Grammatical Analysis
Bala: [nt.] power; strength; unshakeable force. Derived from root bal (to live, be strong, nourish).
Orthodox Definition
The Balas are the Five Spiritual Powers, consisting of the exact same five mental factors as the faculties (indriya): Faith, Energy, Mindfulness, Concentration, and Wisdom.
While the term indriya is used when these factors are actively exercising control over the mind and battling defilements, the term bala is applied when these factors have become so strong and stabilized that they are unshakeable (akampiya) by their opposites.
For example:
- The power of Faith (saddhā-bala) cannot be shaken by faithlessness or doubt.
- The power of Energy (viriya-bala) cannot be shaken by laziness.
- The power of Concentration (samādhi-bala) cannot be shaken by distraction.
- The power of Wisdom (paññā-bala) cannot be shaken by ignorance.
When fully matured on the supramundane path, these powers render the noble disciple absolutely invincible against the forces of Māra.
Textual References
- Sutta: Bala-saṃyutta (SN 50) – Discourses demonstrating how the powers act like an island anchoring a practitioner amidst the floods of saṃsāra.
- Canonical: Aṅguttara Nikāya (Book of the Fives) – Breaking down the difference in intensity between the faculties and powers.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XXII) – Clarifying the structural shift when a faculty matures into a power.