The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature c8.s7.2

c8.s7.2

In the final formula, these are :—(1) *śraddhā* (Faith), (2) *vīrya* (Energy), (3) *smṛti* (Mindfulness), (4) *samādhi* (Concentration), (5) *prajñā* (Wisdom). But it is almost certain that this group of five was accepted after a process of change and selection. The Pāli texts speak of four, five or seven *balas*, and the names vary.²⁶⁷ Only three items (*vīrya*, *samādhi*, and *prajñā*) are mentioned at Mtu. ii, 290.9, and *samādhi* is omitted at Lal. V., 434.22. *Chanda* takes the place of *śraddhā* in several passages of the Lal. V. (239.1—262.8—434.19). This substitution of *chanda* for *śraddhā* gives us a glimpse into the early history of the pentad. *Chanda* was associated with the idea of personal effort, as in the formulæ of the *ṛddhi-pādas* and the *samyak-prahāṇas*. But *śraddhā* suggested pious devotion to the Buddha. *Chanda* gave place to *śraddhā*, as the Buddhists tended more and more to exalt the Buddha and depend on his help and grace instead of working out their own salvation with diligence and being their own "islands of refuge".²⁶⁸ It is also to be noted that the same group of five (with *chanda* in the place of *śraddhā*) is incorporated in the formula of the eighteen *āveṇika-dharmas* (special exclusive attributes) of a perfect Buddha (Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11).²⁶⁹ It is almost certain that *chanda* originally occupied the place now accorded to *śraddhā*.