Guidelines for Living a Better Life:

Everyone has those days, sometimes weeks, where they feel like they haven't done anything right, like they haven't made a contribution to society. Little do they realize, it doesn't have to be something as big as saving someone's life, donating a generous amount to a good cause, ect. Taking time out of your day to be kind to those around you can go a long way. These are simple guidelines to help to make you a happier, more achieved, altruistic person. 

Image Source

Source 1: A Basic Buddhism Guide
Source 2: Random Acts of Kindness Guidelines for Living a Better Life:

1. The main goal is to lead a moral life, to be aware of our thoughts and actions, and to develop wisdom and understanding.
2. Buddhism is becoming more popular because it shows ways of avoiding materialism in our society today, where materialism is everything.
3. “Wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent.” (reason as to why most Buddhist countries are poor)
4. Buddhism is a belief system that is tolerant of all beliefs or religions. Buddhists agree with many teachings found in other religions but also aim to apply it to their lives and improve themselves.
5. (First Noble Truth) Life is suffering. The state is not looked at in a pessimistic way, but rather a realistic way. By accepting the fact that there is going to be pain, old age, sickness, and ultimately death, we are able to lead happier lifestyles by avoiding this suffering rather than being ignorant.
6. (Second Noble Truth) Suffering is caused by craving, desire, and ignorance. Getting what you want does not necessarily lead to happiness.Wanting deprives us of happiness and contentment.
7. (Third Noble Truth) Suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained. It’s important to not dwell in the past or constantly worry about the future. (Nirvana)
8. (Fourth Noble Truth) Lead a moral life. (Eightfold Path)
9. There is a moral code of Buddhism which has 5 precepts:

1. do not take the life of anything living
2. do not take anything not freely given
3. abstain from sexual indulgence or misconduct
4. refrain from untrue speech
5. avoid intoxication in order to not lose mindfulness

10. “Karma is the law that every cause has an effect.” Karma helps to explain why certain bad things happen to people such as why some people only live a short life. This idea motivates people to be more cautious with their actions. They will be held responsible for their past and present actions. When thinking of what to do in a situation, it’s important to ask 3 things:

1. What is your intention behind the action?
2. How will this affect you?
3. How will this affect those in your life?

Analysis: (ways to apply these 10 rules to daily life)

Ways people can relate this to their own lives

1. Think before you speak. It’s important to be aware of how our words and actions can affect those around us.

2. Try to focus less on materialism. Rather than spend the weekend trying to buy new clothes at your favorite store, spend more time just hanging out with friends and taking time to appreciate their company.

3. Realize that money is not everything. Although it’s important to find a job in order to make your own income, it should not be your biggest priority.Don’t always do favors just for money, sometimes just do it to be kind.

4. Although you may not agree with another person’s religion/beliefs, try to be open-minded to what they have to say. You don’t need to agree with it, just be respectful of it.

5. Don’t focus on the negative. When something bad happens, try to think of three good things that are in your life or what good could come out of the situation.  

6. Take time in your day to appreciate all that you have.

7. Meditating for even five minutes a day helps your mind to focus on being in the moment rather than worrying about the past or future. (calm.com)

8. Lead a moral life- do small acts of kindness, try to be friendly to everyone even if you’re having a bad day.

9. Try your best to only speak the truth.

10. I know it’s a lesson we have been learning since kindergarten but keep in mind the golden rule, “treat others the way you would want to be treated”.

Small Acts of Kindness:

• be kind to someone you dislike
• help someone whose car has broken down
• send flowers to someone
• renew an old friendship
• start a piggy bank for a cause
• offer someone a piece of gum
• arrive on time
• bring in your neighbor's trash
• write a thank-you note
• donate used clothing