Buddhism 101 -Module 1: The Foundation 2024

Book Selection & Class Dates

Jan 20. Buddha: The Story of an Awakened Life by David Khedian 

Feb. 3. The Disciples of Buddha by Zenno Ishigami

Feb. 24 & Mar 17.  The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith

*Books should be order and received in advance in order to have the time to complete first assignment. 

Pre-requisites:  none.

Education: This course covers history, biography, discipleship, Buddhist philosophy and psychology, basic concepts and practice, religion and spirituality. Teachings from both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions are explored.

Course Requirements: This 101 Course module has four components to be completed by the student.

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

Attendance & Commitment: If you live in Connecticut, all participants should strive for a 75% Sunday morning Practice & Talk Meeting attendance 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’s Way to spiritual transformation. We cannot do it alone and we need the sangha (community of practitioners) to help us along the journey.

Absences from classes: All students are allowed just one absence from a class but assignments must be delivered via e-mail or post mail before the missed class.  Attendance will be taken.

Discipline: 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 to help you live the Buddha’s teachings in everyday life.

Assignments: All assignments are based on the readings and will be sent to students via e-mail. They must be completed and handed in at the time of the class. First homework assignment is due on the first-class meeting. Assignments may be collected and reviewed.

Books: 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.

Donation: $185.
Early Bird Discount of $20 until January 4, 2025
Discount Code: buddha101

Limited enrollment. The retreat space is limited. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a spot at the course and have the time to order and receive the books, and complete the 1st class assignment. 

Time, Frequency & Place: It will meet 4x, on Mondays for three months.  Online classes will be approx. 90 minutes -2 hours each, from 6 p.m. to 7:30/8:00 p.m. EST (USA & Canada) or (GMT-5). See dates above.  The unique Zoom link will be sent to registered students.

Teacher: Rev. D. Senpai, M.A., BFF of CT's guiding teacher and Shin practicer, and student of Venerable Thich Tri Hong the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, will be the instructor for this course.

By registering, I confirm that I have read and agreed to the Refund Policy, Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct & Image Release Agreement below. 

Refund Policy:

No refunds will be granted for no-shows, cancellations, or non-completion of any course, workshop, retreat, program, or online offering, except in cases where the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT) cancels or withdraws the offering entirely. By registering for any in-person or online course, workshop, retreat, or program facilitated by BFF of CT, I acknowledge and agree to abide by this Refund Policy. All purchases of online courses or supplementary services (e.g., private or group Q&A sessions) are final, unless otherwise specified by BFF of CT at the time of purchase.

Disclaimer of Responsibility:

By registering for any in-person or online course, workshop, retreat, or program offered by the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT), I acknowledge that participation is at my own risk. I hereby waive, release, and discharge BFF of CT, its staff, volunteers, affiliates, and representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, or causes of action arising from damages, loss, injury, accident, or death due to negligence or any other act or omission related to the provision of services, activities, or content (including online materials) associated with this offering. This waiver applies to both in-person and virtual participation, as well as the use of any online course materials provided by BFF of CT.

Code of Conduct:

To foster a respectful, inclusive, and positive learning environment within the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT) community—whether in-person or online—I agree to adhere to the following standards of behavior. I will engage in kind, courteous, and respectful actions and speech, and I will refrain from: (1) physical, verbal, or emotional abuse or harassment; (2) possessing, using, or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal substances during any BFF of CT event or interaction; (3) engaging in sexual harassment or misconduct; (4) using harmful, harsh, politically partisan, racist, or demeaning language; (5) acting or speaking divisively to disrupt the BFF of CT community; and (6) engaging in any unlawful activities (which will be reported to the appropriate authorities). I understand that this Code of Conduct applies to all in-person and virtual interactions, including online courses and live Q&A sessions. If I fail to comply, I may be immediately removed from the premises or online platform, temporarily or permanently, at the discretion of BFF of CT, and I will forfeit any refunds or payments made for the course, workshop, retreat, program, or online offering.

Image and Media Release Agreement:

By registering for this course, workshop, retreat, or program, I authorize the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT) and its representatives to photograph, record audio, and/or video of me during in-person or virtual sessions, without compensation. I grant BFF of CT the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use, reproduce, edit, distribute, and display such photographs, audio, and video recordings—including my image, likeness, and voice—for promotional, educational, and commercial purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, use in digital formats (e.g., online courses, websites, social media) and printed materials. I understand that these recordings may be repurposed into online courses or other offerings sold or distributed by BFF of CT. I agree that all such media, whether digital or physical, are the sole property of BFF of CT, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or to claim royalties or additional compensation. I also release BFF of CT, its staff, volunteers, and affiliates from any liability related to the use of my image, likeness, or voice as outlined herein.