About NEIBS

 

Founded in 2004, originally under the name of the 365 Program of the Buddhist Faith Fellowship (BFF) of Connecticut, it was renamed and organized as the Institute in 2007. NEIBS is not an independent organization but is the direct educational arm of the non-profit BFF, headquartered in Middletown, Connecticut. All faculty members are trained and certified dharma teachers and academics.

 

 

NEIBS's Mission

 

The New England Institute of Buddhist Studies is an educational environment that seeks to deepen and extend the practice and studies of the Buddha Dharma within an open and non-sectarian atmosphere with a focus on Mahayana and Shin Buddhist teachings. Toward this goal, NEIBS provides courses, workshops, seminars and training programs. The Institute strives to provide the best programs that are affordable and practical in everyday life.

 

 

Location

 

NEIBS offers courses and workshops in various locations in Middlesex and Hartford counties but mainly in Middletown. These locations include local libraries and universities.

At this time, NEIBS does not have a permanent campus.

 

 

Courses, Seminars and Workshops

 

NEIBS hosts a variety of long and short term courses, seminars and workshops that meet once a month. Short-term courses usually cover a 2 – 3 month span while long-term courses run 6-8 months. Both types of courses tend to have sessions running 3 hours long and offer full reading and homework assignments. Seminars and workshops tend to be 2 – 3 hours in length and run 1 – 3 sessions; also, they are lighter in content with no or little homework and focus on daily practice.

 

Some courses have prerequisites and have specific completion requirements.

All programs are geared to deepening the practical and theoretical knowledge, and application of the Buddha’s teachings.

 

 

Distance Learning

 

NEIBS offers many distance learning opportunities. Those who live outside the State of Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts area can participate in NEIBS’ Distance Learning. See our Distance Learning web page.

 

 

International Students

 

International students are welcomed. In the past we have had many students from countries like Canada and the United Kingdom.

 

 

How NEIBS Is Funded

 

Being the direct educational arm of the Buddhist Faith Fellowship (BFF), the Institute receives all of its funding directly from the BFF and from contributions given by students. At this moment, the Institute receives no grant funding. It is under the BFF’s nonprofit, tax-exempt IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) and 170(c) for charitable religious organization. Since NEIBS is not yet an independent organization, all donations are made directly through the BFF and are non-refundable.