- When: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month
- Time: 6 – 7ish p.m. (5:45 – 6 pm – informal social)
- Meeting Location: Panera Bread, 1129 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT & simultaneously via Zoom
- Current book: How to be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci
- Pre-requisites: Open to the public; no Stoic or Buddhist knowledge is necessary.
- Cost: $2 – $10 (to cover website, outreach & standard costs)
Where the East and the West Converge
Welcome to the Stoa Buddhist Philosophy Group. We meet twice a month to discuss and practice the synthesizing of Stoic and Buddhist teachings and practices into 21st century life. We offer a non-academic book discussion format where those interested in both Stoicism and Buddhism can come together and learn from the text being read and from each other through the guidance of Senpai, a Stoic practitioner who is also an experienced Buddhist teacher. Our meetings include a short meditation practice in the beginning of each session.
Our book readings and discussions are not the kind of analytic undertaking taught in universities which is focused on obscure abstract philosophical issues and arguments, but rather, we look at philosophy, like the ancient Greeks and Romans, as the pursuit and a “love of wisdom”. For us, it is an endeavor to learn about the art of living and to strive toward the unfolding of our human potential for inner happiness, flourishing, and enlightenment.
Both Stoicism and Buddhism have much in common and offer overlapping perspectives and practices, while their differences can help weave new understanding into the nature of reality, and spiritual and psychological well-being.
Join Buddhist teacher and Stoic practitioner, Rev. Daishin Senpai M.A., for a lively reading, discussion, and meditation practice, on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month from 6 to 7ish p.m. on-site and online via Zoom; see Zoom link in CALENDAR page.
Stoic or Buddhist knowledge is not necessary to participate. Although we recommend purchasing the book that will be discussed beforehand, this is not even required or necessary. Our meetings are relaxed group conversations. Just by showing up, you are guaranteed to learn about these two philosophical traditions. If you are in need to quickly buy the Stoic Buddhist book, it will be available for sale at That Book Store.
During our meetings, we are encouraged to practice mindful, rationale, and gentle speech, therefore, attendees should refrain from profanity, harsh words, and politics. We ask participants to allow one or two other attendees to speak before speaking again.
Rev. Senpai is the founder and guiding teacher (Acharya) of the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, located in Middletown, Connecticut. With over 30 years of experience with Buddhism, he infuses insight, compassionate action, and enthusiasm into the Fellowship’s activities. In 2019, Senpai established the Stoa Buddhist Philosophy Group in Wethersfield, Connecticut and offers bimonthly meetings exploring the blending of Stoic and Buddhist teachings and practices. Although he is considered a skilled Buddhist teacher, he has only been studying and practicing Stoicism for the last couple of years and considers himself a student of Stoic philosophy. Besides being a well-known Buddhist teacher and mindfulness instructor, he is an experienced World Language teacher and is an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut.
We are a member group of the Buddhist Faith Fellowship of Connecticut (BFF of CT), located in Middletown, CT. Founded in 2001, the BFF of CT offers a full array of activities and programs to the general public, such as bimonthly Practice and Talk Meetings, Buddhist 12 Step, courses and retreats. To learn more about the BFF of CT, visit its web site by clicking HERE.