16 Guidelines for Life

	These are like the vows of Essential Education….The minute you live in them, your life will change…Wherever you start Essential Education, this should be the practice.
–Lama Zopa

Based on an original text from King Songtsen Gampo in 7th century Tibet, the 16 Guidelines offer a practical introduction to secular ethics, starting with Humility and ending with Courage. They are divided into four wisdom themes: How we think (the power of the mind); How we act (that every action brings a result); How we relate to others (that we are all interdependent) and How we find meaning (impermanence).

In March 2008 Lama Zopa commented that it is “very good” to run 16 Guidelines courses in FPMT centers. The Guidelines have already been piloted in FPMT centers in Europe, the USA and Australia, and are proving to be:

• a popular outreach programme for new students and non-Buddhists
• a best-selling book in centre shops
• a ready-made programme of activities for children and families
• an effective resource for staff development and team-building
• a helpful tool for people working in education, health or social care

Resources

The Foundation has created the following resources in English. Translations into Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Mongolian and Spanish are underway.

• 16 Guidelines – Up Close: A high quality photographic book (October 2007)
• 16 Guidelines – The Basics: the paperback version (May 2008)
• Ready Set Happy: an illustrated workbook of activities for children, families and educators
• Bend It: a story for 7–12 year-olds that blends the Guidelines with football and family life
• Adult Study Programme: a ready-made 16-module course outline

Future plans include:

• Adaptations for specific audiences such as prisoners, or people at the end of life
• A 16 Guidelines schools pack, which can be adapted for use in different countries
• Studies in the 16 Guidelines: a series of interdisciplinary journals
• 16 Guidelines playing cards, games, clothing and other merchandise
• Teens magazine/DVD set, which aims to reach out to teenagers using contemporary music, poetry and the creative arts

Please contact FDCW if you would like to stock these resources in your centre bookshop.

Training

In 2008 the Foundation launched a range of training courses designed to promote a deeper understanding of the Guidelines and the philosophy that underlies them, to provide hands-on experience with a range of tools and methods, and to give participants the confidence and skills to lead 16 Guidelines programmes and activities in their own culture and language.

Training products now include:

• A two-day Introduction – suitable for anyone
• A four-day Intensive – aimed at teachers, trainers and facilitators
• Customised courses for parents, and for peopleworking with children and families

Please contact the Foundation if you would like to host a 16 Guidelines training or event in your center, so that we can put you in touch with an accredited trainer in your region.

Support

The international nature of the FPMT offers an excellent opportunity to share good practice and create communities of support for 16 Guidelines work. From 2009 onwards, the Foundation plans to achieve this through:

• Expanding the wiki and website at www.16guidelines.org
• Mapping 16 Guidelines activity worldwide, and showcasing good practice
• Developing a membership and accreditation scheme for 16 Guidelines trainers