The Significant Role of Saddha in Theravada Buddhist Thought

The purpose of this paper is to show the significant role of Saddha in Theravada Buddhist Thought. The word saddha means faith, belief, confidence, conviction. Saddha is neither mind nor matter. It is good mental property, cetasika. In Theravada Buddhist literature Buddha Himself taught that saddha is the noblest quality of a man by which the circle of rebirth can be overcome and it is the best attitude to acquire knowledge. According to Theravada Buddhism, Saddha, as a great strength, can destroy and eradicate opposition. The role of faith can be found obviously in other non-Buddhist thoughts. It is also used widely in religion, politics, economics and sociology. Saddhai, faith, therefore, plays a vital role in life and society. In this paper, the meaning and nature of saddha, its kinds, its role, its necessity and insufficiency etc, will be described.