The Rinpoche’s reply shed light on the diverse paths and capacities of spiritual practitioners. His words emphasized that for some, faith and devotion are sufficient to guide their spiritual journey.

But what does it truly mean to focus solely on devotion and faith in rituals? What guidance does the Buddha provide for such a path? How can we uncover the spiritual depth of faith-centered practice and its role in the journey toward liberation?


Faith and Devotion (Saddhā)

Faith (saddhā) holds an essential place in Buddhist practice. The Buddha recognized that not all practitioners follow the same approach or possess the same capacities. In texts such as the Puggalapaññatti, he identified two key types of followers: the saddhānusāri, the faith-follower and the dhammānusāri or wisdom-follower. These distinctions illustrate that devotion and faith are legitimate, even essential, paths for certain individuals.

The Alagaddūpama Sutta (MN 22) describes practitioners who learn the Dhamma with faith as their guide, referred to as “saddhāpubbaṅgamaṃ.” Such individuals engage with the teachings through a trusting heart rather than intellectual analysis.

Faith-based practice creates a direct, heartfelt connection to the Dhamma, simplifying the spiritual journey while fostering a sense of reverence and devotion.


Why Faith-Based Practice Works

Simplicity
One of the most compelling aspects of faith-based practice is its simplicity. For individuals overwhelmed by intellectualization, focusing on devotion and rituals offers a straightforward path. By reducing complexity, these methods allow practitioners to bypass the pitfalls of overthinking and instead cultivate a direct connection with the teachings.

Protection
Faith acts as a shield against doubt and instability. When a practitioner approaches the Dhamma with a heart full of devotion, they build emotional resilience. Devotional acts, such as chanting, bowing, or making offerings, create wholesome karma and foster a supportive environment for spiritual growth.

Spiritual Foundation
Faith lays the groundwork for spiritual urgency, or samvega and serene confidence, pasāda. These qualities inspire and sustain commitment over time. In AN 5.38, the Buddha praised faith as a spiritual companion:

"Faith is a person's partner;
If lack of faith does not persist,
Fame and reputation thereby come to him,
And when he leaves this body, he goes to heaven."

Faith becomes a stabilizing force, nurturing trust in the path and providing a firm foundation for growth.


On the Other Hand...

While the Buddha celebrated the virtues of faith, he also warned against blind faith. In the Kalama Sutta (AN 3.65), he advised:

"Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing,
nor upon tradition,
nor upon rumor..."

Faith, when untethered to discernment, can lead to dogmatism or misplaced reliance. To serve its highest purpose, devotion must be complemented by wisdom and reflection. Rituals and acts of faith should deepen one’s understanding of the Dhamma rather than remain superficial.


The Middle Way

The Buddha’s teachings emphasize balance. Faith is most effective when harmonized with wisdom. This "Middle Way" approach suggests that:

- Faith acts as a skillful means - It opens the heart and creates space for spiritual transformation.
- Devotion fosters openness - It nurtures trust in the teachings, which can serve as a stepping stone to deeper insight.
- Rituals create conducive conditions - They generate mindfulness and focus, preparing the practitioner for deeper practices.
- Wisdom grows alongside faith - Over time, faith-based practices can naturally evolve into practices of understanding and insight.

The Canki Sutta (MN 95) reinforces this balance: "Faith, when it arises, becomes rooted and established in two ways: by what one has heard and by thinking something through."

Faith, therefore, is not static but dynamic. It begins with trust and devotion, matures through experience and reflection, and culminates in unshakable confidence in the Dhamma.


Faith as a Complete Path?

For some practitioners, a simple path of devotion and faith can be complete in itself. It is not about mastering complex meditative techniques or delving into extensive scriptural study. Instead, it is about finding joy and meaning in rituals, chants, and acts of veneration. These practices connect the practitioner to the teachings on a deeply emotional level, cultivating humility, gratitude, and reverence.

The Buddha’s simile of the raft reminds us that all methods—whether rooted in faith or wisdom—are merely means to cross the flood of suffering. Once the goal is reached, the raft is left behind. Faith-based practices, while appearing simple, are profound tools for transformation when applied skillfully.


The "Big" in the "Little"

The Rinpoche’s words highlight a deep truth: for some, "a little" — faith and devotion — is all they need. These qualities enable practitioners to cultivate spiritual virtues necessary for liberation in a way that aligns with their unique disposition. By trusting the teachings, engaging in heartfelt rituals, and embracing the Dhamma with devotion, practitioners can create a meaningful path toward awakening.

The Buddha’s wisdom accommodates all temperaments, from the analytically inclined to those moved by faith. This inclusivity affirms the transformative power of devotion and faith, reminding us that the path to liberation is as diverse as the individuals who walk it. There is no one way, no right or wrong, as long as when the practice is rooted in understanding and guided by wisdom. When that happens, faith becomes not just a belief but a living force illuminating the journey to the other shore.