The Four Distinguishing Characteristics of Buddhist Faith
Rev. Jie Jing Shi
As a global religion, Buddhism's emergence and development not only reflect the psychological and emotional needs of people's spiritual world, but also their moral demands and pursuit of goodness in social life. Among the world's major religions, Buddhism stands out for its wisdom. Dr. Sun Yat-sen once said, "Buddhism is the mother of philosophy and the compassion of salvation; studying Buddhist philosophy can complement the bias of science." Liang Qichao stated, "The belief of Buddhism is based on true faith, not superstition. It promotes benevolence and not selfishness, advocates engagement with the world rather than renunciation, encompasses the boundless rather than the limited, promotes equality rather than differentiation, and relies on self-effort rather than external assistance." Liang Qichao's insightful summary can serve as a guide for us to grasp the characteristics of Buddhist beliefs.
Whether it is personal cultivation and improvement or the prosperity and development of society, they both require a kind of "right faith." Therefore, the belief in Buddhism is a form of "right faith" with its own inherent value and significance. The belief in Buddhism possesses the following characteristics:
1、The Unity of Passion and Reason
Buddhism emanates from the great compassion and wisdom of the Buddha, embodying teachings that are imbued with wisdom, benevolence, brightness, and clarity. The concept of "right faith" in Buddhism entails correct beliefs, sincere convictions, proper understanding, virtuous actions, and genuine trust. A true faith-based religion must be inherently necessary, inherently so, and universally applicable. If a religious belief fails to meet these three criteria, it is not "right faith" but superstition.
"Faith" serves as the gateway to entering Buddhism and is regarded as the most important starting point. The Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Adornment Sutra) states, "Faith is the source of the Way, and the mother of merit and virtue, nurturing all wholesome practices, eradicating the net of doubt, and revealing the unsurpassed path of Nirvana." The Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa (Da zhidu lun), in its first volume, also proclaims, "In the vast ocean of the Buddha's teachings, only faith can lead one in." The Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa employs the metaphor of a person entering a treasure-filled mountain, where faith is likened to a pair of hands that can gather the treasures within the profound wisdom of Buddhism. Therefore, to attain the benefits of Buddhism, one must possess faith.
In Buddhism, "faith" refers to a harmonious devotion and belief that encompasses the unity of body and mind, inner and outer. Faith, as a pursuit, is an activity of the spiritual and emotional realm that is challenging to compare in tangible or material terms. Some individuals often feel a lack of control and struggle to establish a central purpose, which is often due to a lack of faith. Those without faith tend to struggle in unifying their thoughts and generating inner strength. Faith is like our home; it provides a foundation for our lives.
Simultaneously, every belief system has its object of faith. In the context of Buddhism, right faith emphasizes truth, merit, and efficacy. The faith in Buddhism emphasizes believing in the actual existence of Shakyamuni Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha, the fully accomplished awakened one, embodies three virtues: wisdom, cutting off all afflictions, and compassion. His moral character is complete, pure, and flawless. Following this teacher of humans and deities can elevate our moral standards and perfect our character.
The object of our faith should embody the perfection of the Dharma. The principles of Buddhism are unbiased, hence referred to as the right Dharma. The teachings of Buddhism are universally applicable, transcending time, space, individuals, and circumstances. Because Buddhism surpasses limitations of time and space, it is complete and all-encompassing.
Therefore, although faith in Buddhism emphasizes the passion of belief, it also places great importance on the rational aspect of faith. In Buddhist teachings, faith is based on examination and discernment, understanding that the object of faith possesses truth, merit, and efficacy. The faith in Buddhism is founded on reason; it strengthens faith through rationality and is cultivated through wisdom. The deeper the understanding, the stronger the faith becomes. This kind of faith can inspire us to strive for goodness and upliftment, not only developing a sense of awe towards the object of faith but also aspiring to attain the same state.
Mr. Liang Shuming once said, "The distinguishing feature of Western culture is its religious and faithful nature, while the distinguishing feature of Chinese culture is its ethical and rational nature." Actually, within Buddhist culture, religion is philosophical, and philosophy is religious. Therefore, Buddhism, as a form of faith, embodies the unity of passion and reason. According to Buddhist teachings, faith naturally surpasses emotions, but the object of faith is envisioned to be comprehensible by reason. Rational contemplation is not merely abstract and hollow knowledge; what is apprehended must have genuine content, worthy of admiration and reverence.
