Reason based faith

Sraddhâ (P., saddhâ) in Buddhism is not to be confused with blind faith.  Related to this, absolute a priori faith is not required of the Buddha's followers.  In other words Buddhism  does not prohibit criticism and judgment.  Buddhist faith is âkâravatî saddhâ, that is 'reason based faith' not amûlikâ saddhâ (baseless faith).

Nobody in their right mind can attain nirvana without faith that it is first of all, attainable.  How can one doubt their way to nirvana as some modern secular Buddhists believe?  It is an absurd method.  Even in science faith plays much more of a role than does doubt.  Faith that a cure for cancer is likely, based on reason, is an example of where Buddhist faith is coming from.

Long ago I had faith in the Buddhist path.  I never once doubted the Buddha’s teachings especially when it came to realizing the unconditioned which was, for me, pure Mind. Faith thus became faith in a mind that could be purified thus revealing pure Mind or the One Mind which is most primary.

There are, of course, some western Buddhists who will have nothing to do with faith.  Secular Buddhists are such an example who are trying to rid Buddhism of faith or the same, belief.  Stephen Batchelor, their fearless leader, wrote a book entitled, Buddhism Without Beliefs.  He teaches his flock to doubt everything the Buddha taught especially when it comes to karma and rebirth.  On the subject of nirvana his flock doesn’t seem to believe there is a need for it.  In this regard they appear to be materialists of various degrees—or I guess you might call them naive realists who only accept the commonsense view of reality.  Such an attitude is not at all desirable in Buddhism. It goes against everything the Buddha taught.

Comments

[Methexis]

even in Zen, they say faith is important, together with doubt.

faith that one is really in possession of the Buddha-Nature;

and the doubt-sensation - if it's my birthright then why cannot I realize it?

doubt & faith do not exclude each other

even Jesus Christ at His highest moment expressed doubt ("why hast thou forsaken me?")

before he finally realized
("it is done")