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- Silent Simplicity RetreatWesleyan University Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, Middletown, CT
Advanced Registration Required
##### Limited Enrollment - Early Bird Discount until 04/03/25 - See below
Awaken your spirit on a beautiful spring morning with mindfulness, heartfelt reflection, and a touch of renewal.
Our 2.5 hour 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, 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.
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.
In Summary & Registration
Our Silent Simplicity Retreat will be 2.5-hour morning silent retreat that includes: basic sitting meditation instruction, conscious breathing, sitting, walking, and noble silence.
Retreat Time: from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Arrival: 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.
Location: Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown, Connecticut
No prerequisites: for first-timers, beginners to the most experienced.
Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins.Cost: $58
Early Bird Discount of $8 until April 3, 2025
Discount Code: buddha1Limited 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 to register in advance, CLICK HERE
- Energetic Healing Workshop: Emotional Mastery of Body-Mind (EMBM)Bridge Healing Arts Center, Farmington, CT
This special workshop offers techniques for clearing out and transforming emotional clutter. The Emotional Mastery of Body-Mind treasury is composed of a variety of practices utilizing breath-work, acupressure, and body postures, originally developed by ancient Himalayan mountain yogis, these practices help to reduce the power of strong emotional and habit energies that prevent us from experiencing the peace and clarity that we seek.
-Learn what to do with your anger, sadness, limiting beliefs
-Develop genuine self-confidence
-Discover simple and effective techniques to transform your strong emotions into healing energyThis workshop will review core "dissolving practice" as well as special exercises for rewiring resistance into resilience and transforming grief and sadness into joy and genuine confidence.
Cost: $40-$60-$80 sliding scale suggested donation at door
Please help support our community servicesInstructor: Melissa Lewis, RN BSN is a holistic & hospice care consultant with a zest for life ; ) In addition to her work as a nurse, she serves as Director of Training & Services for the Clear Light Foundation, a non-profit organization offering education & support, and personalized spiritual assistance to individuals and families facing life threatening illness.
Bridge Healing Arts Center
304 Main St
Farmington, CT 06032Parking: GPS MAY SEND YOU IN WRONG DIRECTION! Be sure that your GPS has chosen 304 Main Street FARMINGTON…
Entrances and Parking is in the back. Driveway is right next to the big white sign that says “304 Main Street”. Parking is in the first 3 parking areas to the right. Use the entrance closest to first parking area (it’s in the corner of the building). Visit Web site for more information: https://bridgehac.com/event/energetic-healing-workshop-emotional-mastery-of-body-mind-embm/
- Heartspace for Healing & Hospice- An Immersive Training EventBridge Healing Arts Center, Farmington, CT
Heartspace for Healing & Hospice
Immersive Training Experience for healthcare workers or family membersWith Melissa Lewis, RN BSN
May 17th 1pm-6pm
Meet in Hope StudioHeartspace Training is an introduction to simple and effective practices offering spiritual/emotional nourishment, clarity, and a fresh new way to connect with their loved ones during otherwise challenging times. Open to beginners and seasoned practitioners who are looking for a refresher course.
Participants will learn powerful assistive meditation practices to offer their loved ones, bringing about deep relaxation and promoting healing for all involved.
Contribution: DONATION BASED AT THE DOOR - First Time Attendees are encouraged to contribute as much as they are able so that others may do the same using our sliding scale of $60-$80-$100 donation
Instructor: Melissa Lewis, RN BSN has dedicated much of her career to caring for individuals and families in home health and hospice. She currently serves as the Director of Training and Services, sharing this work with the general community, offering inservices & workshops for medical professionals, spiritual practitioners, and a wide variety of religious communities.
Parking: GPS MAY SEND YOU IN WRONG DIRECTION! Be sure that your GPS has chosen 304 Main Street FARMINGTON…
Entrances and Parking is in the back. Driveway is right next to the big white sign that says “304 Main Street”. Parking is in the first 3 parking areas to the right. Use the entrance closest to first parking area (it’s in the corner of the building). Follow signs to Hope Studio.
To learn more, visit the web page at: https://bridgehac.com/event/heartspace-for-healing-hospice/
- Practice & Talk MeetingWesleyan University Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, Middletown, CT
Join our transformative 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. D. Senpai, M.A.
Our meetings uniquely blend the timeless wisdom of classic Buddhism with the compassionate teachings of Shin Buddhism, also known as Buddhism of the Heart. This distinctive approach offers an immersive experience in Buddhist teachings (dharma), meaningful readings and discussions, deep listening practice, voicing the Nembutsu, and cultivating mindfulness—all within a nurturing 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 an authentic Zen garden and a traditional Japanese 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 our FAQ: Sunday Meetings web page HERE.
Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and practice in a welcoming and caring environment that honors both ancient and contemporary Buddhist teachings. Come with us and experience the power of collective practice and shared wisdom and kindness, and embark on a path of profound personal and spiritual transformation.
