Significance of Confidence

Confidence, as interpreted in various Buddhist traditions, takes on multiple meanings. In Vaishnavism, it reflects the trust cultivated through shared experiences, while Mahayana views it as the inherent quality that empowers bodhisattvas. Theravada highlights confidence as a strong self-assurance rooted in understanding and emphasizes its importance for meditators, supporting their practice and fostering trust in teachings. It is also described through metaphors such as the serpent's true nature and signifies trust in one's path to enlightenment, especially in contexts of moral integrity and social interactions.1

Synonyms: Self-assurance, Self-confidence, Assurance, Certainty, Faith, Trust, Conviction, Courage, Security, Self-reliance, Self-possession, Boldness

In Dutch: Vertrouwen; In Finnish: Luottamus

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Confidence'

Buddhism Books

Confidence in Buddhism is a crucial quality rooted in understanding, supporting practice and trust in teachings, fostering moral conduct in social interactions, and empowering meditators, ultimately aiding in the pursuit of enlightenment and the bodhisattvas' magical powers.

Significance of Confidence in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):

Theravada Books

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) The state in which the serpent falls asleep, leading to the manifestation of its true nature.^[1] (2) The assuredness one feels when interacting with any social group as a result of maintaining moral values.^[2]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) Trust in one's ability to achieve enlightenment, emphasized by the Bodhisatta in his confrontation with Mara.^[3]

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) A quality emphasized by the Buddha, suggesting a strong self-assurance that is rooted in understanding.^[4]

From: A Manual of Abhidhamma

(1) A vital factor that supports practice, fostering trust in the teachings and one's progress.^[5]

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) The state of being self-assured that is instilled in meditators through the practice of meditation.^[6]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance of Confidence in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):

Mahayana Books

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) A foundational quality from which the bodhisattvas’ bases of magical power stem, unconditioned and spontaneously attained.^[7]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Confidence'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Confidence embodies the trust cultivated through hospitality and shared narratives, as exemplified by Gopa-kumara's interactions with the brahmana, emphasizing the significance of relationships and mutual respect in spiritual connections.

Significance of Confidence in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The trust that Gopa-kumara sought to establish with the brahmana through hospitality and shared stories.^[8]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Last Updated: 18 December, 2024