Using it as a tool they have faith. Just this act of having an anchor is itself faith. Its characteristic is trusting, having confidence in & being fully convinced about. Faith's function is to clarify, like a filter, and to promote entrance like a door. Faith manifests as devoted non-wavering, and as a quite resolute determination. Its proximate cause is something to have faith in, and hearing the Saddhamma. It should be seen as a hand because it takes up and holds all advantageous states, as mental wealth since it leads to future prosperity, and as a seed that initiates growth of all that is truly good.
The Blessed Buddha said: Faith is all being's best wealth; Dhamma praxis brings best happiness; Truth indeed has the best taste of all; Living in and by understanding is best! Sn. 182
Confidence is the seed, Self-control is the rain, Understanding is the yoke & plough, Shame and Conscience is the pole, A well working mind is the yoke-tie, Awareness is the ploughshare & goad. Sn. 77
By Conviction is the flood crossed; By endurance is the ocean crossed; By effort is one's suffering quelled; By wise understanding is one purified! Sn. 184
