Faith is an advantageous Hand, Wealth and
Seed:
Using it as a tool
they have faith. Just this act of having an anchor is in itself faith.
Its characteristic is trusting, having confidence in
and being fully convinced
about.
Faith's function is to clarify, like a filter, and to promote an 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 wealt,h 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
and plough, Shame and Conscience is the pole,
A well working mind is the yoke-tie, Awareness is the ploughshare
and 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
More on this initiating Faith (Saddhā):
Faith Summary,
Fruitful Faith,
Lay Faith,
Unwavering Faith,
Going Forth Faith,
The Buddha on Faith,
Rich Faith,
Analysis of Faith,
Dual Faith,
Highest Faith,
Leaping Faith,
Outstanding Faith,
Power of Faith,
Full_Faith_Frees,
Raining_Faith,
Fine Faith,
Mutual_Faith.
