Faith in Yoga
What is Faith?
Some call it a ‘multifaceted concept that refers to a strong belief or trust in someone or something, often without evidence or proof.’
At the core, you could simply say faith means believing in something we don’t know. Otherwise, it would be called knowledge.
Faith in Yoga
In the practice of yoga, the concept of faith is embodied in the term "Shraddha." Shraddha is the unwavering belief and trust in the path and the inner guidance yoga provides. It is the faith that our practice, discipline, and dedication will lead us toward self-realization and inner peace.
Shraddha is not blind faith; it is informed by experience and personal insight. It grows as we deepen our practice and begin to see the transformative effects of yoga in our lives. Just as a seed grows into a tree with proper nourishment, our faith strengthens with consistent practice and self-reflection.
Having faith requires having trust in what has not manifested yet or what we can’t see. And to do that is hard in a society that is focused on face and material values, as well as scientific data. If we can’t touch or prove something we struggle to stay with it. That’s why action is crucial. Because over time action will create faith, or a sense of inner knowing which in return creates more faith in your actions.
Whether we are holding a challenging asana, meditating, or navigating the tasks of daily life gracefully, faith plays an important role. It is the belief that our efforts are not in vain and that each step we take leads us closer to where we need to be. It is the trust that the universe has a plan for us, even if we cannot see it now.
Faith (Shraddha) encourages us to surrender to the process, to let go of the need for immediate results, and to trust in the journey. It reminds us that the unknown carries a hidden treasure of growth within it. Act with faith, because acting with faith means detaching yourself from any outcome. You can only act with pure, kind and clear intentions in your heart. After you acted you then need to have trust, because you can’t control how someone else perceives you and your actions.
Faith in all its forms—if religious, personal, or philosophical —allows us to navigate life with a sense of purpose and take responsibility. And to that it is never too late to start.