Zopa Rinpoche is with the MCP children during his visit to Mongolia in 2017

According to Zopa Rinpoche’s advice, FPMT-Mongolia started the Mahayana Children’s Programme (MCP) in 2007, commencing once a week, with 2 volunteer teachers and a group of 17 children aged 6 to 16 years. This was done to introduce the meaning of Mongolian traditional culture, customs, teachings of Buddha, Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist rituals in the form of folktales, stories, meditation, yoga and practices in accordance with the age of children, helping them to develop moral standards and increase their own life skills.

Currently there are 2 full-time teachers and 2 volunteers serving approximately 80-100 children from 5 different groups. These children participate in children’s program activities in organized classrooms every week at two seperate locations; the FPMT-Mongolia Center and at LOP. In March 2023, the Mahayana Children’s Program had expanded its operation and started its branch at the Lamp of the Path NGO to reach more children in the Bayanzurkh district. For more information go to Mahayana Children’s Program at LOP.

In recent years, along with main program activities, the “16 Guidelines for Life” – as a part of a compassion-based education program implemented in many countries – has also been successfully introduced within the Mahayana Children’s Program activities.

Lessons of the Mahayana Children’s Programme

1. “Practice the Good”: A lesson to introduce and practice the basic concepts of the Buddha’s teachings and rituals
2. “Meditation and Yoga”: Learn to concentrate and improve your physical and mental health.
3. “16 Guidelines for Life”: Training for emotional education to learn 16 positive traits and manage your emotions correctly.
4. “Guest Teacher’s Hour”: A class where children get to know the Dharma teachers and representatives of ordinary people and listen to their wisdom, and valuable teachings, and exchange ideas.
5. “Reading Books Methods”: A lesson on how to read books quickly and correctly, which is the basis of all science, to understand what you have read, and learn to take notes during reading.
6. “Arts Class”: Learn about many types of arts, develop your creativity, and make your own handcrafts.
7. “Animal Compassion”: A lesson on love and compassion for animals.
8. “Parent Training”: Training to introduce parents and guardians to what their children are learning.

Yoga, Meditation and Effective Reading Sessions

Extra activities such as meditation and yoga instruction are also provided to children in order to help them discover their own good qualities and to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing through improving their concentration skills and ability to know their mind. In order to develop mindful reading, the program offers a session called “Taste of Books” to the children.

Radio Time

A weekly radio session is broadcasted via Lavain Egshig FM 97.5 radio to introduce the meanings of Buddha`s teachings, practices along with Mongolian traditions and ethical values to children who are not able to attend our classes at the Center.

In addition to these lessons and activities, those children who participate in the MCP, in their free time, also actively participate in activities organized by the center, such as Mani Retreats, Buddha’s Big Celebration Day events, and book fairs every year.