How to Be a Good Buddhist Girl

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

There are many aspects of Buddhism. It is difficult to live so simply but if you are devoted, it won't be so harsh. As you have most likely heard that it's hard to be a girl, it's hard to be Buddhist, it's especially hard to be a Buddhist girl. This is a general guide to live purely and peacefully as a Buddhist girl.

Steps

1
Become educated and learn about Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Three Characteristics of Existence. Study the teachings of the Buddha and memorise important scriptures. Take Buddha's teachings to heart and follow them.
2
Be moral and keep the 5 Precepts, and 8 Precepts on Uposatha Days. Don't kill, don't steal, don't engage in sexual misconduct, don't lie, drink alcohol excessively, or do drugs.
3
Create a shrine. It is good to set up a shrine but if your parents don't know about your religion this can be hard, this is not necessary but useful.
4
Meditate as often as possible. Do so at least once each day if you can. Remember, it is better to meditate once every day for 10 minutes than to meditate once a week for 2 hours. Getting into a good habit is key.
5
Go to the monastery to visit monks and nuns if you can, offer them food and requisites and help around the monastery. If you meet good monks and nuns, ask to be taught Buddhism. Remember, if you donate even just one dollar to a monastery, the virtue of your action may benefit you for a lifetime.
6
Try to live simply. Limit TV time, computer usage etc. There is no need for showy possessions or expensive food or clothing.
7
Dress neatly and modestly in a way appropriate in your culture. Avoid showy jewelry or makeup, or give it up entirely.
8
Show kindness towards all living things. Don't hurt even the smallest animal. This can include becoming a vegetarian or a vegan but it is really up to you.
9
Speak gently and don't swear. Try to not be rude or mean. Uttering and promoting slander will hold you from Nirvana. Speak only true and helpful things, and don't gossip.
10
Show respect to parents, teachers, monks and nuns, and the elderly.
11
Help those in need where-ever possible, such as the poor, the infirm, disabled and homeless.
12
Be enthusiastic at school or work and try your best always, never be lazy.
13
Celebrate important Buddhist holidays such as Vesak, Buddha's birthday, death day, and founding of Buddhism, to celebrate Vesak.
14
Keep Uposatha if you can according to your tradition. Observe the 8 precepts, make donations and make a special effort in meditation.
15
Take time to chant or meditate every morning and evening if you can.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it an issue if there isn't a temple near me?

Community Answer

As long as you are devoted, you do not need to pray in a temple. You can try putting up an image or statue of Buddha in your home and praying there if you'd like though.
Question

My parents don't believe in Buddhism. I'm 12. How can I still meditate and practice the faith, without them knowing I'm a Buddhist?

Community Answer

Practice patience. Don't seek to convert them. Bear with them. Try to help them by embodying what is good and true about Buddhism. In this way you have begun Buddhist practice.
Question

Will I be accepted, knowing I am a recovering drug addict?

Dolphin Chirps

Community Answer

It depends on the temple you go to, but temple or no, you can still be a Buddhist.
Question

Do I have to create a shrine at home?

Community Answer

No, how people practice is completely up to them. You don't need to have a shrine at home, but it is good to visit a shrine every once in a while.
Question

I make a lot of mistakes. What must I do to get good karma?

Community Answer

Help others to the best of your ability, expect nothing in return, and your karma shall be better.
Question

Why does this article say that Buddhism is a religion?

Community Answer

The article describes Buddhism as a religion because it is considered a religion. A religion is described as "any cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, world views, texts, sanctified places, ethics, or organizations, that relate humanity to the supernatural or transcendental."
Question

Does being a Buddhist mean I can never have my own children?

Community Answer

Of course not, you can have children. You are not going to be a nun or a monk.
Question

I want to be a Buddhist, but I live in a catholic country and there are no Buddhist temples near me. What can I do?

M R S Vijayasundar

Community Answer

Buddhist means a lot. It is highlighting a religion. Do not try to be a Buddhist, please try to be a good follower of Buddha. It is good to surrender to Buddham. Try to learn the qualities of Buddha and try to follow it through out your life. You do not need a temple for this.
Question

Do I have to stop cutting my hair and eating meat to become Buddhist?

PyTi1649

Community Answer

No. Although the Buddha has said that if you are offered meat to eat, you don't have to refuse, Buddhism doesn't encourage eating meat because killing an animal is a violation of the first of the five precepts and it gives you bad karma. Cutting your hair or not cutting it doesn't stop you from becoming a Buddhist.
Question

Can I eat meat if it is not killed by me? Or just not at all?

Torpi

Top Answerer

In Theravada Buddhism (for example, the Thai forest tradition), you can eat meat as long as it was not killed by you, or killed for you specifically (e.g. if your father catches a fish just for you, rather than the family, or if you're a queen and someone slaughters a prize calf in your honor). Basically, if it would still have been killed for meat at the same time, even if you hadn't been born, you're good to go. However, all meat-eating is prohibited in Mahayana (e.g. Zen) and Vajrayana (e.g. Tibetan) Buddhism.