Overcoming Fear: Insights from Bhagavad Gita

• "Face the Brutes" is the title.
• "Abhayam sattva-samsuddhir jnana-yoga-vyavasthitih danam damas ca yajnas ca svadhyayas tapa arjavam" is a quote from Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 16- Shloka 1).
• Swami Vivekananda said that if there is one word that comes out like a bomb from the Upanishads, bursting like a bombshell upon masses of ignorance, it is "fearlessness."

Understanding Fear

• "Abhaya" translates to "fearlessness."
• Bhagavan Krishna identifies "Abhayam" as a core divine attribute in the Bhagavad Gita.
• Fearlessness is essential for both laypeople and spiritual seekers, with fear stemming from ignorance.
• Being fearless involves acknowledging fear and confronting it without succumbing to desperation.
• In Sanatana Dharma Philosophy, "Abhaya Mudra" symbolizes fearlessness, held by Goddesses Lakshmi Devi, Durga Devi, and Parvati Devi to represent protection from fear.

The Fear Factor

• Fear arises from excessive worry about future events, making it an imaginary condition based on potential outcomes.
• Sages who realize God are fearless, as being rooted in the present eliminates fear, which originates from physical, financial, or emotional insecurities.
• Fear of failure manifests in emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms like rapid heart rate and chest tightness, fostering feelings of inadequacy.
• Fear leads to low self-esteem, academic failures, regret, sadness, disappointment, and shame, hindering progress, while overcoming fear promotes strength and wisdom.

Who Are Fearless?

• Individuals burdened by fear can become fearless by accepting the responsibility of facing it with courage.

Jyoti Kumari

• Jyoti Kumari, a 16-year-old known as "Bihar's Cycle Girl," from Darbhanga village became a Corona Champion.
• Kumari earned Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2021 for bravery, carrying her injured father 1200 kilometers from Gurugram to Bihar on a cycle during Covid-19.
• The journey took 8 days, cycling 50-60 kilometers daily escaping hunger and uncertainty.

Latha Unni

• In Kerala, a school van fell into a pond near Maradu, highlighting the fearlessness and sacrifice of Latha Unni, a caretaker.
• Latha Unni saved five of the eight students, but died.
• Unni was the mother of twin daughters in 8th grade.

Kuyili

• Kuyili, also known as The Veerthalapathy or Veeramangai, was a fearless woman freedom fighter.
• In 1772, Muthu Vaduga Nathar ruled Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu until Nawab of Arcot, aided by the East India Company, killed him.
• Queen Velunachiyar, Vaduganathar's wife, hid in Virupachi and built up an army over eight years.
• During this time, Kuyili met the Queen and was promoted to chief commander, and she protected the Queen from danger..

Kuyili's sacrifice

• To secure victory, Kuyili devised a plan without consulting her queen.
• On Vijayadasami, she and her companions entered the Sivaganga fort, which was off limits to Tamil men since the army warehouse was located inside.
• Kuyili and her companions were granted entry without suspicion by the fort guards.
• She reached the Sri Rajarajeswari Amman temple, opened a pot, and poured ghee on her own body, then lit her saree with a lamp.
• Transformed into a flame, she ran to the British arsenal, setting it ablaze and exploding it.
• The British army surrendered to Velu Nachiyar's army soon after.
• Queen Velunachiyar ruled over Sivaganga for the next fifteen years without any threat from them.

Bhagavad Gita on Fearlessness

• Fearlessness is adhering to truth and righteousness.
• Bhagavad Gita chapter 4, shloka 10 - Being freed from attachment, fear, and anger, many persons became purified by knowledge and took refuge in "Me".

Mahabharata

• In the Mahabharata, the fear of losing friendship causes Karna to side with Duryodhana, even at the cost of righteousness.
• Karna supported Duryodhana's unrighteous acts out of loyalty and fear of losing their friendship.
• Karna was involved in the plot to burn the Pandavas, instigated the mistreatment of Droupadi, and did not hesitate when Abhimanyu was killed ruthlessly.
• Karna, though fearless in battle, lacked the fearlessness to uphold righteousness.
• Karna, despite knowing adharma, was compelled by his friendship commitment.
• In the Ramayana, Vibhishana forsook Ravana, realizing Ravana was wrong.
• It’s important to leave friendship in favour of righteousness.

Swami Vivekananda and the Monkeys

• Swami Vivekananda was walking and was attacked by monkeys on the ground.
• The monk advised Swamiji to "Face the brutes".
• Swamiji turned and faced the monkeys, and they fled.
• Face the terrible, face it boldly
• Hardships in life fall back when we cease to flee before them.
• Fight the fear, troubles, and ignorance before it makes us fail

Chanakya Neeti

• Chanakya Neeti (236) states "Taavad Bhayeshu Bhetavyam Yaadav Bhayamanaagatam. Aagatam Tu Bhayam Veekshaya Prahartavyamshankayaa”. - One should be apprehensive of the cause of fear till it is far off, but when it comes close, fight it undaunted
• Chanakya Neeti (259) states "Bhaavaanaa Bhayanaashinee" - determined feeling destroys fear, so face fear with determination and courage.
• Courage should be accompanied by knowledge and resources.

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

• Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says:
  • “Abhayam vai Bhrahma (4.25)"
  • “Abhayam janaka, prapto'si (2.4)"
• Fearlessness is Brahman, and Janaka has reached this fearless state.

Achieving Fearlessness

• Think yourself stronger and fight until the goal is reached.
• Practice Yoga and Meditation to control the mind.
• Set goals and milestones
• Overcoming fearlessness is not a massive task
• One should possess the strength and willpower to overcome it.
• Identify strengths, weaknesses, identifying upcoming opportunities, and threats.

Explore the essence of fearlessness, drawing insights from the Bhagavad Gita and real-life examples. Understand the root causes of fear, its psychological impacts, and the path to courage through knowledge and self-awareness. Discover how accepting responsibility and selfless service can lead to a fearless life.