Abhaya -(Fearlessness)-Part II

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There are many factors which can make a person develop fear but the most primary cause is ignorance and distorted perception of the world. Fear of the unknown is the most common type. Fear of the past is due to guilt feelings attached to our past actions. Fear of the future is insecurity. Death is another major cause of fear for many people. Fear can be overcome when we enquire into the nature of its cause objectively and the causative factors are resolved.

The fear of death can be overcome if one accepts the fact that this body is meant to be perishable but the soul is immortal.

Fear of the past can be overcome if we take responsibility for our actions and stop doing things which will add to our guilt later. Insecurity can be overcome if we accept our limitations and perceive the wonderful cosmic order as a humble spectator.

There is an effective technique called 'Pratipaksha Bhavana' in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. According to this technique, one can neutralise any thought or emotion by consciously raising its counter thought or emotion. For instance, when one is angry, thinking of a pleasing situation (e.g. beautiful scenery) or an object which is close to one's heart (e.g. thinking of one"s own mother or children) can help in neutralizing anger.

It is the case similarly, with fear as well. Think of situations or people or objects which give you courage. Enquire into the origin of fear objectively. If the true nature of life and death is clearly grasped, then there is no room for fear. Vedanta gives a beautiful simile to explain this, called 'Rajju-Sarpa Nyaya.' Suppose, you are walking in a dark corridor and there is a snake lying on the floor. You are about to scream when a friend comes in suddenly and turns on the light. To your great relief, you discover that what you mistook for a snake was just a rope. Such is the nature of fear. The moment the light of knowledge is flashed upon it, it disappears.