According to Zopa Rinpoche, FPMT Mongolia started the Mahayana Children’s Programme 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 to be properly brought up.

Currently, as of 2023, with 2 full-time teachers, and 2 volunteers, approximately 80-100 children from 5 groups are participating in the children’s programmes in classrooms every week, at two locations: The FPMTM Center and the LOP NGO.

In recent years, along with the main programme, as advised by the Zopa Rinpoche, the “16 Guidelines for Life” compassion education programme which was implemented in many countries within the framework of the Universal Education of Compassion and Wisdom programme, has been successfully implemented in the Mahayana Children’s Programme, officially.

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 provided to help them to discover their good qualities and to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing through improving their concentration and knowing their mind. In order to develop mindful reading we offer a session named “Taste of Books” to the children.

Radio Time

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

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