sadha

Sadha is a term that can refer to different concepts in South Asian religious and linguistic contexts. In transliteration from Sanskrit and Pali, sadha or saddhā denotes a form of faith, trust, or conviction. In Buddhist and Hindu literature, saddhā is a standard term meaning confidence in the spiritual path and is often described as a motivating force for practice.

In Buddhism, saddhā is one of the five spiritual faculties, along with energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. It denotes trust in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha and is considered the foundation that supports effort, study, and persistence on the path. Saddhā is commonly translated as faith or devotion, though scholars distinguish it as trust that can mature into discernment and wisdom when paired with inquiry and practice.

In Hinduism and Jainism, a related term is śraddhā (shraddha), meaning faith, reverence, or confidence. While saddhā and śraddhā are often translated similarly in English, the terms arise in different doctrinal contexts and carry distinct connotations within their respective traditions.

As a proper noun, Sadha may also appear as a personal name or a toponym in parts of South Asia. Without additional context, it is treated as a generic term rather than a specific concept or location.

Related terms include saddhā and śraddhā, both broadly linked to faith, trust, and devotion in religious practice.