Relationship is a common term and confusing effects where
relationship is cut across in every level and the modern youths understand
only as LUST affair. So similar word TRUST is seen as an alternative.
The efficacy of trust—how effective trust is in shaping human life,
society, and spirituality—has been understood and valued differently in
Western philosophy and Hinduism. Both traditions recognize trust (or faith,
śraddhā, pistis, etc.) as foundational, but they approach its source,
purpose, and expression in distinct ways.
Here's a comparative look at how trust is understood in the West and in
Hindu thought:
1. Trust in Western Thought
a. Classical Philosophy:
In Greek philosophy, trust is often related to logos (reason) and ethos
(character). Plato and Aristotle emphasized trust in a rational moral order
and the virtuous character of individuals. Trust is built through repeated
moral actions (ethos), not blind belief.
b. Christian Theology: Trust is closely tied to faith (pistis)—trust in
God’s grace, Christ's promise, and divine providence. St. Augustine and
Thomas Aquinas wrote extensively on fides (faith/trust), balancing reason
and revelation. Trust becomes a personal, relational act toward a divine
being, rather than just rational assurance.
c. Modern Philosophy: Descartes starts with doubt; trust must be earned by
clear, rational evidence. Hume and Kant complicate trust: we rely on habit
(Hume) or moral law (Kant), but certainty is always limited. In
existentialism (e.g., Kierkegaard), trust becomes leap of faith—a personal,
often irrational commitment to meaning in an uncertain world.
d. Social Theory: In thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Habermas, trust is
essential for social contract, communication, and institutions.
Modern societies function on systemic trust: in science, law, markets—not
just interpersonal trust.
Efficacy in the West:
Trust is effective when grounded in reason, character, or divine grace. It
is relational, conditional, and often instrumental, aimed at maintaining
order, coherence, or salvation.
2. Trust (Śraddhā) in Hinduism
a. Meaning of Śraddhā:
In Sanskrit, śraddhā doesn’t mean blind belief, but "placing one’s heart"
in a path or truth. It's devotional conviction with awareness.
Foundational to the Bhagavad Gītā, Upaniṣads, and Bhakti tradition.
It’s not merely intellectual assent but a state of being that aligns one
with Dharma (cosmic order).
b. Trust in Dharma and Karma:
Trust means accepting the moral law of karma, the guidance of a guru, and
the ultimate unity of Atman and Brahman.
It’s effective because it helps transcend the ego and illusion (māyā),
leading to liberation (moksha).
c. Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion):
Trust becomes personal surrender to God (Ishvara, Krishna, Shiva, Devi,
etc.).
Saints like Tulsidas, Mirabai, Ramanuja, and Chaitanya emphasized trust as
the highest path—pure, heartfelt surrender.
d. Epistemology and Śraddhā:
One of the pramāṇas (means of knowledge) is śabda—trust in scriptural
testimony and teacher’s word.
Trust opens the seeker to knowledge beyond logic—experiential, spiritual
truths.
Efficacy in Hinduism:
Trust is transformational—not about belief alone but self-realization. It’s
holistic, touching the emotional, moral, and spiritual aspects of the self.
Summary: Key Contrasts
Aspect Western Thought Hinduism
Term for Trust Faith (Pistis), Reasonable trust Śraddhā (devotional
conviction)
Focus Rational belief, divine relationship, social order
Alignment with Dharma, inner transformation
Source God, reason, evidence, institutions Scriptures, guru,
intuition, God
Purpose Moral action, salvation, social functioning Moksha
(liberation), spiritual growth
Efficacy Trust works if rational, earned, or divinely given
Trust works as a transformative inner force
Expression Often dualistic (God–man, subject–object) Often
non-dualistic (Self = Divine)
Final Reflection
Both traditions affirm that trust is foundational—but:
The West often sees trust as a rational, relational, or contractual
necessity.
Hinduism views trust as a sacred surrender, a spiritual key that unlocks
deeper reality. In an age of uncertainty, both views offer insight—the
Western for public life and skepticism, and the Hindu for inner peace and
transcendence. KR IRS 121025
On Sun, 12 Oct 2025 at 04:36, Jambunathan Iyer <[email protected]>
wrote:
> "Three Rules in Relationship
> 1. Don't Lie
> 2. Don't Cheat
> 3. Don't make promises Which you can't Keep.!!"
>
>
> *N Jambunathan , Chennai " What you get by achieving your goals is not as
> important as what you become by achieving your goals. If you want to live a
> happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things "*
>
>
>
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