4.1.4.5 Shraddha – Trust Pending Verification

This sub-module is based on the teachings of Swami Dayananda and Swami Viditatmananda.
Expand All Sections

Introduction

Shraddha is the fifth sub-qualification of Discipline. Shraddha can be translated as faith or trust in the words of Vedanta.

In this sub-module we will discuss:

1. What is Shraddha?
2. Why trust is required to understand Vedanta?
3. Why trust in the teacher is also needed?
4. Why Shraddha is enlightened faith, not blind faith?

What Is Shraddha?

Expand this section

Trust Enables Us To Understand Vedanta Correctly

Expand this section

Shraddha Is Trust In Vedanta And The Teacher

Expand this section

One has to discover Shraddha

Let Shraddha, trust or faith, arise in its own way. Let it be discovered. It cannot be commanded. This reverence for scripture cannot be thrust upon anybody.

We discover it as we get exposed to Vedanta, appreciate its profundity and clarity, and see how it releases us from different notions and complexes.

Just as we cannot make ourselves love someone, we cannot make ourselves have Shraddha. Love has to manifest itself. Similarly, Shraddha is not something that we can command; it has to happen.

Shraddha Is Enlightened Faith Based On Verification

Expand this section

Summary

1. Shraddha can be defined as trust or faith in the words of Vedanta pending verification. Shraddha is faith in Vedanta as a Pramana, a means of knowledge for knowing the Self, just as eyes are a means of knowledge with respect to colour and form. Vedanta is not to be looked upon as speculation or philosophy.
2. We need a this-is-true attitude towards Vedanta so that if we hear something which contradicts our beliefs or conclusions, we give Vedanta the benefit of doubt. I provisionally accept that the meaning is true, and then I enquire into it; I don’t dismiss it. This kind of attitude helps us to question our own conclusions, be more open minded, and understand the teachings correctly.
3. Shraddha is trust in the teacher too. Trust in the teacher is required because the key to Vedanta is the teaching tradition. As long as the Guru knows the method of communicating the teaching, he or she may customize the teaching for a particular student. So trust is needed in the words of the Guru also.
4. Shraddha is not blind faith, but enlightened faith based on verification. We discover faith when we implement Vedanta in our lives and verify whether what the teachings say is true.