What we’re about
Pause, breathe, be love. In the present moment, we find peace. Through mindfulness, and deep seeing and hearing, we awaken to life-as-is, embracing each breath with gratitude.
At the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, we warmly welcome everyone to participate in our gatherings, courses, and retreats—no prior experience or knowledge of Buddhism is required. Our supportive and inclusive spiritual community seamlessly blends the timeless wisdom of classical Buddhism with the compassionate teachings of Shin Buddhism. Each of our programs is thoughtfully crafted to be accessible, engaging, and easy to follow, making them open to all who seek insight and connection.
Visit our main web site for calendar of event and plenty of information on Buddhist philosophy and practice. Take a look at our web site at http://bffct.org/bff
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Practice and Talk Meeting w/ Mindful Tea CeremonyWesleyan University Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, Middletown, CT
Join our Practice and Talk Meeting, where you can deepen your spiritual journey and connect with a supportive community led by one of Connecticut’s renowned Buddhist teachers, Rev. G.R. Lewis (Senpai), M.A.
Our meetings uniquely blend the timeless and heartfelt wisdom of classic Thien Lam Te (Zen) and Shin Buddhism. This distinctive approach offers an immersive experience in Buddhist teachings (dharma) with quiet sitting (zazen) and voice meditation, mindfulness practices, readings and practical discussions, —all within a nurturing and inspirational group setting.
This Sunday, we will offer an additional practice experience: the Mindfulness Tea Ceremony. This guided visualization meditation will explore spatial and temporal interconnectedness, deepening your awareness of the oneness of reality. To enhance the experience, we will serve caffeine-free lavender tea, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the moment. Following the practice, there will be a reading on mindfulness, a talk, and a Q&A session to further explore its insights and applications.
Open to everyone, including first-timers and seasoned practitioners, we warmly welcome you to explore and grow with us.
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you give yourself time to arrive in-person before the 9 a.m. meeting.
Our Location: Our location is unequaled in Connecticut, which includes quiet sitting meditation in front of the Shôyôan Teien Zen garden and a traditional Japanese style tatami room.
Parking: Free street parking on Washington Terrace but there is also parking on Mt. Vernon Street which is the side street, next to the center.
Meeting Rules: In order to maintain a harmonious and respectful environment, practice kind speech, be courteous, and abstain from talking about current politics or display or wear political or offensive symbols or imagery. Those unable to follow these rules will be asked to promptly leave.
Suggested Donation: $10 -$20 (cash or check) to help cover costs for our Wesleyan expenses, internet services, our extensive outreach efforts, Meetup, and standard operating costs. Checks are payable to BFF of CT. Thank you in advance for your generous support.
What to Expect? To learn more about our Practice & Talk Meetings, visit ourweb site: HERE.
- Practice & Talk MeetingWesleyan University Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, Middletown, CT
Join our Practice and Talk Meeting, where you can deepen your spiritual journey and connect with a supportive community led by one of Connecticut’s renowned Buddhist teachers, Rev. G.R. Lewis (Senpai), M.A.
Our meetings uniquely blend the timeless and heartfelt wisdom of classic Thien Lam Te (Zen) and Shin Buddhism. This distinctive approach offers an immersive experience in Buddhist teachings (dharma) with quiet sitting (zazen) and voice meditation, mindfulness practices, readings and practical discussions, —all within a nurturing and inspirational group setting.
Open to everyone, including first-timers and seasoned practitioners, we warmly welcome you to explore and grow with us.
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you give yourself time to arrive in-person before the 9 a.m. meeting.
Our Location: Our location is unequaled in Connecticut, which includes quiet sitting meditation in front of the Shôyôan Teien Zen garden and a traditional Japanese style tatami room.
Parking: Free street parking on Washington Terrace but there is also parking on Mt. Vernon Street which is the side street, next to the center.
Meeting Rules: In order to maintain a harmonious and respectful environment, practice kind speech, be courteous, and abstain from talking about current politics or display or wear political or offensive symbols or imagery. Those unable to follow these rules will be asked to promptly leave.
Suggested Donation: $10 -$20 (cash or check) to help cover costs for our Wesleyan expenses, internet services, our extensive outreach efforts, Meetup, and standard operating costs. Checks are payable to BFF of CT. Thank you in advance for your generous support.
What to Expect? To learn more about our Practice & Talk Meetings, visit ourweb site: HERE.
- Buddhism 101 Course – The Heart of Buddhist WisdomLink visible for attendees
#### See Clearly, Live Mindfully, and Connect Fully
Open Enrollment starts on May 13, 2025
Enrollment ends July 10, 2025, Classes begin on July 20.
Early Bird Discount Available – look for code on web pageThe online Buddhism 101 Course – The Heart of Buddhist Wisdom offers an engaging introduction to the profound teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, focusing on its most influential scriptures and the deep wisdom they reveal. 5-week, 3-class series will explore essential concepts such as emptiness (shunyata), interconnectedness, and dependent co-origination—key insights that shape how we understand ourselves and the world. Through guided discussion and reflection, participants will examine the Diamond Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Avatamsaka Sutra, and Vimalakirti Sutra, uncovering their teachings on wisdom, compassion, and the bodhisattva path. This course is designed to make these profound texts accessible and relevant to everyday life, helping students integrate Buddhist wisdom into their own spiritual journey.
In addition to exploring these foundational Mahayana sutras, this module provides an introduction to Zen Buddhism and the Prajnaparamita (Wisdom) teachings, particularly through the Heart Sutra, which challenges us to move beyond fixed views and cultivate a deeper awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness practice will be incorporated into each session, allowing participants to directly experience these teachings rather than simply study them. Whether you are new to Buddhism or continuing your exploration, this course invites you to engage with Mahayana’s vast and transformative vision in a way that is both practical and deeply illuminating.
Open Enrollment, No Prerequisites but pre-registration is required.
To learn more and enroll, visit our web site below:
https://bffct.org/bff/buddhism-101-course-the-heart-of-buddhist-wisdom/ - Silent Simplicity Retreat – SummerWesleyan University Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, Middletown, CT
Embrace the warmth of summer with mindful presence, deep reflection, and a journey toward inner peace
July 27, 2025 – 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is required: Enrollment to be open until July 25. (Look for Early Bird Discount Code on web page)Our 2.5 hour mid-summer morning Silent Simplicity Mindfulness Retreat will include: basic sitting meditation instruction, conscious breathing, quiet sitting & walking, voice meditation, and noble silence. This special event will take place at the beautiful Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace in Middletown, CT. This will be a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit overlooking a harmoniously balanced and unique Zen garden setting.
To learn more and to enroll, click HERE.
