# The importance of faith > [!summary] > *Faith (śraddhā) is the beginning of devotional service. When one develops faith in the words of the scriptures and the spiritual master, the door to spiritual life opens. This initial faith grows through association with devotees and gradually transforms into firm conviction and ultimately pure love for Kṛṣṇa.* ## Faith Is the Beginning of Devotional Service ![[cc/madhya/23/9#translation]] ![[cc/madhya/23/16#translation]] ## Faith Comes Through Association with Devotees ![[cc/madhya/22/49#translation]] ![[cc/madhya/22/86#translation]] ## Faith in the Spiritual Master ![[sb/7/7/17]] ![[bg/6/47]] ## Devotional Principles Require Faith ![[cc/madhya/22/133#translation]] ![[bg/9/3]] ## Faith Leads to Knowledge ![[bg/4/39]] ![[bg/4/40]] ## Without Faith, One Is Lost ![[bg/4/40#purport]] ![[sb/2/6/34]] ## Faith in Krishna's Protection ![[cc/madhya/22/100]] ![[bg/18/66]] ## Related Articles - [[wiki/articles/the-importance-of-association|The importance of association]] — How faith develops - [[wiki/articles/the-importance-of-guru|The importance of guru]] — Faith in the teacher - [[wiki/articles/the-process-of-devotional-service|The process of devotional service]] — Beginning with faith - [[wiki/articles/surrender-to-the-lord|Surrender to the Lord]] — Faith leads to surrender ## From the Index - [[index/entries/faith|Faith]] — Śraddhā - [[index/entries/faith-in-lord|Faith in Lord]] — Trust in Kṛṣṇa - [[index/entries/association|Association]] — Develops faith - [[index/entries/spiritual-master|Spiritual Master]] — Object of faith