Answer
Actually, belief and faith are not exactly the same. “Belief” is a word commonly used in the English language, and sometimes faith is explained as belief, but true faith is something deeper. Faith is the translation of the Sanskrit word shraddha. Shraddha is not merely belief.
Srila Prabhupada describes shraddha as unflinching trust in something sublime — trust that cannot be shaken. It is unwavering confidence in something transcendental, something beyond the material platform and situated on the spiritual platform.
Specifically, shraddha means firm faith that simply by serving Krishna, one can achieve all perfection in life. By rendering devotional service to Krishna, one can attain complete success and perfection in every aspect of existence. This is called shraddha-vishvasa. This definition is given in the teachings of Chaitanya Charitamrita.
So, what should we actually place our faith in? Real faith should be placed only in Krishna, because Krishna is the Absolute Truth. Everything else in this world is relative truth. Relative truth means something that is true only under certain conditions, at a certain time, or in particular circumstances. But the Absolute Truth remains true in all phases of time, under all conditions, situations, and circumstances.
Therefore, Krishna is the Absolute Truth, and genuine faith means having faith in Krishna.
Now, can having “too much faith” or being “too fearless” be dangerous? In spiritual life, there is nothing called too much faith in Krishna. If one has complete faith in Krishna, then everything becomes perfect.
In material life, however, people place their trust in temporary things — money, influence, possessions, health, relationships, or other worldly values. Then confusion arises: “Can I trust this person? Can I depend on this situation? Will this give me security?” Material faith is always shifting and uncertain.
But spiritual life is different. Spiritual life means placing one hundred percent faith in Krishna. That is real shraddha.
