About us
### PAUSE. BREATHE. BE LOVE.
The Buddhist Faith Fellowship (BFF) is one of Connecticut’s most enduring meditation and Buddhist communities, offering accessible, heart-centered teachings for modern life. Rooted in the Buddhist path of wisdom and compassion, BFF welcomes people of all backgrounds—no prior experience or Buddhist affiliation required.
We offer Meditation & Talk Sundays overlooking a serene Zen garden, in-person and online courses such as Meditation Made Easy and Buddhism 101, silent retreats, sound bathing and healing experiences, Buddhist-style kirtans, Zen koan workshops, days of mindfulness, spiritual field trips, and seasonal mindful hiking and biking. Guided by our experienced teacher, G. R. Lewis, BFF supports intellectual understanding, contemplative practice, and embodied experience within a warm, inclusive community.
Meditation is a human practice—open to all truth seekers.
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
10
Dharma Wilding: Buddhist-Inspired Forest Bathing in Middletown, CT
Highlawn Forest, 16 Meriden Rd, Middletown, CT, US### Tree Huggers Wanted
Location: Highlawn Forest, 16 Meriden Road Middletown/Rockfall, CT
Meeting Point: Covered entrance next to the paved parking area
Suggested Donation: $20–$25 (see below)
Please arrive 10 minutes early.Dharma Wilding is not traditional Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). It is deeply inspired by forest bathing and adds Buddhist teachings on compassion, impermanence, interconnectedness, and non-judgmental awareness. It is ideal for beginners and experienced nature practitioners seeking deeper calm, clarity, and a sense of belonging.
We begin in the warmth of the afternoon and gently transition toward the quiet of evening. Guided by Rev. G.R. Lewis (BFF Guiding Teacher with over 35 years of experience), this session draws from 18 original exercises he developed — practices that will be featured in his upcoming book. You may experience short, accessible practices such as Tree Hugging Meditation, Tonglen with Nature, Mindful Walking with the Woods, Breath of the Canopy, and Forest Shikantaza.
No prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is needed — beginners and non-Buddhists are warmly welcome.
Event Details
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Age: 14 and older
- Accessibility: Trails are generally easy but include bumps, roots, and gentle inclines — not suitable for every mobility level. Please assess your comfort with uneven natural terrain.
- Parking: Free for Connecticut-registered vehicles (standard non-resident fees may apply).
What to Bring:
- Comfortable layered clothing (woods can feel cooler)
- Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes suitable for natural trails
- Water and any personal snacks
- Lightweight foldable chair or sitting pad if preferred for meditation
- Insect repellent and sun protection as needed
####
Suggested Donation: A $20–$25 donation is appreciated to support BFF’s programs, donations to local preserves, and the ongoing development of Dharma Wilding. Donations are made at initial meeting point when registering, through Venmo, PayPal or in cash at the site (cash preferred: no fees).
Weather Policy: Sessions proceed in light rain — please dress accordingly. In cases of very inclement weather or trail issues, the session may be postponed. Check this event page approximately 2 hours before the start time. If no update is posted, we will go ahead as planned.
We practice Leave No Trace principles and ask all participants to respect the forest and one another.
This intimate outdoor mindfulness event offers a fresh, transformative way to nourish body, mind, and spirit.
If you will be participating, IT IS IMPORTANT for you to read the rest of the details at Dharma Wilding web page, visit:
https://bffct.org/bff/dharma-wilding-a-buddhist-inspired-forest-bathing-experience/
We look forward to sharing Dharma Wilding with you.
Come breathe, listen, and awaken in the company of trees.
Tree Huggers Wanted.
6 attendeesDharma Wilding: Buddhist-Inspired Forest Bathing in Middletown, CT
Wadsworth Falls State Park, 721 Wadsworth Street, Middlefield, CT, US### Tree Huggers Wanted
Location: Wadsworth State Park, 721 Wadsworth Street, Middletown, CT
Meeting Point: Covered bridge nearthe paved parking area
Suggested Donation: $20–$25 (see below)
Please arrive 10 minutes early.Dharma Wilding is not traditional Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). It is deeply inspired by forest bathing and adds Buddhist teachings on compassion, impermanence, interconnectedness, and non-judgmental awareness. It is ideal for beginners and experienced nature practitioners seeking deeper calm, clarity, and a sense of belonging.
No prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is needed — beginners and non-Buddhists are warmly welcome.
We begin in the warmth of the afternoon and gently transition toward the quiet of evening. Guided by Rev. G.R. Lewis (BFF Guiding Teacher with over 35 years of experience), this session draws from 18 original exercises he developed — practices that will be featured in his upcoming book. You may experience short, accessible practices such as Tree Hugging Meditation, Tonglen with Nature, Mindful Walking with the Woods, Breath of the Canopy, and Forest Shikantaza.
Event Details
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Age: 14 and older
- Accessibility: Trails are generally easy but include bumps, roots, and gentle inclines — not suitable for every mobility level. Please assess your comfort with uneven natural terrain.
- Parking: Free for Connecticut-registered vehicles (standard non-resident fees may apply).
What to Bring:
- Comfortable layered clothing (woods can feel cooler)
- Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes suitable for natural trails
- Water and any personal snacks
- Lightweight foldable chair or sitting pad if preferred for meditation
- Insect repellent and sun protection as needed
####
Suggested Donation: A $20–$25 donation is appreciated to support BFF’s programs, donations to local preserves, and the ongoing development of Dharma Wilding. Donations are made at initial meeting point when registering, through Venmo, PayPal or in cash at the site (cash preferred: no fees).
Weather Policy: Sessions proceed in light rain — please dress accordingly. In cases of very inclement weather or trail issues, the session may be postponed. Check this event page approximately 2 hours before the start time. If no update is posted, we will go ahead as planned.
We practice Leave No Trace principles and ask all participants to respect the forest and one another.
This intimate outdoor mindfulness event offers a fresh, transformative way to nourish body, mind, and spirit.
If you will be participating, IT IS IMPORTANT for you to read the rest of the details at Dharma Wilding web page, visit:
https://bffct.org/bff/dharma-wilding-a-buddhist-inspired-forest-bathing-experience/
We look forward to sharing Dharma Wilding with you.
Come breathe, listen, and awaken in the company of trees.
Tree Huggers Wanted.
4 attendees
Silent Simplicity Retreat - Spring Renewal
Wesleyan University Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 345 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT, USAwaken your spirit on a beautiful spring morning with mindfulness, heartfelt reflection, and a touch of renewal.
May 17, 2026 - 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is required. See below.
Open enrollment ends on May 15, 2025Our 2.5 hour morning Silent Simplicity Mindfulness Retreat will include: basic sitting meditation instruction (Six Points of Posture), quiet sitting & walking, 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 inspiring Shoyoan Teien Zen Garden.
Silent Simplicity is a retreat for everyone, focusing purely on the human practice of mindfulness. It’s not tied to any religion or 'Buddhist' tradition, making it ideal for people of all backgrounds—religious or not, first-timers or seasoned practitioners.
Limited enrollment. The retreat space is limited. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a spot at the event.
To learn more and enroll today, visit our web page here: https://bffct.org/bff/silent-simplicity-retreat/
6 attendees
Past events
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