Śraddhā (Sanskrit:श्रद्धा,pronounced[ˈɕɾɐd̪.d̪ʱɑː]) is a Sanskrit term often glossed in English asfaith. The term figures importantly in the literature, teachings, and discourse ofHinduism,Jainism, andBuddhism.Sri Aurobindo describesśraddhā as "the soul's belief in the Divine's existence, wisdom, power, love, and grace".[1] Without diacritical marks, it is usually written asshraddha.
Faith plays a crucial role within Hinduism, underpinning all assumptions, beliefs, and inferences. Within Hinduism, having faith means one maintains trust in god, scriptures, dharma, and the path of liberation (moksha).[2] TheBrihadranyaka Upanishad (3.9.21) states that "the resting ground of faith is the heart", emphasising that to have faith is to follow ones heart and intuition.[3]
Within Hinduism, a key understanding of faith is maintaining trust in the scriptures. Hindus believe that it is not possible to understand or experience god directly with human senses, and so god's presence is inferred through descriptions in the scriptures.[3]
An example of this can be seen inBrihadaranyak Upanishad 3.8.9:
O Gargi, the sun and moon are held in their positions; under the mighty rule of this Immutable; O Gargi, heaven and earth maintain their positions; under the mighty rule of this immutable.[3]
Śraddhã can be associated with faith, trust, confidence, and loyalty. The teacherAmmachi describes it as the "constant alertness arising from Love", and when choosing a single word to translate it into English, has used "awareness".[4] Other writers have also described the concept with emphasis on the intersection of faith and mindfulness, and it has been translated in this vein with words such as "diligence".[5]
One of the key pillars which supports faith in Hinduism is bhakti. Bhakti means intense and devotional love towards god, and together with faith, supports the path towards moksha, the ultimate goal of life within the Hindu belief system.[6]
InBhagavad Gita, the termśraddhã is mentioned 17 times across eight chapters, emphasizing its significance. in verse 3.31,Krishna tellsArjuna that those who faithfully adhere to his teachings, haveśraddhã (faith or trust) in him and are not jealous, attain liberation from the bondage of karma. This contrastsśraddhã withasuya (envy or jealousy), indicating that when one hasśraddhã, they do not find fault with or envy others. This suggests that spiritual practitioners should cultivateśraddhã and avoid jealousy, ultimately bridging the gap between self and others.[7]
Verse 4.39 emphasizesśraddhã as crucial for acquiringjnana (knowledge). In verses 6.39-6.47, Krishna underscores the interconnectedness ofśraddhã,jñāna, andabhyasa (diligent effort) in the journey toward self-realization. Krishna assures Arjuna that withśraddhã and sincere effort, one will attain spiritual success despite setbacks.[7] Verse 9.22 signifies the role ofśraddhã inbhakti yoga, stressing unwavering faith and single-minded focus on the divine.[8] In verse 9.23, Krishna emphasizes his acceptance of various forms of worship offered with genuine faith and devotion:[8]
Those who are devoted to other gods and worship them with faith actually worship me alone, Kaunteya, but not in the manner that is properly ordained.
— Bhagavad Gita, Verse 9.23