Buddhist life encompasses elements of faith. When we pay homage to clay Buddha statues or hold the remnants of the Buddha's teachings in our hands, a natural sense of sacredness arises. Faith enables us to cleanse our inner afflictions such as greed, anger, and pride. Faith is like potassium alum, added to muddy water, causing the water to become clear. In the midst of the various sufferings of worldly life, it can bring joy, stability, and fulfillment to our minds, which may otherwise feel empty and distressed. However, if faith does not undergo unrestricted thinking and rational cultivation, it will always follow others, leading to self-indulgence and blind, irrational superstition. The faith in Buddhism, through wise observation, does not neglect rationality within faith, avoiding the drawbacks of emphasizing faith over understanding that are present in many other religions.
External phenomena are subject to impermanence and change. Therefore, the pursuit of wisdom in Buddhism focuses on self-experience. The truth is not found externally but discovered through self-realization. By understanding oneself and grasping one's inner self, this understanding expands outward to encompass the manifestations of life. External phenomena serve as confirmation of one's self-experience. The deeper and higher one's correct understanding of Buddhism, the deeper and stronger one's faith becomes. A faith that lacks rational contemplation may seem devout but remains shallow. Therefore, Buddhism advocates cultivating faith based on profound understanding, recognizing that firmly grounded faith comes through knowledgeable belief. Buddhism unifies passion and reason, as within fervent devotion lies profound rationality, and behind stern rationality lies an impetus of passion. To comprehend, experience, and practice in this manner, one's life path becomes filled with infinite brightness.
2、Faith Permeates the Entire Process of Buddhist Practice
What is faith? In Volume Six of the Treatise on the Establishment of the Doctrine Consciousness Only (Chengweishi lun), it states: "What is called faith? Faith encompasses sincerity, virtue, competence, deep forbearance, joy, aspiration, and a pure mind as one's nature. It is countering disbelief and delighting in goodness as one's practice." "Having a pure mind as one's nature" refers to inner purity, devoid of subjective biases and personal opinions, but rather a state of immaculate and flawless disposition. With such a purified mind, one can wholeheartedly accept the awakened ones, the truth, and the masses who follow the truth, until attaining Buddhahood. "Deep forbearance" refers to profound patience, also known as "superior understanding." Due to deep and powerful understanding, faith is aroused, hence it is said that "superior understanding is the cause of faith." "Joy and aspiration" refer to aspirations and wishes for accomplishing goals. Where there is faith, there must be aspirations, thus it is said that "joy and aspiration are the fruit of faith." Faith can only manifest through deep understanding and earnest aspirations. Moreover, it is initiated by reason and can arouse volition. Faith, with a pure mind as its essence, elicits genuine and pure feelings of appreciation and admiration. It is the force that brings inner tranquility and clarity to the mind, like a Cintāmaṇi (Mani Jewel) that purifies turbid water. With the presence of faith, the mind becomes pure and stable, free from doubt, and filled with sincere reverence for the Three Jewels. Having seen the truth and deeply believed in it, there is an inevitable demand to actualize the Buddha's teachings through practice.
When it comes to entering the path of studying Buddhism, some individuals enter due to faith, others due to compassion, and some due to wisdom. However, faith as the initial gateway to Buddhist practice is emphasized. As stated in the Vehicle of the Hearers, "Faith enables entry, and precepts enable liberation," while in the Vehicle of the Bodhisattvas, "Faith enables entry, and wisdom enables liberation." Although precepts and wisdom may have their respective emphasis, the notion of "faith enables entry" remains consistent and indispensable. When the Buddha first attained enlightenment, he realized the difficulty of teaching and deemed complete faith as a prerequisite for receiving guidance in practice. Bodhisattva Nagarjuna metaphorically stated that entering a treasure mountain without hands would lead to gaining nothing, similarly, hearing and observing the Dharma without faith would result in having nothing in the end. This illustrates that the boundless merits of the Buddha's teachings arise from the root of faith. Thus, it is said, "Faith is the source of the Way, and the mother of merit and virtue."
The entire process of Buddhist practice revolves around faith, understanding, practice, and realization. Many people consider faith to be merely the initial gateway to Buddhist practice, but these four stages mutually encompass and integrate, constituting an ongoing process of elevation, improvement, and progress. If faith pervades the entire path of Buddhism, it can be divided into "faith in accordance," "faith with forbearance," "faith with aspiration," and culminating in "faith in realization." All of these are encompassed within "faith"—faith with a pure mind.
