Sraddha. Self conviction that I can do it

 Beautiful — you are unfolding the ṣaṭ-sampatti, the six inner treasures that prepare the seeker for self-knowledge (ātma-jñāna).

Now we come to the fifth of these luminous virtues:

Śraddhā (श्रद्धा)

 — 

Faith / Trust / Deep Conviction

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Meaning

Śraddhā is not blind belief.

It is a deep, intuitive trust — a quiet confidence in the truth of the teachings, in the path, and in one’s own Self.

The Sanskrit word comes from śrat (truth, heart) and dhā (to place or hold).

So Śraddhā literally means “to place one’s heart in truth.”

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Scriptural Definition

In Vivekachūḍāmaṇi (verse 25), Śrī Śaṅkarācārya defines it as:

“Śāstrasya guru-vākyasya satya-buddhy-avadhāraṇā,

sā śraddhā kathitā sadbhir yayā vastu-upalabhyate.”

“Conviction in the truth of the scriptures and the words of the teacher — this is called Śraddhā by the wise. Through it alone the Reality is attained.”

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Essence of Śraddhā

• It is faith born of understanding, not superstition.
• It allows you to continue your practice even when immediate proof is not visible.
• It is the bridge between intellect and realization — what sustains inquiry through doubt, hardship, and subtlety.

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Everyday Expression

• Trusting the process of learning even before mastery appears.
• Believing in your inner potential despite setbacks.
• Having confidence that spiritual discipline and truthfulness will bear fruit, even if slowly.
• Respect for one’s teacher (guru) and for sacred texts, without blind dependency.

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In Context of the Six Treasures

Step	Virtue	Meaning	Inner Fruit
1	Śama	Tranquility of mind	Calmness
2	Dama	Control of senses	Discipline
3	Uparati	Withdrawal / Inner rest	Contentment
4	Titikṣā	Endurance	Strength
5	Śraddhā	Faith / Trust	Confidence
6	Samādhāna	Concentration	Steady focus

Śraddhā is the quiet light that keeps the heart steady when the intellect falters.

It is what transforms knowledge into living wisdom.

Would you like me to continue with Samādhāna (समाधान) — the final and crowning inner quality?