There are two types of self-confident people. The first type possesses no true principles or knowledge; they simply think, “I believe it is so, therefore it must be so,” using only their own opinions as a standard. This approach is unreliable. To have valid self-confidence, one must belong to the second group: those who have clear principles and understand the true nature of things. The answers to these matters are already found within Buddhism.
Therefore, for one to possess genuine self-confidence:
- First, you must know yourself.
- Second, you must recognize your own suffering (Dukkha). Everyone has their own inherent suffering. If you do not recognize this, you cannot progress.
- Third, you must know the method to resolve that suffering.
When you understand how to resolve your own suffering appropriately for your stage in life, self-confidence will naturally follow. Without knowing yourself, achieving this confidence is nearly impossible.
Even animals like tigers, elephants, or deer possess a form of self-confidence; for example, a tiger trusts in its own claws and fangs. For us as human beings, if we wish to have true confidence, we must first know ourselves. Without relying on the wisdom of Buddhism, it is difficult to achieve a complete understanding of who we truly are.
Record of Dhamma Teaching for faculty and students of the Buddhist Club, Kasetsart University
February 6th, 2016