Faith in Accordance is characterized by a pure empathy and affinity towards the Three Jewels, a selfless and pure heart capable of comprehending principles and reason. Only by truly having faith in accordance with the Dharma can one accept and recognize it, thereby entering the gateway of Buddhism. Faith in accordance firstly requires a lack of doubt towards the Dharma and the ability to confirm its truth and absoluteness, which is a commonality among all religious beliefs. Based on this, one seeks profound understanding and attains clear right view, known as "faith with forbearance" or "faith in acceptability." Buddhist faith is far from being purely an emotional or passionate belief; it further encourages people to contemplate and discern the Dharma, cultivating "discernment Wisdom." Only through contemplation with discernment wisdom can genuine and earnest faith arise. Through the stages of "faith in accordance" and "faith in acceptability," true accomplishment is achieved, which is known as the position of "faith with understanding."
Faith is not merely a matter of emotional and rational identification; it also requires a personal and intimate experience, a pursuit to actualize its objectives. Therefore, the practice of faith necessitates its own experiences and inspirations. If a believer does not experience the benefits of faith, it becomes difficult to strengthen their own conviction. This holds true for Buddhist faith as well. Thus, in Buddhist scriptures, the works of the patriarchs and esteemed masters, and even in the propagation of contemporary Buddhism, inspiration and personal experiences are indispensable. Throughout the process of practice, faith continuously grows and gains victory, reaching the position of "understanding in action."
"Realization of faith" or "realization of purity" refers to personally verifying that what is believed is not illusory through their own practice. This is described as "realization not dependent on others" and "not relying on scriptures," signifying the position of "realization." Therefore, faith is not merely about belief; it also demands that we practice and validate our own faith. Only in this way can we achieve unwavering faith. The Chan tradition refers to this as "enlightenment," while in the Theravada tradition, it is known as "the unshakable fourfold faith"—the four realizations of purity (faith in the Buddha's enlightenment, faith in the Dharma, faith in the Sangha, and faith in the purity of precepts). All are pure faith. In Mahayana, resolve upon Bodhi is the accomplishment of Mahayana faith. Ultimately, when one thoroughly realizes the Dharma of the Mahayana, it is called the ground of pure mind. Therefore, "The Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana (Dasheng qixin lun)" emphasizes the faith in the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, and the Tathatā, as the cultivation and study of Mahayana lead to the realization of the Tathatā, ultimately fulfilling the purpose of Mahayana faith. If one is unable to cultivate faith in the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, it indicates a lack of affinity with the Mahayana path.
3、Faith is a way of inner-realization
Buddhist faith emphasizes the inner realization of truth and the quality of independence. Therefore, "faith" should not be misled by external human affairs, causing one to forget their own true nature. Thus, the Buddha said, "Self-reliance (Nissaya), Dharma-reliance, no reliance on others." Buddhism elevates each individual's character to its highest potential, as it is said, "Everyone possesses Buddha nature." If one has this realization, their faith will naturally grow.
According to the Buddha, everything that pertains to sentient beings is determined by their own thoughts and actions. The ultimate way of entrusting one's life to Buddhism is for the thoughts and behaviors of sentient beings to align with the principles of the Dharma. By purifying and completing oneself through adherence to the law of cause and effect in all aspects of life, one takes refuge in the Dharma, relying on the truth of cause and effect. Taking refuge in the Buddha and the Sangha means aligning oneself with the enlightened ones who embody the truth, that is, the Dharma, and completing oneself. Taking refuge implies respect and admiration for awakened beings, rather than dependence on external gods. Buddha Dharma is based on self-reliance and the realization of life's fulfillment through one's own faith, wisdom, and actions. The difference between Buddha Dharma and other religions lies in its denial of external deities and its emphasis on self-purification. This is the inner realization of Buddhist faith.
Faith and practice in Buddhadharma serve as a way for cultivating body and mind and attaining inner purity and liberation. What is believed and studied is not the worship of deities beyond one's body and mind, but rather the affirmation that one's own (body and) mind can attain complete liberation through practice. The teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, the gateway to becoming a Buddha, revolve around believing and practicing based on one's own mind and understanding everything from the fundamental standpoint of self-awareness/mindfulness. Thus, "The Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana (Dasheng qixin lun)" emphasizes that Mahayana is the mind of all beings, and awakening the faith in Mahayana means believing in a path that is based on the minds of all beings.
