Buddhism 101 Online Course: The Basics '26
The Buddhism 101 Course: Module 1 – The Basics is our most popular course since its introduction in 2004. This online course explores two engaging and accessible books that provide a comprehensive non-sectarian overview of Buddhism, - covering Theravada and Mahayana schools - the life of the historical Buddha, as well as his foundational teachings—the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the Six Paramitas, karma, empitiness, rebirth and the afterlife, meditation, the Five Ethical Precepts, rituals and festivals, and so much more.
More than just an intellectual overview, this course emphasizes incorporating the Buddha’s teachings into daily life, offering a practical approach to spiritual transformation.
This 2-month, 4-sessions comprehensive course is known for its insightful class discussions and plenty of opportunities to learn and practice the necessary spiritual tools to help you awaken your innate Buddha nature and discover your life’s purpose. See below for book selection and online class dates.
This course, and the rest of the Buddhism 101 modules, are designed to explore Buddhism from the life of its founder to the very heart Buddhist spirituality.
CLICK BELOW. Note: Be a Lamp Upon Yourself is a free ebook download. A hard copy is only available to Connecticut's Meditation & Talk Sundays attendees. Click on The Beginner's Guide to Walking the Buddha's Eightfold Path title to order.
Jan 25 & Feb 8. Be a Lamp Upon Yourself (free ebook download)
Feb. 22 & Mar 8. The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith
We also want to let you know that the Buddhist Faith Fellowship is part of the non-profit Amazon Affiliate Program. 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.
Your support allows us to continue and expand our offerings, bringing the Buddhist teachings to more people. Thank you for walking this path with us!
Pre-requisites: none.
Education: This course covers history, biography, discipleship, Buddhist philosophy and psychology, basic concepts and practices, rituals, religion and spirituality. Teachings are non-sectarian and stem from both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
Course Requirements: This 101 Course module has four components to be completed by the student.
Absences from classes: 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. Otherwise, assignments do not need to be turned in to instructor. 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. If you did not receive the assignments 2 weeks before the initial class, check your SPAM. Then, immediately contact us via CONTACT Tab. Important: Assignments must be completed before the class. First homework assignment is due on the first-class meeting.
Books: Students are responsible to purchase their course book 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. If you can please purchase the book via our link above since Amazon gives us a little commission.
Contribution: $235.
Early Bird Discount of 15% until December 25, 2025
Discount Code: Buddhism2026
Limited enrollment. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a place 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 Sundays for two months. Online classes will be approx. 90 minutes -2.5 hours each for 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST (USA & Canada) or (GMT-5). See dates above. The unique Zoom link will be sent to registered students.
Instructor: Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A. has been BFF of CT's guiding teacher since 2001. A student of the Venerable Thich Tri Hong and the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, he has practiced Buddhism for over 30 years.
Be sure to read on the ticket the Refund Policy Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, & Image Release Agreement. By registering to this event, you have confirmed and agreed to these policies, agreements, code of conduct.
Registration Agreement:
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.
More than just an intellectual overview, this course emphasizes incorporating the Buddha’s teachings into daily life, offering a practical approach to spiritual transformation.
This 2-month, 4-sessions comprehensive course is known for its insightful class discussions and plenty of opportunities to learn and practice the necessary spiritual tools to help you awaken your innate Buddha nature and discover your life’s purpose. See below for book selection and online class dates.
This course, and the rest of the Buddhism 101 modules, are designed to explore Buddhism from the life of its founder to the very heart Buddhist spirituality.
Book Selection & dates
CLICK BELOW. Note: Be a Lamp Upon Yourself is a free ebook download. A hard copy is only available to Connecticut's Meditation & Talk Sundays attendees. Click on The Beginner's Guide to Walking the Buddha's Eightfold Path title to order.
Jan 25 & Feb 8. Be a Lamp Upon Yourself (free ebook download)
Feb. 22 & Mar 8. The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith
We also want to let you know that the Buddhist Faith Fellowship is part of the non-profit Amazon Affiliate Program. 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.
Your support allows us to continue and expand our offerings, bringing the Buddhist teachings to more people. Thank you for walking this path with us!
The Course
Pre-requisites: none.
Education: This course covers history, biography, discipleship, Buddhist philosophy and psychology, basic concepts and practices, rituals, religion and spirituality. Teachings are non-sectarian and stem from both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
Course Requirements: This 101 Course module has four components to be completed by the student.
- Reading the books and completing the assignments.
- Attending the online classes.
- Attending our Sunday morning gathering if your live in Connecticut or local group.
- Practicing what is learned.
Absences from classes: 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. Otherwise, assignments do not need to be turned in to instructor. 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. If you did not receive the assignments 2 weeks before the initial class, check your SPAM. Then, immediately contact us via CONTACT Tab. Important: Assignments must be completed before the class. First homework assignment is due on the first-class meeting.
Books: Students are responsible to purchase their course book 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. If you can please purchase the book via our link above since Amazon gives us a little commission.
Contribution: $235.
Early Bird Discount of 15% until December 25, 2025
Discount Code: Buddhism2026
Limited enrollment. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a place 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 Sundays for two months. Online classes will be approx. 90 minutes -2.5 hours each for 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST (USA & Canada) or (GMT-5). See dates above. The unique Zoom link will be sent to registered students.
Instructor: Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A. has been BFF of CT's guiding teacher since 2001. A student of the Venerable Thich Tri Hong and the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, he has practiced Buddhism for over 30 years.
Be sure to read on the ticket the Refund Policy Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, & Image Release Agreement. By registering to this event, you have confirmed and agreed to these policies, agreements, code of conduct.
Registration Agreement:
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.
