The 16 Guidelines in Russia: From Guiding Children to Guiding Communities
Featuring: Ceci Buzon
From March 4 to 6, 2025, a unique event for Russia took place in Moscow, a live meeting on the program 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life, led by Cecilia Buzon.
Ceci has been supporting and inspiring the development of the 16 Guidelines in Russia for over three years. During this time, many have become acquainted with the wisdom of the 16 Guidellines and have started applying its principles daily, making them an integral part of their worldview and personal growth.
The meeting focused on four key Wisdom Themes, which participants studied in a deep and conscious context.
Day One: How We Think
On the first day, the topic was How We Think. Participants immersed themselves in analysing the factors that influence perception of the world: past experience, current state, and expectations for the future. “Being at the seminar allowed me not only to hear useful information but also to feel the special atmosphere of live communication with such a high-level expert,” one participant shared. “The opportunity to ask questions and engage more deeply made the event especially valuable.”
Day Two: Emotions, Action, and Relationships
The second day explored How We Act and How We Relate to Others. Participants studied six basic emotions, learning to ask themselves strong, conscious questions. Special attention was given to anger, the most complex emotion to experience and express wisely. Ceci guided participants to become aware of its roots, create a pause between stimulus and response, and use its energy for beneficial decisions. “I already apply the experience and knowledge and will continue to do so because everything is very practical and real,” another participant said.
Day Three: Integration and Literacy
On the third day, the focus turned to integration: creating space for conscious choices leading to happiness rather than suffering. Topics of bodily and emotional literacy were discussed, key skills for navigating difficulties. Interactive exercises throughout the event helped participants practice what they were learning. “These meetings always leave deep emotions and at the same time lightness,” one person reflected. “It’s so easy to work on oneself using these methods, and surprisingly quickly you can see results.”
A special feature was that the group was mixed, some participants were present in the hall, while others joined online. Despite the distance, a strong sense of unity and mutual support was felt. “Meetings with Cecilia are always filled with heartfelt warmth and wisdom that help change life for the better!”
To mark the event, participants received memorable gifts: Russian-language cards with the 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life and bracelets inscribed with “Be Present and Aware.” These became symbols of the path traveled and reminders of the commitment to keep practicing.
How It All Began: Children as the Starting Point
The answer to how the 16 Guidelines group appeared in Russia can be summed up in one word: children. In 2022, parents at the Moscow Buddhist Center Ganden Tendar Ling sought ways to pass their values on to the next generation. While translating Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s book Happy Parents, Successful Children, they discovered the 16 Guidelines for Life and reached out to Ceci, whose HAPPY Toolbox offered creative tools for working with children.
The training with Ceci became a breath of fresh air. Participants found the methods easy, inspiring, and practical. From this program came the first 16 Guidelines for Life: Building Inner Strength — Level 1 course in Russian. Despite being online, it connected people from Russia and Argentina, showing how daily practice of the 16 Guidelines becomes a source of support, protection, and comfort.
The Emergence of Russian Facilitators
Naturally, the need arose for Russia to have its own facilitators, living examples of the 16 Guidelines who could carry this knowledge further. The first Building on the Basics group was touching and profound, with each participant contributing uniquely. When the Building Inner Strength — Level 2 course was held in 2024, the group reunited with Ceci, strengthening their bond with her and with one another.
In October 2024, a second round of the Level 1 course began, once again igniting sparks of practice and connection. Ceci also offered other courses, such as Discovering the Wisdom of Neuroscience, where participants took away the mantra: “Use the mind to change the brain to change the mind, hopefully for the better.” Later that year, a program on pedagogy and SEE Learning expanded the educational journey further.
16 Guidelines in Russia: Looking to the Future
In 2025, the first Russian participants are expected to complete training and become certified facilitators of the 16 Guidelines for Life: Building Inner Strength — Level 1 course. This milestone will open a new chapter in the development of the 16 Guidelines in Russia.
As one participant expressed: “Cecilia herself is an inspiring example of everything she teaches.” From guiding children to guiding communities, the 16 Guidelines in Russia continue to grow as a source of wisdom, compassion, and happiness.
Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW)
At FDCW, we are committed to a more compassionate, wiser world. We provide resources, courses and training to develop qualities such as kindness, patience and honesty – qualities that are essential for meeting the challenges of the world we all share.
The Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW) was established as a global charity based in London in 2005. Since then, we have provided secular training, programmes and resources across many sectors of society – schools, universities, hospices, workplaces, healthcare, youth groups and community centres. Our courses have reached thousands of people across the world through our dedicated and growing network of facilitators in more than 20 countries.
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