< Sri Lankaramaya Temple
When it comes to the stuff that requires faith, most of us are naturally skeptical. Modern folks like us want to be seen as a logical intellectuals instead of irrational superstitious ones. When one claims to have faith without any substantial evidence, it’s seldom to convince peers. But then again, experiences with verify the validity of faith is not something that science can readily prove. If so, can anything really be a benchmark to gauge at all?
In Buddhism, we do not encourage blind reverence towards the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha. A certain degree of understanding is encouraged before one takes that confident ‘leap of faith’. Be it attending Dharma talks, lessons, reading or clarification of doubts, these are all avenues to establish strong faith.
To have faith in the Buddha’s teachings, we need to understand the basic teachings – e.g. the Four Noble Truths. Before agreeing with the teachings, their authenticity and functionality has to be truly tested. What do I mean by ‘truly’? That would be via sincerely and systematically learning from a qualified Dharma teacher.
Strictly speaking, those that truly have faith in the Buddha’s teachings are the ones who have practised and realised spiritual transformation in themselves. In short, faith in Buddhism is not merely to have strong conviction about a teaching or a teacher, but to be a walking testament of the Dharma per se.
Faith is rather an abstract idea, but till we need it do we really realise how much of it we have. Even someone who does not give credence to any belief would need faith to support that very belief that nothing is worth believing in. As such, we all believe in something(s), and have less faith in other things. What do you choose? Is it wise? Does it lead to enlightenment? This would require yourself to find out.