Buddhism 101: Breaking Habits, Finding Freedom
Buddhism 101: Breaking Habits, Finding Freedom
Break old habits, calm the mind, and discover freedom in the present moment through timeless Buddhist wisdom.
Course Description
Many of us find ourselves caught in the same cycles of stress, anxiety, self-judgment, or emotional reactivity—often feeling “hooked” by thoughts, fears, habits, and difficult situations before we even realize what is happening. In Buddhist practice, this tendency is sometimes called shenpa: the moment we become emotionally "hooked" and pulled into old patterns that keep us feeling stuck.
In this three-session online course, Buddhism 101: Breaking Habits, Finding Freedom, you’ll learn simple, practical mindfulness tools that help you recognize these patterns more clearly and gently “unhook” yourself from them with greater awareness, compassion, and freedom.
The course also explores an important Buddhist insight: that suffering itself can become a doorway to greater understanding, healing, and transformation. Rather than pushing away discomfort, fear, or emotional pain, we can learn how to meet our experience with mindful awareness and compassion—discovering that moments of difficulty can also contain the seeds of clarity, peace, and inner freedom.
Rather than avoiding discomfort or becoming overwhelmed by it, you’ll discover how to turn toward your experience in a more grounded and skillful way—allowing difficult emotions to settle and transform. As one teaching reminds us, when we understand our suffering, we suffer much less.
Through practical exercises, reflection, and discussion, this course offers a grounded and accessible introduction to Buddhist practice for beginners, non-Buddhists, and anyone looking for practical ways to work more skillfully with stress, habits, and emotional challenges in everyday life.
Perfect for beginners. No prior meditation or Buddhist experience needed.
101 – Open Enrollment & No Prerequisites
This course is part of the Buddhism 101 course series, designed to offer accessible and engaging introductions to various aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Each module in this series stands alone, meaning you can enroll in any module without needing to complete others first. Whether you’re new to Buddhism or deepening an existing practice, you can jump into the topics that interest you most without worrying about prerequisites.
Book Selection
No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering by Thich Nhat Hanh
Taking The Leap: Freeing Ourselves From Old Habits and Fears by Pema Chodron
Please, purchase these book from our Amazon Affiliation Participation above. Click on book image. Thank you.
Course Dates & times
This course will meet online for 4 online classes on Sundays at 6 PM . The course dates are: May 31, June 14 & 28
The Course
Course Requirements: This 101 Course module has four components to be completed by the student.
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 to understand and live the Buddha’s teachings in everyday life.
Assignments: All assignments will be sent to students by email and must be completed before class. The course assignments will not cover every chapter in either book, and the instructor asks students not to worry if they are not able to complete all of the readings. The first homework assignment is due at the first class meeting.
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.
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.
Contribution: $195
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 outline
Break old habits, calm the mind, and discover freedom in the present moment through timeless Buddhist wisdom.
Course Description
Many of us find ourselves caught in the same cycles of stress, anxiety, self-judgment, or emotional reactivity—often feeling “hooked” by thoughts, fears, habits, and difficult situations before we even realize what is happening. In Buddhist practice, this tendency is sometimes called shenpa: the moment we become emotionally "hooked" and pulled into old patterns that keep us feeling stuck.
In this three-session online course, Buddhism 101: Breaking Habits, Finding Freedom, you’ll learn simple, practical mindfulness tools that help you recognize these patterns more clearly and gently “unhook” yourself from them with greater awareness, compassion, and freedom.
The course also explores an important Buddhist insight: that suffering itself can become a doorway to greater understanding, healing, and transformation. Rather than pushing away discomfort, fear, or emotional pain, we can learn how to meet our experience with mindful awareness and compassion—discovering that moments of difficulty can also contain the seeds of clarity, peace, and inner freedom.
Rather than avoiding discomfort or becoming overwhelmed by it, you’ll discover how to turn toward your experience in a more grounded and skillful way—allowing difficult emotions to settle and transform. As one teaching reminds us, when we understand our suffering, we suffer much less.
Through practical exercises, reflection, and discussion, this course offers a grounded and accessible introduction to Buddhist practice for beginners, non-Buddhists, and anyone looking for practical ways to work more skillfully with stress, habits, and emotional challenges in everyday life.
Perfect for beginners. No prior meditation or Buddhist experience needed.
101 – Open Enrollment & No Prerequisites
This course is part of the Buddhism 101 course series, designed to offer accessible and engaging introductions to various aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Each module in this series stands alone, meaning you can enroll in any module without needing to complete others first. Whether you’re new to Buddhism or deepening an existing practice, you can jump into the topics that interest you most without worrying about prerequisites.
Book Selection
No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering by Thich Nhat Hanh
Taking The Leap: Freeing Ourselves From Old Habits and Fears by Pema Chodron
Please, purchase these book from our Amazon Affiliation Participation above. Click on book image. Thank you.
Course Dates & times
This course will meet online for 4 online classes on Sundays at 6 PM . The course dates are: May 31, June 14 & 28
The Course
Course Requirements: This 101 Course module has four components to be completed by the student.
- No prerequisites. Beginner-friendly.
- Reading the assigned excepts from the book and striving to complete the assignments.
- Attending the online classes.
- Attending our Sunday morning gathering if your live in Connecticut or local group.
- Reflect on and apply what is learned.
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 to understand and live the Buddha’s teachings in everyday life.
Assignments: All assignments will be sent to students by email and must be completed before class. The course assignments will not cover every chapter in either book, and the instructor asks students not to worry if they are not able to complete all of the readings. The first homework assignment is due at the first class meeting.
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.
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.
Contribution: $195
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 outline