Therefore, the profound meaning of taking refuge lies in turning towards oneself (one's own mind, one's own nature). One possesses Buddha nature, and one has the potential to become a Buddha. The essence of one's own body and mind is the true Dharma and Nirvana. One practices according to the Dharma and is united with the Sangha. This is what is known as the "Three Jewels of Self-Nature." The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, the three jewels, are not separate from one's own body and mind; they are achievements and manifestations of one's own body and mind. Therefore, as Buddhists, we take refuge in the three jewels and participate in the ceremony of taking refugee. Superficially, taking refuge implies relying on external forces for empowerment, but upon deeper reflection, it is merely a supportive condition that inspires and motivates our own body and mind, with the aspiration to realize the "Three Jewels of Self-Nature" within ourselves.
4、Buddhist faith embodies inclusiveness and wholeness
Faith often carries an inherent exclusivity in terms of emotions, and Buddhist faith is no exception. However, if this exclusivity is taken to an extreme, it can lead to religious fundamentalism or the rejection of other beliefs. Therefore, a religious faith must maintain its own identity while also possessing inclusiveness and wholeness. Only then can such a religion bring genuine peace and benefit to society and humanity. Buddhism, in particular, is able to achieve this.
In the eyes of Buddhists, Buddhism is considered great, supreme, and ultimate. Taking refuge in Buddhism is seen as a return from delusion to enlightenment, from wrong to right. Therefore, from a Buddhist standpoint, the theory of the common origin of the three teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism) is merely a skillful means for teaching and not the ultimate truth. Constantly seeking teachings from practitioners of other religions, although it may appear to promote understanding and religious harmony, ultimately goes against the purity and supremacy of Buddhist belief. However, Buddhism is a peaceful and wisdom-based religion. Throughout Buddhist history, there has never been a war fought in the name of spreading the teachings. Buddhist practitioners have contributed to human civilization with their unique spirit of tolerance. Particularly in Chinese Buddhism, with its inclusive and transformative power, the approach of "Classification of Teachings" has been used as a skillful means to incorporate other religions and cultures into its own belief system. This not only showcases the greatness and ultimate nature of Buddhism but also demonstrates its inclusiveness.
Yet, Buddhist faith is based on rationality. A Buddhist who has a deep understanding of the Dharma possesses unwavering faith that can withstand challenges. Moreover, Buddhism is not an exclusive belief system that negates the value of other religions. Buddhism categorizes teachings into five vehicles, with the Human and Heavenly Vehicles forming the foundation and being the common ground for all teachings. It is also the common good found in all religions and philosophies. Hence, a true and faithful Buddhist, while confident in the value of Buddhism surpassing other religions, does not discriminate against or exclude other religions. This is the exceptional and outstanding quality of Buddhism.
Since the belief in Buddhism unifies passion and reason, it naturally manifests in the lives of Buddhist practitioners through appropriate rituals and wisdom. Some people often think that faith in Buddhism does not require any external rituals or participation in Buddhist ceremonies or activities, considering such practices as primitive. However, this is not the case. Rituals are a significant embodiment of the religious life of Buddhists, serving as a crucial means for expressing religious sentiments. Through the practice of Buddhist rituals, the symbolic and sensory aspects create a contagious impact, enabling Buddhist practitioners to grasp the wisdom and philosophy of Buddhism, nurturing their spiritual well-being, and contributing to the dissemination and strengthening of Buddhist faith. Furthermore, Buddhist rituals serve as an important channel for the Sangha to connect with the faithful, deepening the bond among Buddhist practitioners and serving as a source of cohesion. Through participating in various Buddhist practices, we, as Buddhists, continuously reinforce our sense of identification with Buddhism and our identity as Buddhists, which generates a strong inner conviction: "I am a Buddhist!" This experience is sacred and meaningful. Moreover, in collective living and under the support of the community, it becomes easier to tame our body and mind and strengthen our faith.
However, all Buddhist rituals are expedient means and foundations for realizing truth. Many rituals themselves hold symbolic meanings, such as burning incense and offering flowers. It is through these rituals that we come to understand the inner life of the Dharma and the truth of the universe. This reflects the integrated and harmonious nature of the Dharma.
Therefore, as a religious faith, Buddhism shares commonalities with other religious beliefs. However, Buddhism distinguishes itself by emphasizing its unique, exceptional, and outstanding aspects.