As a fissure can split a stone,

doubt cripples one’s confidence.

Fissures, in even the hardest rock, can stress the rock to the point where it cracks and, with time, crumbles away. Similarly, and with equally disastrous results, doubt can eat into and, eventually, decimate our confidence. This is why our belief needs to be as imperishable as a diamond. We need to believe in ourselves, secure in the knowledge that we have the same nature as all Buddhas. Having this same Buddha-nature, we too can awaken and become a Buddha. We also need to believe in the Buddhas and their teachings. We must guard against doubting what the Buddhas and ancient masters have taught, guard against questioning our ability to awaken. Failing to do so, our skepticism will, like a fissure, split and shatter our resolve. With unwavering belief in ourselves and in the Buddhas, we will eliminate doubt and burnish our confidence until it shines as brilliantly as a diamond.