Buddhist Perspective on the Development of Social Welfare
by Ashin Indacara | 2011 | 61,386 words
This page relates ‘Definitions and Interpretations of Saddha (faith)’ of the study on the Buddhist perspective on the development of Social Welfare, employing primarily the concepts of Utthana-sampada (persistent effort) and Arakkha-sampada (watchfulness). Based on the teachings of the Buddha in the Dighajanu Sutta and other canonical texts, this essay emphasizes the importance of effort, knowledge, and good karma in achieving social welfare.
Go directly to: Footnotes.
3. Definitions and Interpretations of Saddhā (faith)
Saddhā is translated as faith, confidence, trust, belief, etc. can be seen in Pāḷi+English dictionary,[1] etc. The meaning, definition and interpretation of Saddhā can be seen in the commentary, sub-commentary, etc. as under statements.
1. Saddhoti–dānassa phalaṃ atthīti saddahati: Belief in that there is the results or consequences of dāna (charity). (Silakkhandhavagga commentary)[2]
2. Saddhoti–saddhāya samannāgato: The accomplishment of saddhā. (Majjhimapaṇṇāsa commentary)[3]
3. Saddhoti–kammaphalasaddhāya saddho, pothujjanikeneva ratanattayapasādena pasanno: Faith or belief in the result or consequences of Kamma (actions) and Triple Gems called Buddha, Dhamma and Saṅgha (ratanattaya) in which worldling people believe in.[4]
4. Saddhoti–Buddhd-dhamma-saṅghaguṇānaṃ saddahanatāya saddho: It is called saddhā because of faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Saṅgha.[5]
5. Saddhoti -ranattayaguṇānaṃ saddhatā: Faith in the attributes of Triple Gems (Buddha, Dhamma, Saṅgha) and the person who believes in it.[6]
6. Saddhoti–lokiyalokuttarāya saddhāya samannāgato: The accomplishment of faith in both of mundane and supramudane or secular life and reclusive life.[7]
7. Saddhoti -Buddhādiguṇesu parapaccayavirahitattā sabbākārasampannena avaccapasādena samannāgato, na parassa saddhāya paṭipattiyaṃ gamanabhāvena: The accomplishment of faith in the attributes of Triple Gems with strong and stable belief, and without never changing to another faith.[8]
8. Saddhoti -Kammañca, phalañca saddahitvā dadāti: Faith in charity together with belief in kamm and kammaphala (result of kamma).[9]
According to above statement of commentary, sub-commentary, we can draw the conclusion that saddhā is faith or confidence or belief in the attributes of Triple Gems and kamma and the result or consequences of kamma including faith of cycle of death and rebirth and other things.
Footnotes and references:
[3]:
M III, P. 255. Pali Text Society III, P. 213.
[4]:
MT. II, P. 188.
[5]:
AnA. II, P. 302. Pali Text Society II, P. 84.
[6]:
AnA. III, P. 7. Pali Text Society III, P. 229.
[7]:
AnT. I, 202.
[8]:
SA. II, P. 96. Pali Text Society II, P. 104.
[9]:
JA. IV, P. 78. Pali Text Society IV, P. 77.