Buddhist in substance refers to people who practice the core teachings of Buddha. In the Kalama Sutta, Buddha mentioned the following qualities as definitive of being his disciples. Therefore, these 9 qualities become a very useful benchmark for us to self-reflect and check if we are on the right path.

1. Devoid of greed [1] and ill-will [2]- we strive to lessen and remove our greed or ill-will.
2. Being undeluded.[3] In the simplest interpretation, it means being mindful and living in the present instead of losing oneself to daydreaming and other forms of mental conjectures.
3. Alert [4] of our actions, speech and thoughts (our karma), alert to negative influences from our environment. For example, messages that encourage us to crave or develop ill-will
4. Being resolute [5] about attaining enlightenment. Resolute about our training.
5. Has loving-kindness [6], compassion [7], appreciative joy [8], and equanimity [9] towards everything and everywhere.

And a disciple of Buddha will have the following confidence in his/her spirituality after having lived their life according to the above practice.

1. “‘If there is a world after death, if there is the fruit of actions rightly & wrongly done, then this is the basis by which I will reappear in a good destination, after death.
2. “If there is no world after death, if there is no fruit of actions rightly & wrongly done, then here in the present life I look after myself with ease — free from hostility, free from ill will, free from trouble.
3. “‘If evil is done through acting, still I have willed no evil for anyone. Having done no evil action, from where will suffering touch me?’
4. “‘But if no evil is done through acting, then I can assume myself pure in both respects.’ Therefore, I am nor concerned.

The above confidence basically means complete faith in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha as a way leading to happiness in their life or in their death.

A Buddhist in form refers to one who engages intensively in rituals, ceremonies, and communal practices without any effort to develop the 9 qualities of a Buddhist. One may put on Dharma robes and be extremely well-versed in rituals and decorum but is completely devoid of the essence of Buddhism. Alternatively, one may also be very well-read and have extensive knowledge about Buddhism as an academic but fail to practice it in their daily life.

It is important for us to develop the 9 qualities of a Buddhist and witness how that leads to happiness. Consequently, our confidence in Buddha’s wisdom become unshakeable. We become enthusiastic with our practice and the road to self-discovery, self-improvement, and self-realisation becomes a reality.

May all be well and happy