, 2027<br><strong>Time:<\/strong> 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern<br><strong>Contribution<\/strong>: $108<br><strong>Prerequisites: <\/strong>None. Beginners are warmly welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/link.amazon\/B0dQzvKPN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"277\" src=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/The-Beginners-Guide-to-Walking-the-Buddhas-Eightfold-Path-book.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1407\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6497997405088284;width:181px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Required reading<\/strong>: <em>The Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Walking the Buddha&#8217;s Eightfold Pat<\/em>h by Jean Smith. Click on image. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Please obtain your book well in advance and complete the assigned reading and first Reading Guide assignment before the first session on February 21.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As part of BFF&#8217;s nonprofit <strong>Amazon Affiliate Program<\/strong>, purchases made through our online store may provide a small commission to help cover operating costs and support our programs. Thank you for supporting the sangha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">COURSE REQUIREMENTS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a structured learning experience designed to support genuine engagement with the Buddha&#8217;s teachings. Students are warmly asked to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete the assigned reading and Reading Guide exercises before each session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attend both online sessions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If located in Connecticut, participate in BFF&#8217;s Sunday Morning Meditation and Talk gatherings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If located outside Connecticut, connect with a local Buddhist group if one is available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the teachings through reflection, meditation, and their application to daily life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sangha, or community of practitioners, is one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learning and practicing alongside others can help us deepen our understanding and sustain our efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">YOUR INSTRUCTOR<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut-1-646x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14659\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6308520147932624;width:125px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut-1-646x1024.jpg 646w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut-1-189x300.jpg 189w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut-1-768x1216.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut-1.jpg 774w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A.<\/strong>, has served as BFF of Connecticut&#8217;s Guiding Dharma Teacher since 2001. A student of the Venerable Thich Tri Hong and the esteemed late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, North America&#8217;s foremost Shin Buddhist teacher, and ordained in the Dharma Teacher Order, he has practiced Buddhism for over 30 years. He brings a rare combination of scholarly depth, personal warmth, and genuine lived experience to every class. Read his full biography on the <a href=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/our-teachers-officers\/\"><strong>Our Teachers page<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CONTINUE YOUR EXPLORATION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buddhism offers many ways to begin learning and practicing. The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the Buddha&#8217;s foundational teachings, and exploring it can provide a valuable starting point for further study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BFF offers an ongoing series of Buddhism 101 courses exploring Buddhist teachings and their relevance to modern life, and proviiding an opportunity to &#8220;officially&#8221; become a Buddhist. Other courses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Buddhism 101 Online Course: The Basics<\/strong> explores essential Buddhist teachings through <em>Be a Lamp Upon Yourself<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Buddhism 101: Discovering the Three Jewels<\/strong> explores the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as the heart of the Buddhist path.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Buddhism 101: Walking the Bodhisattva Path<\/strong> explores the Six Paramitas and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Buddhism 101: The Art of Mindful Working and Living<\/strong> explores finding joy and meaning in each hour of the day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Buddhism 101: Breaking Habits, Finding Freedom<\/strong> explores mindfulness and the transformation of recurring habits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students who complete the full Buddhism 101 Series,  two retreat experiences, and regular attendance of Meditation &amp; Talk Sundays<strong>*<\/strong> and online Sunday Reading Group  \u2014 will be eligible to receive an <strong>Affirmation Certificate<\/strong>. Those who wish to formally become Buddhists may also participate in an Affirmation Ceremony including Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels, reciting the Bodhisattva Vows and Five Precepts, and receiving a meaningful dharma (Buddhist) name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">*If living in Connecticut; otherwise attend a local sangha or attend BFF online group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">REGISTRATION, ASSIGNMENTS AND IMPORTANT POLICIES<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Enrollment deadline: February 14, 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Early registration is encouraged to secure your place and allow time to obtain the book and complete the first assignment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By registering, you confirm your agreement to BFF&#8217;s Refund Policy<\/strong>, Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, and Image Release Agreement as detailed on the registration ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script src='https:\/\/donorbox.org\/widgets.js?language=en-us' type='module' async='async' defer='defer'><\/script><dbox-widget id='embed-widget' type='event' campaign='975003'><\/dbox-widget>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Buddha&#8217;s teachings invite us to look more deeply at our experience and discover new ways of understanding ourselves and the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Noble Eightfold Path offers a framework for exploring how wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental cultivation can shape the way we live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need to know Buddhism to begin discovering its wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Join us for Buddhism 101: Discovering the Noble Eightfold Path, and explore the Buddha&#8217;s timeless wisdom for a wiser, more mindful life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the Buddha&#8217;s Timeless Wisdom for a Wiser, More Mindful Life 2 Sessions | February 21 and March 7, 2027 | Live on Zoom | $108 | February 14 No previous study of Buddhism required. Beginners are warmly welcome. Curious About Buddhism? You Can Begin Here. How might Buddhist teachings help us understand ourselves, navigate&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":747,"featured_media":16514,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16471","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","ctfw-has-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16471","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/747"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16471"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16471\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16529,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16471\/revisions\/16529"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16471"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}