Significance of Faith
The concept of Faith is interpreted variably across different traditions. In Buddhism, Faith denotes trust in spiritual teachings, while Jainism extends it to beliefs about past and future existences. Tibetan Buddhism sees it as a personal belief system, whereas Vaishnavism associates it with devotion arising from past spiritual merit. Purana emphasizes the importance of faith in rituals, and Vedanta regards it as vital for spiritual realization. Mahayana views Faith as a key component in Buddhist practice, while Theravada highlights personal belief systems and their implications for spiritual growth. Overall, Faith constitutes a fundamental aspect across these spiritual domains.
Synonyms: Belief, Trust, Confidence, Conviction, Hope, Assurance, Loyalty, Devotion, Credence, Dependency
In Dutch: Vertrouwen
In Finnish: Usko
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Faith'
In Buddhism, faith encompasses trust in the Dhamma, confidence in spiritual teachings, and a deep belief system essential for practice. It promotes positive outcomes, personal growth, and connection to the Three Treasures, crucial for enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A positive emotional state resulting from hearing about the pure food conforming with the Dharma, illustrating trust in spiritual practices.[1] (2) The belief or conviction in the teachings and presence of the Buddha, which can vary among individuals.[2] (3) Faith (prasada) in this context refers to confidence and belief in the teachings and nature of the Buddha's Dharma.[3] (4) A critical aspect of practice that practitioners engage in during the level of activity in faith (adhimukticaryabhumi) as they prepare for entry into more profound stages of realization.[4] (5) A belief or trust in the process of meditation that helps achieve the state of second dhyana.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A crucial component in Buddhist practice, seen as an essential virtue that can lead practitioners toward realization and understanding.[6] (2) Trust and confidence in the Three Treasures, necessary for spiritual progress and the attainment of warming-up.[7]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A deep trust in spiritual principles that elevates the value of giving, making any donation significant.[8]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The belief or trust in positive outcomes or truths, especially concerning the teachings of the Dhamma.[9]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A quality that, if possessed by a monk, allows him to live independently; its absence means he should not.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Refers to a strong belief or confidence in something or someone.[11]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Belief in principles or truths that are deemed worthy of trust.[12]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A personal belief system that individuals hold, which should be respected but not conflated with objective truth.[13]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A belief system that arises in an individual, as shown when khams sgom asked for hidden precepts from dam pa.[14]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The belief or trust in spiritual teachings and practices, which is described as hard to come by.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Faith'
In Hinduism, Faith is crucial for spiritual realization, representing trust in teachers, scriptures, and oneself. It underlies rituals, influences spiritual practices, and acts as a foundational belief essential for understanding divine principles and achieving merit.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A necessary belief that aids comprehension of subtle truths, enabling one’s mind to focus and understand deeper concepts beyond physical perception.[16] (2) Faith is the belief or trust that arises when one serves; without service, Faith cannot exist.[17] (3) Faith is the idea that the thing in question really exists.[18] (4) The trust or belief in the actual and moral realities central to understanding the Self; its absence leads to a demoniacal identification.[19]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A fundamental belief that underpins the practice of austerities and influences the spiritual journey.[20] (2) Trust and belief in the teacher, scriptures, and oneself, which helps to resolve doubts and uncertainties.[21]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Regarded as a significant factor in the realization of Brahman, reflecting the belief that genuine understanding requires trust in the teachings presented.[22]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A crucial belief system that supports spiritual realization and overcomes doubts.[23]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Belief in Brahman, considered a prerequisite that supports the journey towards deeper knowledge through hearing and reflection.[24]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) In the context of this verse, faith is associated with the intellect, which embodies trust in the understanding of truth.[25]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The strong belief held by the vraja-vasis that their acts of devotion would lead to Shri Krishna's favorable response.[26] (2) The trust and conviction that are emphasized in the relationship between Uddhava and the Lord regarding the necessity of the Lord's presence for the sustenance of devotion.[27] (3) Shraddha, the trust and confidence in pursuing bhakti and spiritual truths.[28]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) An interpretation of the term pramana, signifying trust or belief in something.[29] (2) A strong belief or trust in something, often associated with spirituality or divine assurance.[30]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A strong belief or trust in something, referenced as 'श्रद्धां' in the text.[31] (2) A strong belief or trust, especially in a spiritual context, as seen in Bahulashva's attributes.[32]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The initial trust and belief in exclusive devotion that arises through accumulated spiritual merit (sukriti) from previous lives.[33]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The strong belief and trust in divine principles and guidance, essential for following the path of bhakti.[34]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A crucial belief that even a person with limited resources can acquire merit if they have faith.[35] (2) The essential quality required for engaging with the Tirthas to ensure the spiritual benefits of bathing and penance.[36] (3) Faith is a prerequisite for performing practices such as offering rice-balls and taking holy baths at Rishitirtha.[37] (4) A deep-seated belief or trust in the efficacy of rituals and the divine, essential for spiritual practices to yield their promised benefits.[38]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) An essential component for understanding spiritual truths, as it requires personal conviction and belief.[39] (2) A necessary belief that aids in succeeding to attain subtile sense.[40]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A deep belief or trust, particularly in the context of giving and the spiritual rewards that follow.[41]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Described as the greatest virtue, it denotes absolute trust in the divine and plays a fundamental role in spiritual realization.[42]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A treasured quality that, when absent, can lead to one's offerings being regarded as inferior, suggesting the importance of intent and purity.[43] (2) A fundamental belief or trust in higher powers, considered the highest penance and essential for the acceptance of sacrifices by the gods.[44]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A crucial element of the rituals, emphasizing the belief and intent behind the sacrificial acts.[45]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Described as the enemy of the Nanda family, showcasing its role in the narrative and its connection to the concept of striving and futility.[46]
Jain concept of 'Faith'
In Jainism, Faith encompasses a belief or trust that transcends time, extending to past, present, and future existences. This interpretation emphasizes a deep understanding and confidence in the spiritual journey and knowledge.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A belief or trust that similarly extends to both current and past or future existences as implied in the context of knowledge.[47]
The concept of Faith in local and regional sources
Faith in this context highlights its dual nature—both as a central theme in Chalam's struggles with belief in God and as a powerful force invoking divine assistance for devotees, while simultaneously being questioned by the Patient due to suffering.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A strong belief in something or someone, often without empirical evidence.[48] (2) The essential trust in the teachings of the Buddha, guiding followers on their spiritual path.[49] (3) A strong belief, particularly in a religious context, which the Patient questions due to her experiences and suffering.[50] (4) A central theme in Chalam's reflections, as he struggles with the concept of belief in God and the dissonance between his experiences and understanding.[51]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A strong belief that triggers Krishna’s immediate help and attention to a devotee in need.[52]