• Maṅgala Sutta Inventory (MSI-76)

    Maṅgala Sutta Inventory (MSI-76)

    A Self-Scoring Tool Based on the 38 Blessings
    • About You 
    • Format: (000) 000-0000.

    • Note:  your results are emailed to you.  Please be sure to enter a valid email address.

    • How did you find out about our services?
    • Overview 

    • Reference

      Graham, G. S. (2025). Living the Maṅgala Sutta. True Azimuth. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20060797

      Instructions

      This assessment is based on the blessings described in the Maṅgala Sutta, one of the best-known teachings in the Buddhist tradition on how to live a life of wisdom, integrity, stability, and genuine well-being.

      The questions are not meant to test your knowledge of the sutta. They are meant to help you reflect on how its blessings show up in ordinary life: in your relationships, speech, livelihood, habits, discipline, gratitude, humility, learning, and steadiness of mind.

      There are no perfect scores, and there is no benefit to answering in a way that sounds more impressive. This assessment is not about judging yourself. This is an opportunity to notice where your life is already aligned with these blessings, where it may be drifting, and where wise effort may be needed next.

      As you answer each question, choose the response that best reflects how you actually live most of the time, not how you wish you lived, how you think you should live, or how you behave on your very best days.

      Questions Types

      Some questions ask about wholesome strengths, such as acting with integrity, staying connected to wise people, supporting those around you, or maintaining discipline. Other questions ask about patterns that may weaken these blessings, such as reacting impulsively, drifting from your values, speaking carelessly, or letting your environment undermine your clarity.

      Answer each question using the scale provided.

      Because the questions are worded in different ways, not every question uses the exact same scale. Some questions ask how often something happens. Others ask how clearly, how well, how fully, or how quickly something happens. Read the scale for each question before answering.

      The assessment uses five main types of response scales:

      Frequency Questions

      You will see this scale when the question begins with wording such as “How often,” “How regularly,” or “How consistently.”

      Never
      Rarely
      Sometimes
      Often
      Almost always

      Degree or Effort Questions

      You will see this scale when the question asks how intentionally, deliberately, actively, seriously, or deeply you do something.

      Not at all
      A little
      Somewhat
      Very
      Fully

      Quality or Ability Questions

      You will see this scale when the question asks how well you recognize, support, apply, respond, or follow through on something.

      Not well
      A little
      Somewhat well
      Very well
      Extremely well

      Clarity or Confidence Questions

      You will see this scale when the question asks how clearly you have defined something or how confident you are about your choices.

      Not clear/confident
      A little clear/confident
      Somewhat clear/confident
      Very clear/confident
      Completely clear/confident

      Speed or Awareness Questions

      You will see this scale when the question asks how quickly you recognize a mental, emotional, or behavioral pattern as it arises.

      Much later
      After a while
      After a pause
      Quickly
      Right away

      For each item, choose the number that most honestly fits your current life.

      Do not spend too much time trying to find the perfect answer. Your first honest response is usually more useful than an answer you overthink.

      This assessment is not meant to label you. It is meant to help you reflect on the 38 blessings of the Maṅgala Sutta as living practices, not abstract ideals. The value of the assessment comes from honest reflection, not from a high score.

      Open-Source Framework Available

      The scoring logic, data dictionary, and psychometric framework for the Maṅgala Sutta Inventory (MSI-76) are open-source and freely available for researchers and developers under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

      Access the repository and documentation here: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JG9QH

