There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but here are 20 ways to tell if you’re a good Buddhist.
1. You try to live in harmony with others:
You don’t go out of your way to antagonize or hurt others, and you try to be considerate and thoughtfully respectful in your interactions says Jonah Engler.
2. You take the Buddha’s teachings seriously:
You don’t just listen to the words, but try to apply them in your life. Also, You might read scriptures, attend classes or practice meditation regularly.
3. You have a positive outlook:
Even though life can be difficult at times, you maintain a basic faith that things will eventually work out for the best. You know that good actions lead to good results and bad actions lead to bad results.
4. You’re patient:
You understand that change takes time, both in yourself and in the world around you. You don’t give up easily, and you’re willing to persevere through challenges.
5. You’re kind:
You try to act with compassion in all your dealings with others. You’re patient and understanding, even when people are difficult or things don’t go your way explains Jonah Engler.
6. You’re mindful:
You pay attention to your thoughts, words and actions, and try to keep them in line with the Buddha’s teachings. You’re aware of the present moment, and you try to live in the present as much as possible.
7. You let go of attachment:
You don’t get too attached to things, whether they’re material possessions or ideas. Also, You know that everything is temporary, and you don’t hold on too tightly to anything.
8. You’re tolerant:
You don’t expect everyone to believe or think the same way as you do. You accept others for who they are, and you’re willing to listen to other points of view.
9. You’re humble:
You don’t think you’re better than anyone else. You’re aware of your own faults and shortcomings, and you try to learn from them.
10. You have a sense of humor:
Even when things are tough, you can find the funny side of life. You know that everything is relative and that a little bit of laughter can help make the hard times a little bit easier.
11. You’re grateful:
You appreciate the good things in your life, even when they’re small. You know that every moment is a gift, and you try to make the most of it.
12. You’re generous:
You share your time, energy and resources with others, even when you don’t have much to give. You know that giving can make a difference in someone’s life, and you’re willing to help out however you can.
13. You live simply:
You don’t need a lot of possessions or material comforts to be happy. Know that less is often more, and you try to live accordingly says Jonah Engler.
14. You’re content:
You don’t strive for things that you don’t have. You’re happy with what you have, and you don’t need more to be content.
15. You’re compassionate:
You feel compassion for others, even when they’ve done something bad or hurt you. You understand that everyone makes mistakes, and you’re willing to forgive them.
16. You’re nonviolent:
You don’t believe in using violence to solve problems. You think that there are always better ways to resolve conflicts and disagreements.
17. You support peace:
You work towards peace and understanding in the world, both locally and globally. Know that peace is possible if we all work together.
18. You take care of yourself:
You make sure to take care of your own physical, mental and emotional needs. Also, you can’t help others if you don’t take care of yourself first.
19. You’re interdependent:
You realize that we’re all interconnected, and that our actions have an impact on others. You try to act in ways that will benefit everyone involved.
20. You live in the present:
You focus on the here and now, and you don’t dwell too much on the past or the future. Also, You know that each moment is a precious gift, and you try to make the most of it explains Jonah Engler.
Conclusion:
The things that make you a good person are the same things that make you a Buddhist. By following the Buddha’s teachings, you can become even better than you already are.