Meet Your Local Buddhist Community: Buddhist Faith Fellowship

Did you know that Middletown is home to a dedicated Buddhist community blending ancient traditions in a uniquely accessible way? For nearly 25 years—since its founding in 2001—the Buddhist Faith Fellowship (BFF) has been welcoming neighbors to explore meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhism in a supportive, down-to-earth manner. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned practitioner, BFF offers a space to pause, breathe, and connect with wisdom and compassion right here in town.

BFF's journey started on April 8, 2001, during the Hana-matsuri Festival celebrating the Buddha's birth. Having been ordained as a Dharma Teacher in 2000 under Venerable Thich Tri Hoang of the Thien Lam Te lineage, I began the fellowship in my apartment in Bristol, Connecticut, where a small group explored Buddhist wisdom in a simple, heartfelt setting. This followed years of training in Zen and Shin traditions, including studies with Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno and ordination that empowered me to guide others. As attendance grew, the fellowship moved to the Elmwood Community Center in West Hartford for about a year. Then, with help from a Wesleyan University sign language professor who was part of the group, BFF shifted to the beautiful Memorial Chapel on campus. While spacious and inspiring, it felt a bit grand for intimate discussions, so after a couple of years, the fellowship settled at the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies—its home since 2004. This location, with its serene Shôyôan Teien Zen garden and tatami room, is perfectly suited to the practices, offering a tranquil environment that supports reflection and community.

Over these two decades, attendance has naturally oscillated—sometimes small and intimate, other times swelling to exceptional gatherings of up to 60 people on a Sunday morning, then cycling back. Currently, BFF is in a more intimate phase, which allows for deeper connections among participants. This ebb and flow reflects life's impermanence, a core Buddhist insight embraced as part of the path.At its heart, BFF is dedicated to guiding individuals through the transformative power of Buddhism, helping to turn everyday challenges into opportunities for clarity and well-being. Drawing from the Buddha's foundational teachings, BFF emphasizes the Three Trainings: ethics for harmonious living, mindfulness and meditation for focus, and wisdom for insight. The mission is to create a supportive space where people can cultivate these qualities, fostering gratitude and an open heart. No prior knowledge is required; BFF welcomes everyone, from those new to spiritual exploration to seasoned practitioners, in a politics-free environment that honors diverse backgrounds. This approach encourages participants to integrate the teachings into daily life, finding balance amid modern demands while building a sense of community and shared growth.

What makes BFF distinctive is its integration of Thien (the Vietnamese form of Zen) and Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhism), two complementary traditions that offer a balanced path. Thien is a Vietnamese form of Zen that emphasizes integrating mindfulness into daily life, with a flexibility that appeals to American audiences seeking balance without rigid formality—focusing on gentle awareness and ethical living in a way that adapts to modern schedules. Complementing this is Jodo Shinshu, often called the "Buddhism of the Heart," which highlights unconditional love and compassion through the embrace of the Great Compassion. Founded by Shinran Shonin, a reformer in 13th-century Japan, it provides hope to millions of ordinary people lost in worldly entanglements by teaching that spiritual liberation comes through simple entrusting to this boundless support, rather than rigorous self-effort alone. For example, it shifts the focus from striving to overcome flaws to accepting grace that transforms suffering into peace, offering a profound sense of relief and gratitude in everyday life. Together, these paths move from Zen's disciplined clarity to Shin's graceful acceptance, embodying the non-dual truth where effort and surrender unite. This harmony allows practitioners to experience both the precision of self-cultivation and the ease of relying on infinite compassion, creating a practice that feels both grounded and uplifting—not found in the same integrated form elsewhere.

BFF also shares a common lineage with the late and great Zen and Pure Land Master Thich Nhat Hanh, whose teachings on mindful living and interbeing deeply influence the discussions and practices. While not part of his Order of Interbeing or offshoot sanghas, BFF draws inspiration from this shared heritage, incorporating his insights on compassion and presence into talks to make Buddhism relatable and applicable.The impact of BFF is best seen through the experiences of members. Jane from Middletown once shared that BFF is the only place in Connecticut where teachings are profound yet so easily understood and relatable, thanks to the engaging style. Jerry from New Britain said the welcoming community truly lives the Buddha's path—walking the talk—which changed her life; she now handles tough family moments with better listening and a compassionate mindset for herself and others. Bob from Moosup appreciates the Sunday mornings as a unique spiritual kickoff to the week, not found elsewhere. Romona from Middletown gained a deeper grasp of her Catholic faith through the discussions. And Carolina from Middlefield credits the emphasis on unconditional love for boosting her self-esteem, connection to life, and sense of gratitude—it's that universal offering of compassion at work.

These days, the focus remains on core programs that nurture mind and spirit—check the website for the latest details. The flagship Meditation and Talk Sundays run from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Mansfield Freeman Center (usually the second and fourth Sundays, though schedules occasionally shift). Sessions begin with mindfulness and sitting meditation, followed by chants, Q&A, and Dharma talks that blend Zen insight with Shin's heartfelt grace. It's free and open to all. BFF also offers online classes like Mindful Movement & Meditation (MMM) on Thursdays, plus workshops and retreats such as the upcoming Buddhism 101: Zen and Koan Workshop (September 23 and 30, 2025) for hands-on Zen practice, the Silent Simplicity Autumn Retreat (October 12, 2025) for reflective silence, and Buddhism 101: The Heart of Buddhist Grace (November and December 2025) exploring Shin's transformative teachings. Spiritual field trips, or Buddhist pilgrimages, occur a few times a year to sacred sites like Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, New York (home to the largest indoor Buddha statue in the Western Hemisphere), the New England Peace Pagoda in Leverett, Massachusetts, and Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery in Woodstock, New York. These free outings involve meditation, exploration, and carpooling for a sense of togetherness. Additionally, mindful e-bike rides on Connecticut trails like the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and Airline State Park Trail—typically 10–20 miles—promote presence in nature, with dates varying by week.

If you're in Middletown or nearby, curious about Buddhism, or simply seeking a space to connect, come join. The journey to peace might start right here, in the heart of your local community.Practical Details:

• Meetings: Sundays, 9 a.m.–10:45 a.m., Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT (second and fourth Sundays; confirm on site).
• Visit Web Site: bffct.org/bff or Meetup: meetup.com/buddhism-563.

By G.R. Lewis, Dharma Teacher.