    • Questions 
    • How integrated are ethics, wisdom, and steadiness across your life? (For example: alignment between professional conduct, family relationships, and private habits.)*
    • How often do you react emotionally instead of pausing first? (For example: firing off a quick reply to a provocative message, speaking in anger before thinking it through.)*
    • How often do you let your social or digital environment shape your judgment without thinking about it? (For example: consuming outrage-driven media without reflection, remaining engaged in conversations that escalate impulsive or harmful reactions.)*
    • How confident are you that your decisions would stand up to full transparency? (For example: being comfortable sharing financial, relational, or professional decisions openly.)*
    • How often do you show subtle disrespect in conversation? (For example: interrupting others, rolling your eyes, dismissing their perspective, or responding before they have finished speaking.)*
    • How often do you feel the need to prove yourself around experts or moral authorities? (For example: interrupting someone more knowledgeable, redirecting the conversation to highlight your accomplishments in serious learning environments.)*
    • How aware are you of non-chemical habits that cloud your judgment? (For example: compulsive social media use, ego inflation from praise, emotional escalation.)*
    • How intentionally do you stay connected with relatives? (For example: scheduling regular calls, attending family gatherings, initiating updates rather than waiting to be contacted.)*
    • How much does your sense of stability depend on income, status, or approval? (For example: feeling secure only when finances are strong, reputation is intact, or others are affirming you.)*
    • How quickly do you notice greed, anger, or distorted thinking as they arise? (For example: noticing tension or craving before acting.)*
    • How regularly is spiritual discipline part of your daily routine? (For example: fixed practice times rather than sporadic engagement.)*
    • How consistently do you follow through on growth commitments? (For example: maintaining regular meditation, exercise, study, or reflective practice without frequent lapses.)*
    • How often do you listen to or read teachings without really absorbing them? (For example: finishing a talk and moving on without reflecting, not jotting anything down, or quickly forgetting what stood out.)*
    • How often do you act under the influence of greed, anger, or distorted thinking? (For example: sending reactive messages, making impulsive decisions, or speaking from anger before calming down.)*
    • How consistently do you structure your life around ethical discipline? (For example: maintaining defined behavioral boundaries in relationships and consumption.)*
    • How often do you turn serious discussions into arguments or ego contests? (For example: debating to win, showing off knowledge, or steering the discussion toward ego validation instead of mutual understanding.)*
    • How consistent are your ethical standards across all areas of life? (For example: maintaining the same standards at work, at home, and in private.)*
    • How often are you willing to accept discomfort for growth? (For example: maintaining structured routines despite inconvenience.)*
    • How often do you choose integrity over short-term gain? (For example: refusing profitable opportunities that conflict with your ethical standards.}*
    • How intentionally do you pursue serious learning? (For example: reading primary sources, completing courses fully, studying material beyond casual summaries.)*
    • How much do you resist unavoidable change? (For example: replaying endings repeatedly, wishing circumstances were different long after they have shifted.)*
    • How often does your sense of calm depend on praise or success? (For example: feeling steady only when outcomes go your way, or becoming unsettled when recognition or approval is absent.)*
    • How deliberately do you improve your skills and competence? (For example: seeking performance feedback, rehearsing difficult tasks, investing time in deliberate improvement.)*
    • How often do you continue fueling unhelpful mental patterns after recognizing them? (For example: replaying a grievance, holding onto attachment during conflict, or knowingly acting from irritation rather than letting it go.)*
    • How regularly do you support extended family when appropriate? (For example: assisting during illness, attending important events, offering financial or logistical help when needed.)*
    • How consistently do you express appreciation to others? (For example: thanking colleagues, acknowledging contributions publicly or privately.)*
    • How often do you speak in ways that exaggerate, distort, or may harm others? (For example: repeating unverified information, joining in character attacks, or using sarcasm that undermines someone’s credibility.)*
    • How regularly do you notice and name what you are grateful for? (For example: keeping a written gratitude list or verbally expressing appreciation.)*
    • How regularly do you support or show respect to your parents or caregivers? (For example: consistent contact, practical assistance, expressing appreciation for past sacrifices.)*
    • How often do you feel dissatisfied with what you have? (For example: wanting the next upgrade right away, comparing yourself to others, or feeling like your current situation is never quite enough.)*
    • How well can you recognize craving, aversion, or confusion as causes of distress? (For example: recognizing attachment during conflict or disappointment.)*
    • How seriously do you model your behavior after mature practitioners? (For example: adopting their structured routines or communication style.)*
    • How consistently do you reflect ethically before acting? (For example: pausing before responding to provocation, considering long-term consequences.)*
    • How often do you replay past disappointments after they are resolved? (For example: mentally rehashing what happened, imagining different outcomes, or reopening situations that are already resolved.)*
    • How often do your daily choices drift from your long-term priorities? (For example: agreeing to commitments that conflict with your core values, spending time on low-priority tasks while neglecting what you believe is important.)*
    • How regularly do you give without expecting recognition or return? (For example: donating anonymously, offering help without publicizing it.)*
    • How willing are you to admit mistakes or limits? (For example: saying “I was wrong,” or “I don’t know,” when appropriate.)*
    • How often do you lose your footing and let anxiety take over? (For example: dropping steady practices, getting swept up in worry, or reacting quickly instead of staying grounded.)*
    • How often do you use substances in ways that weaken your clarity or self-control?(For example: drinking past your limits, using substances to escape discomfort, or choosing temporary relief over clarity.)*
    • How consistently do you follow ethical standards even when no one is watching? (For example: honest reporting, honoring agreements, avoiding small forms of dishonesty.)*
