Muni's PlayIn Zen, there is the concept of the “Three Essentials” for practice:
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Great Faith (Taishinko): Confidence that the Buddha-nature is within you.
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Great Doubt (Taigidan): A deep, pressing questioning of the nature of reality.
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Great Determination (Taigijo): The “careful attention” and energy to resolve the doubt.
| Essential | Sanskrit Term | Japanese (Zen) | Core Quality | Functional Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Faith | Mahā-Śraddhā | Taishinko | Radical Trust | The “Ground”: The conviction that Truth (Buddha-nature) exists and is accessible. |
| Great Doubt | Mahā-Saṃśaya | Taigidan | Existential Inquiry | The “Engine”: The intense, focused pressure of not yet knowing the Truth personally. |
| Great Determination | Mahā-Vīrya | Taigijo | Careful Attention / Energy | The “Fuel”: The heroic perseverance to stay with the doubt until it breaks. |