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
9
Meditation and Talk Sunday Meeting
Wesleyan University Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 345 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT, USJoin us on Sunday mornings for a warm, accessible, and supportive community gathering rooted in mindfulness, compassion, and everyday Buddhist wisdom. These meetings offer a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds—newcomers and long-time practitioners alike—to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Note: Meetup RSVPs don’t reflect our full attendance. We usually have at least 12 people each Sunday, including regulars who do not RSVP online.
Each session includes:
• Quiet Sitting Meditation
A simple, relaxed period of mindful breathing and calm awareness to settle body and mind.
• Voice Meditation
A gentle, mindful vocal practice that helps open the heart, steady attention, and deepen presence.
• Dharma Talk and Practical Teaching
Dharma Teacher G.R. Lewis, with over 35 years of meditation experience, offers a short teaching on Buddhist practice, wisdom, and mindful living. Each week explores a new theme—ranging from compassion to resilience to the art of inner freedom—so there is always something fresh to learn and reflect on.• Discussion, Q&A, and Shared Reflection
Participants are invited to ask questions, share insights, and explore how to bring mindfulness and compassion into daily life. This communal reflection helps deepen understanding and connection.Our gathering is designed to be both practical and universal—you do not need to identify as Buddhist to participate. Everyone is welcome.
• 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, check, PayPal or Vemno)
Your support helps sustain the Fellowship and its mission of offering inclusive, heart-centered practice opportunities. Checks are payable to BFF of CT. Thank you in advance for your generous support.• What to Expect? To learn more about our Meditation & Talk Meetings, visit our FAQ: Sunday Meetings web page HERE.
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8 attendees
Dharma Wilding: Buddhist-Inspired Forest Bathing in Middletown, CT
Wadsworth Falls State Park, 721 Wadsworth Street, Middlefield, CT, US### Tree Huggers Wanted
Saturday, April 18, 2026 • 10:00 AM (arrive by 9:50 AM)
Location: Wadsworth State Park, 721 Wadsworth Street, Middlefield/Middletown, CT
Meeting Point: Covered bridge near the main parking area
Suggested Donation: $20–$30 (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.
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: 13 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.
5 attendeesMeditation and Talk Sunday Meeting
Wesleyan University Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 345 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT, USJoin us on Sunday mornings for a warm, accessible, and supportive community gathering rooted in mindfulness, compassion, and everyday Buddhist wisdom. These meetings offer a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds—newcomers and long-time practitioners alike—to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Note: Meetup RSVPs don’t reflect our full attendance. We usually have at least 12 people each Sunday, including regulars who do not RSVP online.
Each session includes:
• Quiet Sitting Meditation
A simple, relaxed period of mindful breathing and calm awareness to settle body and mind.
• Voice Meditation
A gentle, mindful vocal practice that helps open the heart, steady attention, and deepen presence.
• Dharma Talk and Practical Teaching
Dharma Teacher G.R. Lewis, with over 35 years of meditation experience, offers a short teaching on Buddhist practice, wisdom, and mindful living. Each week explores a new theme—ranging from compassion to resilience to the art of inner freedom—so there is always something fresh to learn and reflect on.• Discussion, Q&A, and Shared Reflection
Participants are invited to ask questions, share insights, and explore how to bring mindfulness and compassion into daily life. This communal reflection helps deepen understanding and connection.Our gathering is designed to be both practical and universal—you do not need to identify as Buddhist to participate. Everyone is welcome.
• 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, check, PayPal or Vemno)
Your support helps sustain the Fellowship and its mission of offering inclusive, heart-centered practice opportunities. Checks are payable to BFF of CT. Thank you in advance for your generous support.• What to Expect? To learn more about our Meditation & Talk Meetings, visit our FAQ: Sunday Meetings web page HERE.
###
8 attendeesDharma Wilding: Buddhist-Inspired Forest Bathing in Middletown, CT
Highlawn Forest, 16 Meriden Rd, Middletown, CT, US### Tree Huggers Wanted
Saturday, May 2, 2026 • 10:00 AM (arrive 10 min. prior)
Location: Highlawn Forest, 16 Meriden Road Middletown/Rockfall, CT
Meeting Point: Covered entrance next to the paved parking area
Suggested Donation: $20–$30 (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.
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: 13 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
Past events
975
