In the Vedas, Śraddhā is revered as both an attitude and a divine presence, guiding seekers towards truth and understanding. Unlike andha-viśvāsa (blind faith), Śraddhā does not demand unquestioning belief. Instead, it invites inquiry, comprehension, and a journey toward direct realisation.
The great Ācārya-s (teachers) of the Hindu tradition emphasised understanding over belief. They encouraged students to approach the teachings with deep rational thinking, much like a physics professor who seeks to illuminate the workings of atoms, rather than demand belief in their existence. Similarly, the ṛṣi-s lead seekers toward an experiential knowing of the divine, making Śraddhā the essential first step in this transformative journey.
As Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita (4.39):
“Śraddhāvān labhate jñānam” – One with Śraddhā gains knowledge.
Śraddhā is thus a steppingstone, indispensable for acquiring the wisdom that brings us closer to understanding and experiencing the divine directly.
Many traditional Ācārya-s can sense and perceive the presence of Śraddhā in students.
What Is Śraddhā?
At its core, Śraddhā embodies qualities that sustain a seeker’s spiritual path:
- Dedication: A steadfast commitment to the pursuit of truth.
- Trust: Faith in the process and the teacher’s guidance.
- Capacity to Hold Truth: The inner strength to embrace profound realisations.
- Self-confidence: Belief in one’s ability to evolve.
- Conviction: A clear purpose grounded in humility and reverence.
- Motivation and Willingness: A dynamic attitude to learn and grow.
- Respect and Adoration: A deep regard for the sacred.
Unlike mere viśvāsa (faith), Śraddhā is not passive. It is a dynamic force that transforms understanding into truth, urging us to realise the divine essence within ourselves.
A Hymn to Śraddhā
By Śraddhā, the flame of divine willpower is kindled.
By Śraddhā, the Gods are called to receive offerings.
We praise her, Śraddhā,
The crown of all treasures.
O Śraddhā, you cherish the generous heart,
And the one who yearns to give.
Grant us the joy sought by those
Who walk the path of sacred sacrifice.
With great Śraddhā, the gods prevailed
Against forces fierce and unyielding.
May we too be filled with steadfast faith,
That our intentions may find fulfilment through you.
The yajamāna, guided by Vāyu,
Offers worship to Śraddhā.
May she take root in our hearts,
Ensuring that our offerings reach their sacred end.
We invoke Śraddhā at dawn,
At mid-day, and at the setting sun.
O Śraddhā, may your truth
Invigorate and sustain us always.
Even the gods turn to you, Śraddhā.
You, the mother of noble aspirations.
May our offerings strengthen your presence within us,
As you guide us to the ultimate truth.
Śraddhā in the Yoga Sūtras
Patañjali, in the Yoga Sūtras, places Śraddhā as a cornerstone for progress on the spiritual path. In Sūtra 1.20, he says:
“Śraddhā-vīrya-smṛti-samādhi-prajñā-pūrvaka itareṣām”
(For others, [samādhi] is preceded by Śraddhā, energy, mindfulness, samādhi, and wisdom.)
Śraddhā, here, is described as the seed that fuels effort (vīrya) and mindfulness (smṛti), leading to deep concentration (samādhi) and ultimately, wisdom (prajñā). This dynamic attitude is not blind faith but a purposeful, trust-filled commitment to the path of transformation.
Śraddhā is the unwavering confidence that carries us through challenges, keeps us engaged in inquiry, and transforms belief into direct realisation. It is, as the ṛṣị-s remind us, the mother of all good intentions and the flame that lights the seeker’s way toward truth.
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