    • How often does praise or criticism noticeably shift your emotional state? (For example: feeling inflated when praised, or becoming defensive or discouraged when criticized.)*
    • How intentionally do you build routines that support good habits? (For example: scheduling practice times, removing friction that disrupts consistency.)*
    • How well does your environment support your stated values? (For example: ensuring your home supports regular meditation practice, reducing exposure to environments that undermine self-control.)*
    • How consistently do you treat others with fairness and courtesy? (For example: speaking calmly to service workers, avoiding dismissive language in conflict.)*
    • How often do you spend time with people who are dishonest, irresponsible, cruel, or persistently negative? (For example: attending gatherings centered on heavy drinking or gossip, staying closely connected to people who excuse unethical shortcuts or harmful behavior.)*
    • How often do you exaggerate achievements or seek admiration? (For example: highlighting accomplishments to impress, comparing yourself competitively, or steering conversations toward your successes.)*
    • How consistently do you seek honest feedback from grounded people? (For example: asking for direct feedback on your behavior, accepting constructive criticism without defensiveness.)*
    • How often do you feel envy when comparing yourself to others? (For example: changing your goals to match someone else’s success, feeling diminished by another person’s achievements, or resenting their progress.)*
    • How often do you escalate conflict at home instead of resolving it calmly? (For example: raising your voice, focusing on being right rather than resolving the issue, or avoiding responsibility for your part in the tension.)*
    • How clearly have you defined guiding principles for your life? (For example: written values, a defined ethical framework, or a structured long-term direction that informs career and relationship choices.)*
    • How consistently do you use speech to build trust and clarity? (For example: speaking directly about concerns, offering constructive feedback calmly.)*
    • How steadily do you stay composed during setbacks or criticism? (For example: remaining measured in tone during tense discussions.)*
    • How intentionally do you set aside time for serious ethical or philosophical learning? (For example: attending talks, studying primary texts, scheduling reflective learning sessions.)*
    • How often does work crowd out your family life, health, or values? (For example: regularly breaking personal boundaries for work, pursuing advancement even when it strains relationships or compromises integrity.)*
    • How actively do you invite constructive feedback? (For example: requesting performance reviews, asking mentors for candid critique.)*
    • How often do you keep track of what you give versus what you receive? (For example: feeling resentful when appreciation is absent, reducing generosity when you believe you are not receiving enough back.)*
    • How reliably do you apply advice you receive? (For example: changing measurable behaviors after receiving feedback.)*
    • How often do you engage in meaningful discussions about ethics or growth? (For example: participating in study groups or disciplined philosophical dialogue.)*
    • How willing are you to change your views when evidence shows you are wrong? (For example: publicly adjusting a position after reflection, abandoning beliefs shown to be weak or inaccurate.)*
    • How often do you rely on shortcuts or last-minute effort instead of doing quality work? (For example: rushing to meet deadlines, overlooking correctable errors, or preparing only enough to get by.)*
    • How often does your income depend on practices that compromise your ethics? (For example: participating in work that relies on deception, manipulation, or knowingly disadvantaging others.)*
    • How often do you overindulge in ways that weaken your clarity or restraint? (For example: spending more than you need to, piling on unnecessary comforts, or choosing excess when moderation would serve you better.)*
    • How consistently do you give focused time to your spouse, partner or children? (For example: setting aside scheduled time without devices, active listening during conversations.)*
    • How often do you become elated by gain or emotionally shaken by loss? (For example: getting swept up by a financial windfall, career success, unexpected expense, car repair, or other setback.)*
    • How often do you knowingly do things that could harm yourself or others? (For example: choosing deception when convenient, taking advantage of someone’s vulnerability, or acting out of retaliation.)*
    • How often does your environment distract you or weaken your discipline? (For example: allowing clutter to build up, keeping easy access to distractions, or working in spaces that undermine concentration.)*
    • How proactively do you respond to changes in the needs of your parents or caregivers? (For example: initiating visits, coordinating care when required, checking in without being prompted.)*
    • How consistently do you make decisions that build long-term trust and stability? (For example: honoring financial obligations, keeping promises even when inconvenient, building a reliable reputation.)*
    • How intentionally do you stay connected with wise, ethical, and stable people? (For example: scheduling time with mentors, joining serious discussion groups, seeking out people who live their values.)*
    • How deeply do you rely on inner clarity rather than approval from others? (For example: not needing recognition to feel stable.)*
    • How often do you review your behavior for possible harm or regret? (For example: conducting end-of-day reflection, acknowledging minor ethical lapses.)*
    • How deliberately do you show appreciation to those who have guided or shaped you? (For example: writing letters of thanks, publicly acknowledging mentors, maintaining respectful communication.)*
    • How often do you give in to impulses that hurt your goals or relationships? (For example: reacting in anger without pausing, making unnecessary purchases, or indulging habits that weaken trust or discipline.)*
    • How often do you move through life without deliberately working to reduce your reactivity or strengthen your clarity? (For example: neglecting structured practice, ignoring patterns that fuel impulsive behavior, or assuming steadiness will develop on its own.)*
    • How deliberately do you seek out disciplined practitioners as examples? (For example: attending retreats, lectures, or structured practice communities.)*
    • When you act unethically, how often do you delay correcting it? (For example: postponing an apology, minimizing the harm done, or repeating the behavior without making meaningful changes.)*
    • Acknowledgment 

    • The Maṅgala Sutta Inventory is provided for educational and entertainment use only. It is not intended to be a psychological advice of any kind, and comes without any guarantee of accuracy or validity. This assessment is free, and your results will be emailed to you.

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