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
12
Silent Simplicity Retreat - Summer Renewal
Wesleyan University Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 345 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT, USEmbrace the warmth of summer with mindful presence, deep reflection, and a journey toward inner peace.
July 26, 2026 - 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is required. See below.
Open enrollment ends on July 24, 2026Our 2.5 hour morning Silent Simplicity Mindfulness Retreat will include: basic sitting meditation instruction (Six Points of Posture & Meditation to Settle the Mind), 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.
NOTE: There are at least 10 people in attendance for this retreat beyond the Meetup RSVPs.
To learn more and enroll today, visit our web page below: https://bffct.org/bff/silent-simplicity-retreat-summer/
6 attendees
Field Trip & Tour to Chuang Yen Monastery
Chuang Yen Monastery, 2020 route301, Carmel, NY, USCome along for an informal field trip and tour to the beautiful Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY on Sunday, August 2, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. You don’t have to be a Buddhist or even a member of our Fellowship to participate. This is a free of charge event. Just RSVP & commit to go and just show up at 10 AM.. However, the monastery is asking for a $7donation for lunch.
This spiritual field trip will include an inspirational monastery tour, free books, traditional Chinese vegetarian lunch, and opportunities for sitting, walking, and/or contemplative meditation.
This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the Buddhist teachings, art, history, and culture, and enjoy a beautiful day with others on the path. So, bring your interested family and friends. Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY (just 20 min from Danbury) offers North America's tallest indoor Buddha statue, and so more.
What is the meaning of a Buddhist pilgrimage?
A buddhist pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred or religious site to learn about the dharma (buddhist teachings) and the life of the Buddha, and the great masters. The goal is for religious experience, inspiration, and spiritual growth. Unlike other religions, undertaking a pilgrimage is not a requirement or duty but rather it a skillful way to connect with the religion, and its culture, and fellow travelers on the path.
To learn more about the monastery and get directions by visiting: https://www.baus.org/en/visit-us/faq/plan-a-visitWeather Note: This is an outdoor event. In case of rain or poor weather, the event may be canceled. Please check this event page for updates 2 hours before the gathering. The raindate for this trip & tour will be on August 16.
#### Itinerary
a. You may drive to the monastery on your own or you can follow in a caravan. If you would like to together in a caravan, please meet us at the Park and Ride Southington Location - I-84 @Route 10 (Exit 28). Look for the organizer(s) in a silver Honda CR-V, who may be displaying bright Tibetan prayer flags to help you find the group. We will be departing promptly there at 8:30 a.m., so please arrive a few minutes early to ensure a timely departure.
b. It takes 90 min. from Hartford/Middletown to arrive at the monastery, just off I-84 New York. Visit Google maps, MapQuest or use your GPS. The address is: Chuang Yen Monastery, Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512.
c. Arriving at Monastery before 9:45 a.m. At this point, we’ll stretch our legs and have the restroom break. Try to arrive on time before 9:45 a.m. so we can meet in the parking lot. The organizer(s) will have brightly colored Tibetan prayer flags and driving a silver Honda CRV. You'll see a group of people standing by the entrance wlkway too. If you arrive late, we can meet near the restrooms at the left front side of the Great Buddha Hall.
d. Guided tour begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. (at the office/restrooms) to the front left of Great Buddha Hall) and will last approx. 1 hour.
e. At 11:30 we will return to the Kuan Yin Hall for a 20 min. quiet sitting meditation practice.
f. Chinese vegetarian lunch at 12 noon. (cost $7 per person)
g. Otherwise, after lunch it will be free time. There is a 1) gift shop, 2) library with thousands of books on Buddhism, 3) gazebo next the lotus pond 4) beautiful grounds to contemplate, meditate or run (if you have children), and 5) Great Buddha Hall, where they give out many free Buddhist books of many titles.
h. Nearby you can visit the little hamlet of Carmel, New York. You can return home when you like. If you decide to car pool, be sure to first let others know when you need to return to CT.
10 attendees
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.
NOTE: There are at least 15-20 people in attendance beyond the Meetup RSVPs.
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4 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.
NOTE: There are at least 15-20 people in attendance beyond the Meetup RSVPs.
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6 attendees
Past events
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