saddh

Saddh is a Sanskrit-derived term that appears in several Indian religious and philosophical contexts. The word is closely related to the more widely recognized term “saddha,” meaning faith, trust, or conviction. Etymologically, it stems from the root “sad,” which conveys steadiness or firmness, and is typically used to denote a firm belief or confidence in a particular doctrine, deity, or spiritual practice.

In Hinduism, saddh is often invoked in discussions of devotion (bhakti) where a devotee’s unwavering confidence in a divine principle or a guru’s guidance is deemed essential to spiritual progress. Buddhist texts refer to a similar concept under the heading of “saddha,” describing the faith that a practitioner places in the Buddha’s enlightened teachings, which acts as motivation for further practice. Jain traditions mention the term in the context of a devotee’s steadfast trust in Jain principles and the guidelines of tirthankaras. The term is also found in some modern spiritual circles, where it is used to refer to a person’s internal conviction that supports disciplined meditation or ethical living. Scholars note that while saddh is virtually synonymous with confidence, its usage in scriptural writings emphasizes the spiritual dimension of trust rather than mere intellectual assent.