Buddhist Faith

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Religious faith gives people a sense of meaning and purpose, and provides emotional comfort through the ups and downs of life. A study of history suggests strongly that these psychological benefits are enjoyed independently of the objects of faith. Most religions see faith as the heart of religion and consider that the more faith one has the better.

Buddhism takes a different view. It considers faith as just one of a number of spiritual faculties that need to be cultivated in harmony. It emphasises the importance of balancing faith with wisdom, to protect against the danger of faith leading to bigotry, fanaticism and superstition.

In Buddhism, faith is placed in the human potential for enlightenment, and it lies at the beginning of a path of practice. The proof of Buddhist faith is not to be found in the strength of belief. It is found in the sincerity with which one seeks to expose ones belief to the test of experience.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.