Introducing the 16 Guidelines

Introducing the Guidelines

The 16 Guidelines for Life are a set of practical and straightforward tools for developing happiness and meaning in everyday life. It is the first project of The Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom, a non-profit organisation that aims to help people develop their natural capacity for compassion and wisdom. The 16 Guidelines are featured in a book, 16 Guidelines For Life: The Basics by Alison Murdoch and Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw, first published in 2005.

The 16 Guidelines are not a prescriptive doctrine or a set of commandments. They are offered as opportunities to explore one's own life experiences and to see whether the 16 Guidelines can help to improve the quality of that experience.

How we think

Thoughts lie at the root of every word we speak and every action we perform. Just as an athlete trains her body, we can train and transform our minds, and in doing so shift our habitual patterns and explore new ways of living: Humility, Patience, Contentment and Delight

How we relate to others

It does not take much effort to see that the happiest people we know are those who acknowledge their interdependence, and who nurture warm and appreciative relationships with the people around them: Respect, Forgiveness, Gratitude and Loyalty

How we act

Human lives are composed of billions of actions which take place every minute of the day. How you choose to act, therefore, defines and colours the quality of your experiences: Kindness, Honesty, Generosity and Right Speech

How we find meaning

Your search for meaning will depend on your ability and willingness to explore new and unfamiliar territory. It is a challenge to venture deep into yourself and find out how to create a happy and fulfilling life: Aspiration, Principles, Service and Courage

Who wrote the Guidelines?

In the seventh century AD, the great Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo had an unexpected change of heart. Abandoning his successful career as a military leader, he introduced a new legal system, built schools and temples, and invited philosophical and spiritual teachers from neighbouring India to teach people how to be happy.

The 16 Guidelines for Life are based on the inspirational values and principles that King Songtsen Gampo introduced to the Tibetan people. They are "ideas to make life better" that played a crucial part in changing Tibet from a warlike nation into a civilization renowned for its peace and serenity.

The 16 Guidelines for Life

Explore the 16G

Introducing the Guidelines

How we think

How we relate to others

How we act

How we find meaning