Saddha is a Pali word in Buddhism (sraddha in Sanskrit) that means “trust,” “faith,” “fidelity,” or “confidence.” Ultimately, this confidence means that we trust we can awaken ourselves just as the Buddha did. Traditionally, the first step is admiration for the Buddha’s qualities and accomplishments. Secondly, one aspires to develop those qualities within oneself. Finally, one gains confidence that one can actually cultivate and ultimately realize these qualities, and the same awakened state.

While saddha often refers to confidence that the Buddha’s teachings will bear fruit, aligning our intentions with the Buddha’s teachings can also allow us to develop confidence that our own wholesome aspirations and activities will also bring benefit. We can engage creatively while aspiring to be awake, do no harm, and benefit others. This kind of confidence is very different from self-centered pride.

Buddha taught that the mind is naturally pure and clear, like the sky. Sometimes, this clarity is obscured by negative thoughts and emotions. Negativity can arise during the creative process, especially when learning a new artistic technique. When the outcome is not as hoped, it can lead to frustration. Cultivating faith in our own good nature helps us develop the resilience, patience, and diligence to persevere, especially when things don’t work out as we planned. This humble kind of confidence is optimistic, believing in possibilities; the situation is always workable.

Growth mindset is a valuable concept in modern education—it refers to the belief that, through effort and support, we can learn anything we need to learn. This optimism is a choice, not a denial of reality or a delusion. It is an attitude that can be developed. Optimistic individuals are more likely to pursue their interests and experience flow in creativity.

Believing in possibilities and trusting our own innate goodness help to cultivate spontaneous creativity. By aligning ourselves with the Buddha’s way of thinking, we gain a deeper confidence that goes beyond ourselves, and can even endure setbacks with a sense of humor.

Reflect on the experience of achieving something by relying on the support of a coach, teacher, or friend who believes they can achieve something. Explore the possible benefits of optimism in their creative process.

• Can art be playful?
• Is play creative?
• What holds you back from being spontaneous?
• How does believing in someone who believes in you boost your confidence?

Analyze the Buddhist concept of saddha by tracing the three traditional steps of developing confidence (admiration, aspiration, realization), then evaluate how humble confidence differs from self-centered pride, and implement creative practices that demonstrate patient optimism while maintaining awareness of innate goodness despite setbacks.