The 16 Guidelines are a practical, non-religious tool for making life better. As every person has the potential to continue developing and improving our minds – from birth to death – the guidelines can help in a manner that is beneficial to ourselves and also to others.

Introduction and training related to the 16 Guidelines program is championed by the Foundation for the Development of Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW) and leads universal education initiatives for FPMT internationally.

Inspired by a historical text and ethical code developed by a 7th Century Tibetan master, the 16 Guidelines present a modern-day blueprint for individuals to develop inner happiness and find meaning in life in order to also create positive changes in society based on transformation within themselves. The more fulfilled each person is or feels, the greater the possibility there for building a more peaceful world.

The Guidelines are structured around Four Wisdom Themes which include exploring how we think, how we act, how we relate (to self and others), and how we find meaning in the world. The more deeply we are able to explore these areas, the more powerful our learning experience will become. Many people find that through this process, a more resilient and positive perspective arises which can help in navigating the many challenges and stresses of today’s modern world.

Formal courses on the 16 Guidelines are taught by fully qualified instructors and have been organized in Mongolia by FPMT – Mongolia working together with the Foundation for the Development of Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW). The program includes three graduated levels of training, practical experience and application sessions (Building on the Basics or BOBs) and informal learning through discussion groups which can facilitate engagement with the 16 Guidelines approach.

FPMT – Mongolia has hosted three Level 1 courses (one in 2019 with an international facilitator and two later on with local experts) and one Level 2 courses which was help in September 2023. Course participants have included teachers, psychologists, social workers, lawyers, householders and more. The program has also been adapted and is currently being used as part of the Children’s Program as well.

As a follow up to the training courses, several different informal learning and discussion groups for past participants of formal courses are being organized in order to deepen understanding and application of concepts learned. Plans are underway at this time to develop a more concrete plan for use and application of the 16 Guidelines by those who have completed course in order to char the way ahead and to consider the hosting of a Level 3 workshop (after 2024).

For more information on the 16 Guidelines for Life – please contact the FPMT – Mongolia team.